Merry
Christmas. We heard that last year there were a whole herd of dinghies
rafted up together here on Christmas Eve, so we headed back here
for the experience. Around 4 o'clock, I saw two dinghies rafted
together, but there was also a squall threatening over the hills,
so we stared at that for a while, and then said, oh well, let's
go see what's up. By the time we got the dinghy launched, there
were 5 dinghies rafted, and soon another 10 or so rafted up. Apparently, they had come to know each other as participants in the Caribbean 1500 rally for cruisers. The
protocol is everyone brings their own drinks and some kind of appetizer
to share. Appetizers are passed in a clock wise direction, more
or less. At some point, the crew of Sea Fan organized introductions,
and everyone announced their crew and boat names. Tomorrow, most
of us will proceed up to the Maho Camp restaurant for Christmas
Dinner. Our favorite of the boat decorations is a well lit, traditional
Santa on sleigh being drawn by green crocodiles. Christmas is a
little odd when the temperature is above 80.
When we pulled into Francis Bay, rain was
threatening, so we tied up to a mooring ball, and pulled out the
experimental rain catcher and hooked it up. First it looked like
we had indeed scared away all rain, but then a squall came through,
and we established that some tuning would be needed before the rain
catcher would catch much rain. Most of it blew away. We have made
some refinements, but not much more rain has occurred, so we can't
really say if the rain catcher will work. But it is perfectly functional
as shade over the forepeak, so all it is not wasted.
The Virgin Islands are quite
beautiful, but I'm not sure I understand the attractions
of a land-based vacation. On a boat, you move from one beautiful spot to another,
and in general; the anchorages are breezy and comfortable, and relatively bug
free. On land, their are many fine views, but it is hot, and often buggy and
I think beaches get boring after a while. It's really too hot to do much hiking,
and the taxi's and other ground transportation are pretty expensive. |
I think I would recommend that any non-sailor try a crewed charter
of either sail or motor boat, in order to enjoy the islands, without
spending too much time in one space.
Last week we visiting Biras Creek Resort,
in Gorda Sound in the BVI. This is an expensive place, a room for
two, meals included starts at $525/day in the low season. That includes
bicycles to get around the resort, kayaks and sail boards and snorkeling
equipment, snooker tables, and afternoon tea. The rooms have air
conditioned bedrooms, and open air sitting rooms and showers, and spectacular
views. We had expensive fruity drinks at the bar. It is lovely, but
I think I would still recommend a crewed charter. You could choose
sail or motor boat, have all meals, air conditioning, and visit all
the best places, without unpacking or hot, expensive land transportation.
The charter business is doing better this year. The biggest bareboat
charter company is Moorings (bareboat means no captain, no crew;
crewed charter means you hire a boat with a captain and chef), and
although their base if full of boats, people say the season has lots
more bookings than last year.
This year is a little buggier than last year,
which doesn't much matter on the boat, but means you should always
remember your insect repellent for land trips. The rains in November
were biblical, so everything is unusually green and even the cactus
are blooming. We sent along one picture
 of the US Natl' Park truck
stuck in the water. Apparently, they are in the habit of driving
right across this road that has a little water in it, but it had
a lot this year, and didn't make it out. Another truck got stuck
trying to help it out, and then they managed to pull one of them
out. Perhaps by now they have got the one in the picture out.
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