17 December 2013
Flight to Antigua. Onto St Martin. Then on again to Trortola BVI. Ferry to Virgin Gorda BVI. “3 Day Job “ !
Sheilah was in good shape ! safe and well ! Nothing stolen ! One small problem “Sheilah was chocked bow high on the blocks. This caused debris to collect in the cockpit drains and block them . water was 6” deep in the cockpit. I got busy bringing her back to seaworthiness ! and Suzy busied herself feeding the local chickens that roamed the boat yard ! one even climbed the ladder and wandered round the decks looking for Sue !! Chickens !! Photo Click Here


Also made friends with Michigan couple Pat and Wayne on Kolibre. British Guy from Kent Richard with relatively new American wife he met hear in Virgin Gorda . Yacht “Tout/chez” He could talk for England.
Christmas and New year came and went in Virgin Gorda boat yard.

8th January 2014 “Launch day for Sheilah” !! Yipeee!
Up to Virgin Gorda “North Sound” to finish of jobs and chill out a little !!

17th January 2014
Set off on 380knm “3 DAYS” TO Luperon Dominican republic. Part of the 2nd largest Island in the Caribbean. “Cuba being the largest” Named by Christopher Columbus “Hisponola”. First day high winds and large swells . next to days lighter winds and calmer seas.

20th January 2014 Entered Luperon Harbour {PhotoLink}
“Promptly ran aground twice ! “first in entrance then again in anchorage” ! No harm done ! Apparently nearly everybody does on their first time hear !
Soon met up with the famous “Papo” infamous for looking after yachters needs ! [Photo Link] Took one of his moorings for 2 dollars an day !
Soon boarded by the local Armada “Army” and entourage “5 of them” on the whole happy lot ! only 2 of them spoke ! This was only the start had to visit 4 other departments to exchange paperwork and of course “Paso’s” there local currency “approx. 140 Paso’s to the £1” ! All together approx. £40 to check in and £40 to check out. All together with Papo mooring. £150 for 6 weeks ! Papo ! [Photo Link]
Soon got to know all the yachtie`s watering holes ! “Wendies Bar” [Photo Link] Manned part time by Wendy’s brother “Wachee”. JR`s just over the road. Provided good meals and Internet and Quiz night every Wednesday was good fun ! Saturday morning was a good Joll`y . Game of Baseball “Gringo`s against Locals” I didn`t let our side down thank god ! Made 2 cracking hits ! “not caught out once ! [Photo Link] [Photo Link] French restaurant just up main street on right served great food and baked wonderful Bagettes ! I often had Fish [Grouper) very nice] Another popular place “Specially BBQ and Flee Market on Sunday” was Porto Blanco ! High St Luperon [photo Link] Pink House ! [Photo Link]
People we met. “Jordy Boy” Ray ! Fell asleep on his yacht “French Amel” and ran her on the reef off Cuba. Arranged a tow off by the local fishing boat . only to be stopped by the authorities. In two days the yacht was stripped including engine ! Bought house here in Luperon now married to Local Girl half his age with 3 children [not his]. Rays 75 ! His mate Brit Colin with house in Casenbar Beech. More land lubbers who sailed here South African Mother and daughter Margaret and mother Miss Elle [Photo Link] [Photo Link] Rosemary and Tony on English Rose. David and Helen on Wirham Catamaran “Canagorm”. Silveo on Avanti . Mike on El Lobo. Who`s wife has just left him. We first met Mike and Pat in Portugal 2006. Geof and Francine [Chica de Luperon] I named her ! because we met up in town and she saved me from notorious prostitute “senura Jacky” “there were many others”! I quote her ! would you like massage ? my house is just round the corner and my husband is away ! “I did find out later her husband was indeed away “Prison” for stealing from yachts. “Lucky escape” ! The couple we spent most time with and got on so well were English Lady and French / Quebec Lady Sarah and Joyce on Exodus ! With two cats all female of course ! We got on very well with them ! Especially Susan ! They thought she was lovely ! "They all do " We had such a laugh with them. And they were very helpful with local info "and Gossip" Especial with our 4 Day trip to the capital Santo Domingo . Where Christopher Columbus had a house. [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] .

