April 3rd, 2019
RnR
We have just spent a fantastic four days off Cape Santa Maria resort at the top of Long Island. You may recall that we were here a year ago when it became our first proper stop after tearing our way across the Atlantic and through the Caribbean to meet the Miami Boat Show deadline only to have it cancelled at the last minute.
It wasnt until we stopped that we realized how tired we were and so decided that this was the place to recharge our batteries and, when we felt like it, have a go at some of those jobs we had had to set aside due to the relentless pace. It was the right decision in the right location and I think thats why it drew us back.
We are not so tired this time but we did feel the need to hole up on our own and just be. Cruising is a funny thing for the perception of many friends is that we are floating around all day, purposeless .......... Dont you get bored? what do you do with yourselves? etc etc. Well the reality is that we are always busy and I think that's one of cruisings attractions for us as we have a lot of energy and hate doing nothing. Being two handed any passage keeps us occupied but we are also busy when we stop and chill.
What have we been doing? well we have certainly been relaxed by the change of not moving but there has been a lot on. I have had to spend a concentrated day and half writing a column and getting on top of a lot of business. Thanks to a compressor I spent about three hours under the boat scrubbing the bottom which was thick with growth. I changed the prop anode and polished the prop. I cleaned all the other anodes and did a general check of all working parts below the waterline and am pleased to report all is well. It was most amusing to find a lovely family of plucky little fish that have taken residence in the centerboard housing who were most upset by my intrusion.
I have gone through the engine bay with a fine toothcomb, knocked off a load of rope work that was on the list, serviced a winch, moved our fore cabin fan to a more efficient spot and started an inventory of stores to make sure that we don't miss anything off the UK shopping list. The boat has been given a spring clean which included dismantling the sink drains and a lot more besides.
Outside that we have relaxed in the cockpit, read, watched a couple of films and I have made the most of being in a lovely spot with a couple of hours surfing across the reef at the entrance to the bay, a few spearfishing trips and an hour a day of training on the paddleboard. We go to bed tired, sleep well and wake up refreshed which is just what the doctor ordered.
The picture shows the props new a shiny anode and my progress forward cleaning the bottom. One of the reasons for waiting until here is that there are no sharks.
March 30th, 2019
ROPE WORK
Rope work or nautical knitting as I call it is one of my favourite pastimes as its so relaxing and unlike most sailing activities you produce something. This is the new dinghy strop with a grey chafe guard.
March 30th, 2019
COCHISE
I always think aluminium hulls look lovely but they positively preen in low light as does Steve and Lindas remarkable Cochise. This was taken at dawn with the super moon retreating above. That night we were invited for sundowners and had a fascinating tour of their boat which was enrichened by their lifetime of knowledge and experience. In fact, it is thanks to chatting to Steve that we have decided to head straight for the French Polynesian Islands as opposed to popping up to Alaska first.
March 30th, 2019
SUPER MOON
Sundowners rolled into a perfect night with a super moon and an amazing firework display put on by an obliging superyacht. Very good of them to round of a lovely day.
March 30th, 2019
STEAKS
As you can see Tracey and Ians request was for steaks so Alex, myself and Michelle pulled a cracking meal out of the bag.
March 30th, 2019
TRACEYS BIRTHDAY
If Alexs birthday wasn't enough we woke up the next day to Tracey and Ians birthday. A perfect morning was complimented by my croissants rising and browning off for the birthday breakfast before we motored in perfect conditions to Staniel Cay.
March 30th, 2019
ALEXs BIRTHDAY
Thirty years old and just into a days celebration which Tracey always loves doing for the kids. Fun in the sun followed by a lovely meal with rum sundowners. We were lucky enough to have Michelle and Ian with us for their company and Ians passion for Rum. He is now known as the Rum Sensei
March 30th, 2019
INTREPID
If your superyacht cant accommodate all your toys, well what you do is buy a shadow vessel such as this to take your helicopter, submarine, Jeep etc etc.
