Saturday February 22
If it was not for these log notes I would not know the day of the week. Each day I slip further from my usual day to day communication but, I feel more relaxed. We left the Bight headed for Cooper Island. Sails up and motor off we worked with that usual BVI wind and tacked to our destination. On the way, with many many boats to chose from, we picked a boat that might be going in the same location, and it was. Whether or not they knew it, the race was on as we carefully monitored their tacks. Finally, it was time to let our intentions known. When they did their final tack, so did we. I was on the helm as Eric and Mark trimmed and eased our sails until someone on the competing boat raised their arm in defeat (or at least that is what we thought the signal was). They turned into the wind and dropped their sails. We won the unofficial 'BVI Cup' by pinching every gust and strategically planning tacks around currents and leeward winds. Dark clouds were ahead of us.
As we pulled into Cooper Island a mist was apparent that soon became a downpour. We finally picked one of the last mooring balls.
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| A peaceful view from the aft deck |
Later, after a shower and cocktails we decided to go ashore for dinner. As we are heading to the beach club, with me on the outboard, a school of needlefish are jumping alongside the zodiac. I, of course, am somewhat freaked out and then one jumps in the boat by my feet. I am no longer "somewhat" freaked out, I am completely freaked out. My boat-mates do not believe me until Marcy sees the fish in the boat. I am in panic mode. My options were to crash the boat and hopefully die instantly or stay the course until someone could rid the fish. Fortunately for all, Marcy came to the rescue with the latter. We motored along and we had a repeat performance. I was not impressed but was able to get my crew safely to the dock. After dinner, and needing to get back to the boat, I walked the shoreline through private properties to the closest point of our boat. Mark picked me up with the dinghy.
I hope I do not have nightmares tonight.