The DR I must say is very beautiful ! not mountainous like I expected but mostly flat and green with many involved in agriculture I must add the primary reason for this trip was to visit the American Embassy there to get our USA visa`s !!.
We had great time with them ! And a few tears when it was time to leave. We got Visas ! [Photo Link] £2 Lunch ! [Photo Link] Sheilah at Anchor [Photo Link]

26th February 2014 Bahama`s [Photo] “Inauga” Island
165 miles and two nights at sea ! we arrived in Inagua anchoring of Mathew Town 8am on the 28th [Photo link] dinghied ashore to check on and obtain our cursing permit for the entire Behama`s. $300 US / Bahaman Dollars “They on Par with each other” ! “OOOch ! Our first night did not go well in the Bahama’s ! Forecast was for an “Norther” ! apparently common in these parts I have read and keep getting warned about ! Mathew town was not the place to be when one of these was coming through ! and you can guess what ? one due in net 10 hours ! All still until 4.30 am and the wind started to pick up! Soon upto 26knts from the NW “direct from out at sea blowing us onto beech “! within 30 minuets seas had built with waves crashing onto beech and rocks behind us. With Sheilah pitching and rolling violently. “Still very dark and one hour to go before daybreak” ! This was no time for Sheilah to drag anchor ! Daylight arrived and the wind started to drop and the sea`s abate. She did us prude and looked after us !! “Good old Sheilah ! “ During this I Heard Shout from bedroom “What`s going on” when I arrived Susan was covered from head to toe in books” and DVd`s !!

2nd March 2014 Inagua to `Clarence Town` Long Island
Caught the last of the winds from the passing front and had cracking sail to Long Island passing through Mira Por Vos passage around 5am with ships coming from all directions ! “thank god for AIS” ! Getting into Clarence town later that day. Flying Fish Marina [Photo Link] TT Sheilah likes it here ! [Photo Link]
Spent a week here Chilling out. waiting for the weather to decide what it wants to do ! . We are not used to these weather swings clocking round the compass over 2 to 4 days ! “Bad news if You on small islands with only shelter from two sides” ! Not so much going on here and almost impossible to get bread !! The only upside was Local shop run by Mr Pratt he was a real Joy ! “He Gave Suzy half an hour lecture on not smoking” ! Mr Prat ! [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]

11th March 2014 Rum Cay was always going to be interesting to get into. Negotiating reef with numerous Coral Heads “ These Coral Heads can be 3 metres down or 3 ft. “ ! charts don’t say ! just their position ! at least that’s something ! Tried to get into Sumner Point Marina but ran aground and gave up ! Anchoring off Port Nelson. Even less going on here ! Difficult to find a heart beat ! Only two shops and they hardly had anything. But they did have bread ! Once again the only Brightside was another Local character Delores Wilson [Photo Link] [Photo Link] Delores had Lived in Rum Cay nearly all her 87 years “except for 10 years In Nasu training to be teacher . which she did for a while but became home sick for Rum cay. “God Knows why” !! She did enjoy chatting. Drinking and smoking with Suzy. She rolled her own cigars with a bit of maruwauna added ! Nice church ! [Photo Link] Gardens ! [Photo Link] The Police Station and Government Building !! [Photo Link]

14th March 2014 Conception Island “Columbus named it Santa Maria Conception” So you can see the name implies something special ! And weren’t disappointed. Pics say it all. Also met very nice Canadian family cruising on yacht Jaru. [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]

17th March 2014 Exuma`s George Town
Up at 6.30 am for the 40 mile crossing. Had cracking sail across arriving at conch cay cut 1500 hours. Just enough light to see the coral heads ! Tricky navigation here had to transfer waypoints from explorer charts to electronic chart plotter. First yacht we encountered had helicopter just landing on it !! [Photo Link] Needed to catch-up on shopping laundry internet etc . Great place to do all that stuff !!
[Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] Popular name here is Marshall ! I`m saying nout !!! [Photo Link] [Photo Link]
Just getting ready to move on ` and weather changed ! stuck hear another week with winds gusting 30knts + !! Better shelter off Sand Dollar beech “Stocking Island” the happening place !! Great here Beeching !! Boozing !! Walking !! volley Ball !! Very nice here the place where boats stay and don’t move on !!!!!!!

