A major, unexpected and disappointing change of crew has unfortunately been forced upon the ship, which has sailed without her stalwart 1st Officer. Mick encountered a health issue during our stay in St Martin and was advised by a local GP not to undertake a lengthy sea passage without a diagnosis, which may of course, indicate the need for urgent treatment. It would take at least three weeks to get one locally and with the start of the hurricane season fast approaching on June 1st, I could not risk such a delay.
Mick therefore flew back home yesterday in order to get the ball rolling there. Our new Canadian friend whom we bumped into during check-in, nearly three weeks ago, cooked us both a farewell breakfast yesterday and then took Mick ashore for his flight. Poor David got more than he bargained for though, because his new but temperamental outboard motor failed to start. He therefore had to row Mick the half mile to the town dinghy dock in the pouring rain! Mick and I, having already stowed Bonny's dinghy. That was a two stage process; we hauled it on board and cleaned the bottom and washed the sludge out of the interior on Tuesday evening in heavy rain and then got it packed up yesterday morning in a short interlude before the rain returned.
On Monday evening Mick and I hosted a farewell dinner on board Bonny for Jan, Elli and David. Mick cooked a wonderful salmon dinner which was enjoyed immensely by us all. I fear the level of culinary expertise will drop a few notches in his absence!
David dropped me back on board Bonny after breakfast, and a couple of hours later, I followed Titti4 (Jan and Elli) also bound for Bermuda, out of the anchorage and set sail, initially with one reef in the main and a few rolls in the genoa. However, within a few hours the wind increased to an estimated 25 knots from the East/East NE and so another reef went in the main.
The rain was absolutely torrential for quite some hours, making the constant trips backwards and forwards to the chart table to check our position as we skirted the islands and shallows to the west of Anguilla, something of chore, with my sodden lightweight shower jacket having to be removed constantly and my arms and hands dried off before operating the computer/chartplotter mouse. Then repeat, repeat, until clear of the shallows.
Titt4 is a bigger boat and perhaps sailing 3/4 knot faster than Bonny. Therefore whilst we had her insight all yesterday and this morning, she has now disappeared ahead over the horizon. We may still be able to talk on the VHF this evening however.
Progress has been reasonable during the first 24 hours, with just over 100 miles covered and with 755 miles to go to Bermuda.
Greeted by a delightful sunrise this morning...
No comments:
Post a Comment