Yesterday we sailed from Road Town Tortola over to Jost Van Dyke. Prior to departing we put sail tape on a tear we discovered in the sail. Hoping it will hold enough until we can locate some sail fabric for a proper repair. Upon arrival to Jost, as we prepared to anchor we discovered that our remote for the anchor windlass would not work. So I idled the boat in a circle while P investigated. It seems that corrosion took place on the connector. After fiddling to fix it to no avail, P decided to remove the connector and hard wire it. Was no fun in 25 gusting to 35 knot winds with 4 foot swell and wind chop – but it worked.
An hour or so later, we were ready to try anchoring again. Now the problem was where, given that all the best spots were now taken and the wind decided to perk up to 25-35 knots. We found a spot, let the anchor down and had a wind gust turn the boat sideways just as the anchor took hold. This caused the anchor roller to bend. We’re talking about a heavy duty piece of steel. With that being the third issue of the day, and stormy weather all around we reversed course and headed to Soper’s Hole to pick up a mooring ball for the night. Next thing we know is large party cat moors behind us and proceeds to play loud party music from dusk until dawn. We are ready for some quiet. Tomorrow we will head to another island for a few days. We do have to be back at Soper’s Hole on Tuesday morning to be hauled for a bottom paint job and to install our new props.
It’s not all fun and games, but it is warm and that beats winter.