You can see why !!! [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]
[Photo Link] [Photo Link] Check out the Ray`s !!
[Photo Link]

June 2013
Bought Camper Van „Ebay of course“ ! She`s a Camper / Motorhome Mercedes Benze Autotrail Comanche , 1989 , 37000 Miles , Reg GA32 XMO
Photo Link Photo Link Photo Link Photo Link
First Local trip. couple of days in campsite by the sharpness to Gloucester Canal. All went well ! enjoyed !! Photo Link Photo Link
Second trip with Dad Dartmoor. Bude Devon. Ilfricombe North Devon. Trip to Lundy Island. “Wanted to do that for a long time “ Job done “ ! Very nice well worth it !! Back home via Weston Super Mare and Cheder

20th July 2013 Back to work !! Children Brocken up from school!

August 2013 Building work !

September 2013
Camper vanning again ! This time east St Neots Thetford forest. Cambridge. Norwich “see Sally Alison” Sandringham see Queenies Pad ! Kings Lyn. Rutland Water. Coventry “see Tim and Alison” Back home !
October 2013 Back to work !

November 2013 Apex Selfdrive Sold

December 2013
Finish off last of the jobs ! and prepare for getting back to Sheilah.

16th November 2012 Arrived Grenada Marine,
Once again back in Grenada. And Grenada Marine to prepare Sheilah for the new seasons activities, Some of last season’s yachties were there „Thomas the German On Sunrise“ Another German couple on Cat „African Dream“ Dutch couple on ??? Harry and Karan. Still very hot and buggy ! „Suzy had over 80 bites this time „ !

Launched 4th Decmber 2012.
Nip round to Clarks court Bay to finish off and get some breeze ! Glad to see Shaveman still looking after yachties. And Miss Kitty from „Falcon“ found herself new man .south African` Tony. Also Graham on Essex girl still stomping same ground and still plagued with engine problems ! . Another familiar face was Terry on „ Celtic Warrior “with new bit of stuff ! Also Met Brit couple Gaye and Ray on Sloop „Plyerdise“ heading our way.

12th December 2012 Round to St Georges „Capital of Grenada.
13th December 2012 „ St Georges to Hillsborough „Carriacou“ to clear out of Grenada. Overnighting in one of our favorite spots Sandy Island Photo Link.

14th-15th-16th-17th December 2012 Carriacou to Falmouth Harbour Antigua. To pick up my Dive tank i left with them to repair leak. „And Guess what ! still not fixed ! Typical of Carib peeps !

21st-22nd December 2012 Last overnight for while „Suzy Pleased“! Antigua to St Martin. Just in time for Christmas ! Arrived just in time for 8.15 Bridge into Lagoon Photo Link Anchored next to USA yachties Cindy „Doll“ and AJ on sloop ???? . Between Witches Tit and Explorer Island; Good to hear Mike from Shrimpies Laundry still hosting cruisers net ! Birds of passage. Hugh and Brenda on Scotia. From Scotland on second round the world trip ! Gaye and Ray on Plyerdise we met in Grenada this year. Also Tony from Ragin-Cagin „Music Man“. Dutch couple Rinska and Dutch on Art-furden „Bruce Roberts design ship he built himself in the Garden at home ! [Photo link] (Incidentally home is 15 hecter farm in the USA where they have lived for past 25 years. And kept Mustang horses much to Suzy`s delight. They became good friends and we hope to visit there home one day ?

Not much going on ashore for Christmas ! So cooked our own chicken in our virgin oven of our new £600 pounds cooker !! „ Still struggled to brown roast potatoes !!
St Martin [Photo Link]

Boxing Day perked up with Yachties BBQ on Explorer Island [Photo Link] . Great fun lots of people turned up and met new friends.
New Yers Day 1st January 2013 brought another interesting jolly!! on Character Beech Simpson Bay; [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Video Link]
There we met Local Character „Very Appt“ ! as seen in photo „Roz“ with little Jack Russel dog call Mi Mi ! Too much to write about here ! But sure Suzy will tell you if you asked her. One story went like this ! Roz with tattoos; smokes like chimney and drinks like fish and quotes like i`am one real tuff Mother F...... ! Asked Suzy the next day to accompany her to „Fanny Clinic“ to hold her hand while she underwent inspection !!!!!!!
Time to Move On ! And preparations for 90 mile overnighter to the BVI „British Virgin Islands“ ! Capital Island Tortola. Virgin Gorda. Jost-Van-Dyke and many small Islands. Norman Island. Peter Island. Necker Island(Bransons Place). Ginger Island. Salt Island. Cooper Island. Sandy Caye Island. Marina Cay Island .Scrub Island and Many other smaller Islands. (Should keep us busy for while) !
Had to wait few more days for swells to die down from storms way north in the Atlantic ! The only people that seem to like this situation are the surfers. So if we see them about we start to worry and watch weather reports !!

