February 13th, 2019
Aground
Our trip north to the Abacos was a very long and tiring day thanks a huge swell with an odd cross sea making for a trying passage. As such it was a treat to cross the sandbank into Little Harbour and pick up a mooring in this perfect safe haven. Its a beautiful spot and as it transpired entertaining, thanks to the unfortunate grounding of a 59ft yacht. A falling tide gave things a sense of emergency as everyone jumped into their dinghies full of advice and support. Through the chaos a plan coalessed and thanks to a fishing boat on the spinnaker halyard dragging her over we got here away. It was on an anchorage glowing with a sense of combined achievement that the sun set that night.
February 13th, 2019
A lot has happened since the last blog and I didn't realize I was quite so far behind. So, to catch up, we are in the Abacos which are the northern most part of the Bahamas and you can feel it in the cooler air. The weather is also a lot more volatile for it is on the edge of the winter fronts that rattle their way across the US. When I say cold I ought to qualify things for those back in good old Blighty, there is no comparison. I know this for I had to go back to Germany for a talk in Frankfurt last week and the cold was really quite biting. Whilst it all went well I have to say it was a tough trip for I picked up a vile bug on the plane and had to drag myself from moment to miserable moment.
Back on board I went to bed for three days and ended up having to prescribe myself Antibiotics from the ships medical store. Fortunately, things seem to be turning for the better and I am able to get my head back up above the parapet. This is great news for we are excited to have two free months to ourselves and we have resolved to make the most of it. I want to learn how to windsurf, spearfish and Tracey wants to do a lot of walking and get her Singer Sewing Machine up and at the quilt she wants to make.
We are very fortunate to have bumped into Brian from Big Bear who we met in Annapolis. Big Bear is a 39.9 Allures and so comes from the same stable as Pearl of Penzance. Brian is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm making him one of those people who lifts your spirits whenever within his radius. He has cruised these waters many times and is full of hints and tips as to where to go and what to do.
My last trip to Europe was a momentous moment for Tracey for she spent four days at anchor on her own. Marsh Harbor is safe and has amazing holding, the forecast was good and so she decided to take the leap. A crash course in driving the dinghy ensued and so I was dropped off for my taxi to watch her pirouette her way back to Pearl. Without me in the boat it handled quite differently but she managed to compensate and picked me up on my return in the dark.
At the moment we are in Green Turtle Cay and thanks to our lifting centerboard we are able to get into a lovely lagoon that is denied others. In fact there is only Big Bear and ourselves which is really nice. Particularly as there is a front on the way and we want the room to lay out lots of chain. It's a lovely spot and we were thrilled to have the company of a large turtle as the anchor rattled its way to the bottom.
We will spend a few days here as I recover, the front passes through and we catch up on a ton of admin. After that the fun begins.
January 28th, 2019
Capt Crunch
Finally we got a ride with Breydon on the amazing 900hp Donzi that he looks after. 50Knts and as smooth a ride as I have ever experienced. We did wonder when he put the goggles on but it was so much fun.
January 28th, 2019
SNOW
This was a shock, not twelve hours prior to this picture in minus six degrees and snow I was in my shorts sunning in the Bahamas, bl....dy freezing. I was teaching at ESMT and as ever really enjoyed the session and I think Daimler want me back again which is nice.
January 28th, 2019
Front
This is the front passing over Pearl, very dramatic with tons of rain and a fair old wind. You have to watch them for they can be pretty fearsome and of course the wind clocks right round making the choice of your anchorage crucial. We often move anchor with the wind so they can keep you on your toes - fun though.
January 28th, 2019
Bathyscope
Just in case you were wondering what the Bathyscope looks like
January 28th, 2019
Mangrove swamp
Once again we ventured into the Mangrove Swamp and saw Lemon Shark hunting on the incoming tide. Its so exciting to see - straight out of Blue Planet.
January 28th, 2019
Moonshadow
Hope you can see it but the moon was so bright that we sat on deck and marveled at it - can you see the shadow of the mast?
