Almost Ready for the Sail to the Turks and Caicos

Alison: Today, the plan was to head up to North Sound, Virgin Gorda and get ourselves prepared for the 3-4 day sail to the Turks and Caicos. Unfortunatley, our electric windlass decided not to cooperate when we were ready to haul up anchor at Marina Cay. Brian and Mike's muscles were put to the test as we had to manually haul up the anchor. We did continue on our way to North Sound, where marine maintenance is available at the Bitter End Yacht Club. We had a great sail up, past the Dogs and into the Sound.

At the Bitter End, we hailed the marine technician who dingyed out to our boat to check out the windlass. After a couple of hours (and a couple of hits on the windlass with our hammer), the technician did get the windlass working, but not realiably. We have decided that we'll go back to Road Town tomorrow to get the necessary parts replaced on the windlass and then head off for the Turks and Caicos mid-afternoon.

We spent the rest of the day here starting to get the boat ready for the passage (putting on the jacklines, checking the harnesses, working out the course), and a little snorkelling where Bill and Brian saw lots of conch and a shark.

After drinks on board, Saba Rock enticed us for more drinks, dinner, and more drinks. Ohhh-haa, and free internet access.

We couldn't resist getting our picture taking with the pirate welcoming us ashore!

The Kids are Worn Out By 9:30pm