6th Jan 2013 Entered Virgin Gorda.
Through round the rock passage. After very bouncy crossing from St Martin. „May be Should have waited longer „ ?? Photo Link First stop Spanish Town to Check in and chill out a bit !! Found good shop and Laundrette for Suzy washing therapy ! [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]

The Baths (Caves) Virgin Gorda
Our next destination for exploring and our first real taste of Charter Yachts ! BVI indecently hosts the biggest charter fleet in the world „unbelievable“
Giant Granit boulders some the size of houses formed millions of years ago as molten rock solidified under extreme pressure underground and the eventually being pushed to the surface by movements of the tectonic plates. (awesome) ! [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]
See what i Mean !! Well worth the visit despite the hordes !! Had great day on adjacent beech and Girly therapy for Suzy [Photo Link]

Virgin Gorda (North Sound) Jan 2013
This area is an enormous area sheltered all around by land and reefs and home to some very famous and beautiful places you would struggle to find anywhere in the world. [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]
We anchored just off Prickly Pear Island anti clockwise you have Saba Rock. with Eustatia Island in background. Bitter End resort with all kinds of things going on. Next Creek Village. Leverick bay where we went shopping. Opposite end mosquito Island and Drakes anchorage. Sure you can guess where that name came from !!. Also must mention Necker Island (Bransons Place) !! not as big or posh as i imagined ! Photo Link

Marina Cay January 2013 Surrounded by large reef (Poor Quality Reef)! Marina Cay nestles in front of Scrub Island and offers all round protection maintaining good sea breezes. This area is very picturess and popular with Yachties (Especially Charterers)! Here you will find Pussers shop; Beech Bar and you can even phone home from old Red English telephone box ! Skipper certainly taking it all in ! $30 Dollars a night buoy ! we just satay the one thank you !!!!! [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] This Pelicans got Nerve !! [Photo Link]

Trelis Bay (Tortola) January 2013
Very popular and choc bloc with local and visiting yachts. This bay has local controversy with respect to extending runway 2/3rds into the Bay. Anyway were off. no room at Inn !!
Road Harbour (Capitlal of Tortola) [Photo Link] [Photo Link] We anchored on the east side off Fort Bert ! (Bit rolly i must say) Better protection off Wickhams Cay west side. We weren’t that impressed with town ! but did enjoy visit to Old Governors House (Now Museum) very Brill step back in time ! especially interesting was the Governors Wife hour by hour account of the 1850? Hurricane that devastated Road Harbour.

Peter Island (Great Harbour) Jan 3013 Brill place ! peace and quite ! with good all round shelter with low isthmus to windward for continua’s breeze ! Dinghied to beech and walked round to Sprat Bay and Deadmans bay. Part of peter Island Beech resort for the well heeled !! Another pictures places of the world ! „See what i mean“ !!
[Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]

Pelican Island (The Indians) Jan 2013 Not sure what your thinking ? Indians are Rocks ! [Photo Link] Just in front of Pelican Island Photo Link. Here we snorkelled round Indians and good reef Spot of lunch ! then off to (The Bight) Norman Island. [Indians Video]
The Bight (Norman Island) Jan 2013 Chocka block with charter boats ! great beech and Bar ! also floating Bar ! Pics and Video say it all !! Real party atmosphere. Another $30 Dollars a night Bouy !! [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]

Sopers Hole (Tortola) February 2013 Known as (West End) Ferries come and go from here to neighbouring Islands. Again good shelter with low isthmus to windward enhancing breeze! Had meal out here above Pussers landing! (Very small portions and very expensive ! ) not recommended. Good internet in smaller cafe bar behind. Very pretty little Island just west is (Little Thatch Island). [Photo Link] [Photo Link]

