Flotilla 38 Commander Navigates the British Virgin Islands |
Lois and I, together with our good friends John and Joan, chartered a bare boat to cruise the British Virgin Islands in July 2005. The Buccaneer was a 35-ft Heritage trawler with a single screw diesel and a bow thruster. She cruised at 8 knots and maxed out at 10 knots for a leisurely ride. Our itinerary took us from Tortola to Norman, Jost van Dyke Virgin Gorda, north sound, Anagada, Virgin Gorda, Spanishtown, Cooper Island and to Tortola (see chart). Needless to say it was a fabulous vacation recommended for anyone who needs a break from civilization to soak up the sun. Navigation was by dead reckoning and portable GPS. As we started out on each leg of the cruise, we could usually see our destination for that day on the horizon. The exception was Anagada, which was further away and only 15-ft above sea level. The big differences to boat handling on the Merrimack River was no noticeable tides or currents. |
The Buccaneer she was a fine vessel, plenty of room for four and could have slept six. Two state rooms, two full heads and a dual helm station. There's a 15hp 10' RHIB towed behind. |
Inside the caves at the Baths on Virgin Gorda. |
Happy captain at the helm in Road Harbor, Tortola. |
The happy crew John, Joan, Lois and the Captain. |
Captain contemplating the next course whilst taking nourishment. |
Navigating to Anagada from the lower helm as a precaution from an approaching thunderstorm which actually bypassed us. |
Ok, let's make dinner as long as I don't blow up the propane stove first! |
The captain and first mate. |
Firstmate relaxing on the fly bridge at sunset. |
Caribbean lobsters are sure ugly and don't have claws. |
But they make good eating on Anagada! |
Crew picking up the mooring ball at Anagada. |
Sandal overboard drill. I lost my sandal from the swim platform the night before and took the rib across the bay to retrieve it from the beach. |
