37 days since the guys left the dock in Rio Fronteras Guatemala – just being back with them for the last week – I have been able to witness the night rotation – the hours between 6 pm and 6 am – it is a unique time to be on the open sea – I am sure more for them then for me – as they have gone over 1800 nautical miles already. (Me – only 301) – but to see how they are organized and communicate in the wee hours is special. Dale 6pm – 11:00pm, Max 11:00pm – 2:30am, Mike 2:30am – 6:00am. The little bit that is spoken between those hours and all that is communicated …short and sweet because sleep calls each of them at the end of their shift. Dale gives Max his report, Max to Mike and Mike to Dale – any help needed they are there for each other. It is reassuring for this “newbie sailor” to have the comfort of this rotation under control, relaxed and organized.
It is with grace and finesse that this rotation happens – each sailor being responsible and ready for action. Plus I think they all like to snack at their shift and check out the frig accordingly!!
After they all have had a bit of recoup time in the morning – we hear about the shooting stars, the star dust that they leave behind, satellites that scan the sky, the large containers ships that pass in the distance, the islands and towns that are on the shoreline, buoys that are unmarked that pop up out of no where … just the everyday “things” that happen at sea - in the dark. Right now the moon is up at 11am and down about 11pm – so no help from her – BUT the stars are amazing and so bright – almost feels like we should be able to touch them – so close.
k
CAPTAIN’S UPDATE - DAY 39 Nov 14
Today, we are on a dock in Road Town BVI; it is so great to be here and so different. Before today we saw about 10 private yachts at sea, and at the Bight Bay on Norman Island there were 30 yachts in one location. We arrived in the BVI yesterday at about 3 PM and since Norman Island is the furthest southwest Island of the BVI, we anchored there for the night. Mike and Max enjoyed a little snorkeling, and then they were off to the Willie T. a floating bar. We had journeyed 300 nautical miles since Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. Three nights, but with calm seas, so sailing was minimal. Most of this journey we could see land since we followed the south coast of Puerto Rico, which made Kim very happy. Again we had some engine issues as the port engine’s belt was whining so Mike and I tightened it till it was back to a pleasant purr. The starboard engine had the alternator support bracket break so it wasn’t useable, until I had it fixed today. I now have a good feeling about the engines. Immigration and Customs were easy in Road Town, and we motored over to Mooring's base to get a few parts (cabinet latches, pulley block for the Main Sheet and oil filter). Tomorrow, we will shop for provisions and do some laundry, and Kim has started her cleaning and organizing mode so the boat will be ship shape for when guests start arriving. We will be in the British Virgin Islands for about a week, then to the US Virgin Islands to have Christmas with Emily and Kyle’s family.
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