Jos Van Dyke February 2013 Anchored in Little Harbour. Very quiet and no rolling ! nothing much going on! So only stayed for couple of nights then down to Great Harbour to top up with water after hose came off while we were out and pumped all our water into the bilge !! ( Nasty).
Off to little Jos Van dyke for spot of snorkelling and beach activities ! Stopping off at Sandy Cay for Lunch quick snorkel and walk round the Island. By the way this Island was donated to the BVI Land Trust in 1980 by the Rockafella Trust . Photo Link Photo Link
Anchored just of sandy spit and Green Island. Sandy spit is very pretty and popular ! dinghy’s off loading people all day long ! Had great day here complete with new cold box and picnic table and chairs ! [Photo Link] Found nice little beech all to ourselves ! „Well Nearly“ ! [Photo Link] walked and snorkelled beach and drank at abandoned bar ! Photo Link Dinghyed round to Long bay to see what that was like ? very nice too will stop there on our way back to Virgin Gorda` if we decide to leave her there ? Still in Jos Van Dyke ! off to Great Harbour and our final destination before clearing out ready for next stop the USVI ! Not before visiting local sites like famous „Foxes Bar“ .
[Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] Suzy got smile ! [Photo Link]

Cruze Bay „Island Of St John) United states Virgin Islands (UVI)
8th February 2013 [Photo Link]
Brief History The three main Islands St John. St Thomas and St Croix were purchased from the Dutch in 1917 for 25 Million Dollar’s ($300 an Acre). St Thomas being the main Island and well developed busy and bustling. St John being much less developed and mostly National Park. St Croix was amongst the strongest producers of sugar cane and only ceased production as late as 1966. Now popular with the more affluent Americans. [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]
Took bouy just off Soloman Bay next to Cruze bay. Cruze Bay is small and full of local boats.
The Confession ! At this point we must admit to this being our second visit here ! first was 2 days before on the local ferry to obtain stamp in passport ! also had to go on line to obtain „ESTA“ Visa wavers document ! Total cost about £150 ! Bloodee Americans !! Hope isn’t worth it !!
Note Discovered Americans are paranoid about security. Riddled with Regulations !! Photo Link Photo Link Photo Link Photo Link
Laurence Rockafella fell in love with this Island when he visited in his yacht. Then in 1954 he bought the Island and created a land trust then gave it back to the Nation. National Trust Visitors Centre [Photo Link]

Lamesure/Reef Bay St John Feb 2013 [Photo Link] [Photo Link] Very pretty and peaceful here with no rolling !! Again took buoy (All Nation Trust Bays have them) you are not allowed to anchor in case you damage the coral and even seagrass growing in the sand !! (Told you) ! No body hassle you . you have to dinghy over to the little floating pay stations and put $15 dollar’s (£10) in the box (Envelope provided) stating date. Bouy number. Yacht Name. Evan SSR number !! The lid of the envelope even has a perforated slip for you to keep ! All this on trust ! They do spot checks I ‘am told ?? [Photo Link] [ Lamasure Bay Video]
Other Side ! Yes i have to admit there is more than one ! Americans are extremely efficient and well organised; keep the place clean and tidy. Rubbish bins (Trash) provided and emptied regally! Most of the popular bays have (Bay Hosts) mainly yacht people flying the bay Host Green and yellow host flag. Pay stations often have maps of local walks`. places to visit and old buildings. Made good use of them and thoroughly enjoyed them. My hiking buddy was Rick (American) on yacht Nancy Ellen ! no prizes to guess the name of his wife !! All this was quite an eye opener and far cry from the laid back relaxed couldn’t give a shit ! ways of the Caribbean we have been used to !!! Photo Link Photo Link

St Croix USVI Feb 2013
25 Miles from St thomas with the wind on the beam we had fast sail to St Croix and the Harbour of Christensted (Capital) Anchored of Protestant Cay oposit town Quay. Bit roly !! al the well shelterd anchoreges being taken by local boats. Familer story ! Wondred round the town and visited bars ! But the best of all was the old fort built by the danes in 1749 to keep out those pescy Brits and frenchies out ! and house criminals and militant slaves ! All credit to the danes ! Still in ggod conditiuon completly bomb and Hurican proof ! 1970`s were unseteled and violent putting of tourists. Then when this was settled the Island was hit by a sucsesion of Huricans. Good Pics ! [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] Buck Island Leaving Christensted we stopped off at Buck Island with its golden bech and great snorkling in large reef Lagoon. [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Video Snorkling Reef] [Video Buck Island Beech?]

Coral Bay St John Feb 2013 Back in St John next stop was Coral harbour. Home to a number of live-abords and referd to in the pilot book as rundown and scruufy !! (Not Changed a bit) !! Not at all in contrast with other side of bay (Nationl Trust Land) Had Lunch in Princess bay very beautiful. Peaceful and the only ones there !! Photo Link Photo Link
Lenster Bay / Watermellon Bay Feb 2013 Sort of place you could spend the entire winter ! Had great 10 mile Hike acros to Coral Bay and onto Brown and Back. Pics say it all !! [Photo Link] [Photo Link] My hike [Photo Link]
Coral Bay Pics [Photo link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]

Francis Bay St John Feb 2013 Acording to the pilot book best anchorage in St John ! They might be right stayed over week here. again pics say it all !! Also visited the Anaberg Plantation and school reins. And met up with our old friends Babbie and Holst aboard yacht Fair isle Gabbie was in the middle of taking her PADI dive cirtificate with welsh guy Andy on Catitude. The two Andy`s and Holst had great dive off watermellon Cay.
[Photo Link]

Hawksnest Bay / Trunk Bay St John Feb 2013 Trunk bay disapointing ! expected good snorkle with suzy hear ! never happened ! Very nice . Walked beech and snorkeled rocks nearby then melarky in beech surf !! [Photo Link] [Photo Link]
Stopped at Another Buck Island this time off St Thomas for Lunch! [Photo Link]

(Charlotte Amalie) St Thomas March 2013 [Photo Link] [Photo Link]
The Capital with strong trading links from the past. Some of the old warehouses still evident today. Now trading comes in form of cruise liners offloading hordes of passengers into the streets with mostly jewellery shops. (I have never seen so many !) they must be in 3 figures ? the port can handle 5 Cruise Liners at a time indeed we witnessed 5 ! at approx. 3 thousand passengers each ! that’s a lot of potential customers !! Shopped and internetted at local bar where we met very nice old lady making her in life wandering about selling crisps and small plastic bags of nuts she made up herself. Suzy noticed people often dismissed her with wave of arm ! not us ! we bought from her although we did not really want anything. It cost us so little and she did appreciate it . Her name was Manwella and she often chatted with Suzy over the coming days. She even asked if she could write to Suzy. We told her we would be back at Christmas for my Christmas present !!. Anchored of Crown Bay Marina where we shopped for Suzy`s Medication’ as she had almost ran out. Stocked up with bits from Ace Hardware (Famous Caribbean DIY Store) to make Sheilah safe fo Hurricane season. Also ‘ if you want to know where old London buses retired to look no further !! [Photo Link]
[Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]

(Culebra) –(Vieques) Spanish Virgin Island and linked to Porto Rico.

March 2013 It seems USA claimed them in some sort of war prize and a treaty was signed in Paris around 1917 the same time as the Danish Islands deal ? Although authority transferred to the Americans in 1898. Sir Christopher Columbus discovered these Islands in 1493 on his second trip to the new world. Culebra was used by the US Navy for bombing exercises from 1936 to 1975.

March 2013 Ensenada Honda (Culebra) [Photo Link] [Photo Link]
[Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link] New friend ! [Photo Link]
A large and very indented bay with many protected areas for anchoring. No rolling here !! Anchored off Dewey` the main town and spent 2 weeks taking in the peace and tranquillity. Then a further week exploring Isla Culebrita. Tortuga Beech` Hiked up to lighthouse built 1880. Snorkelling` Saw Big eagle Ray and lots of Hawksbeak Turtles.
[Photo Link] [Photo Link]
Look forward to returning here next season ! Skipper started taking Spanish lessons` as Spanish language is widely used here and in other forthcoming Islands such as Porto-Rico ` Dominican Republic/Hatti `Cuba and Mexico. My Teacher (Pro-fes-e-ma) Ileana Christian said I need to stretch my brain !! Not easy and all hard going ! Apparently you only need around 600 (Only 600 ! ) words in any Language to speak basically. Had great day on the beech “Flamenco Beech” Take Dip ! [Photo Link]
Watch out for Tanks !! [Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]
20th March 2013 Ferry Trip to Fajardo (Porto Rico) [Photo Link] Just to see what to expect `not that much ! Very fast ferry though ! and cheap ! only just under £4 each for the twenty mile trip each way. Good place for overnight stop and food shopping next to Puerto Chico. Also big K-Mart close by. [Photo Link]

28th March 2013
Back To Virgin Gorda BVI to lift Sheilah out and Summarise ! and return to England and get back to the Building work !! “And of cource nearly forgot “Man thing” Expecting my first grandchild very soon !!!!!

13th April 2013
Flew back to UK via John F Kennedy Airport USA / Dublin Ireland / East London Airport UK

8th May 2013
Archie Stirling Marshall arrived all guns blazing !! „not sure about the Stirling bit „ ! Main thing is he`s perfect and not bad looking ! as far as babies are concerned !! Well done mum and Dad !!
[Photo Link] [Photo Link] [Photo Link]

June 2013 Best get on with the building work !

Summer 2012

Summer activities mainly concentrated on first floor and involved building partition walls for toilets ,kitchen , offices and storage units . And of course, have to mention bricking up lift shaft ! „9 sold concrete blocks flat lay“ ! „Nightmare“ !operations mainly involved 8 to 13 hours a day 7 days a week ! „Eat, drink, Sleep and Work ! no time for anything else ! „All work and no play makes Jack „Andrew“ Dull boy ! and time just flew and it was soon November and time to fly back to the Sunshine and Sheilah !!

November 2011 “Yippy” were back ! “Well just me for now” lots of jobs to do before launch !!” “Photo”
11th November 2011 Grenada Marine. St Davids, “Photo” bound for Port Egerount 3 miles away had place to ourselves ! very beautiful.16th November
“Photo” “Photo” “Photo” “Photo”
17th to 28th November, Clarks Court Bay, where we visited whisper cove, Phare Blue and Hogg Island “Rogers Beach Bar”. Regular shopping trips with local character Shave man! He even called up the cruise ships captain to thank them for coming to their Island !!. We shall miss our time here ! Regular get together organized by VHF channel 68, known as the net !! We also met up again with sailing buddies from Cannery Island , Francous Gultier,and Jossie on Galtapow, originally from Paris.
“Photo” “Photo” “Photo” “Photo”

Birds Of Passage , Miss Kity on Falcan, Richard and Clair on ?. Gabby and Holst on Fair Isle, Adam and Suzy on ??. Ian on Celtic Warrior. Micheal and Emanulle, swis Ladies Michelle and Emanuelle. Sylvia, Christian on Nioman, Francous and Jossie on Galatapow,
November 29th to 2nd December, Anchored in Famous “prickly Bay” where we visited Budget Marne , De Big Fish restaurant overlooking the bay, and dinned out at the marina on opposite side with Frenchies J an F !
“Photo” “Photo Links” “Photo Links”
December 2nd to 8th 2011. St Georges the capital port of Grenada, Anchored off where we met Ian from Millford Haven on Celtic warrior. Then moved into marina “Grenada Yacht Club” Greate place to stay ! good internet. And bar food and cloths washing facilities . kept Suzy happy for days !!! Marvin and Kearon the marinaros very helpful .

8th December 2011, Motored most of the way to Tyrell Bay, Carriacou 7 hour trip,
“Photo Links” “Photo Links” “Photo Links”
9th 11th December 2011, Swam and snorkelled off the beautiful land and also enjoyed Birthday drink with the Frenchies “Françoise and Josie” !! “ Happy Birthday to me “ !!

12th December 2011 , short visit to Union Island to check out of Grenada Waters on onto Mayreau.
Mayreau 12 – 13th December 2011, Anchored in Saline bay and looked around small local town, not much here accept popular large deserted beach popular with cruise ships coming ashore for BBQ on the beach !
“Photo Links” “Photo Links”
Tabago Cays, 14th -16th December 2011, This I by far one of the most beautiful places on earth ! lots of beech activity, snorkelling , even Suzy is beginning to enjoy it !! Baby shark swam right in front or her !! “see photo” ! she never saw it !!, but she did see lots of beautiful coloured reef fish, swam with baby turtles. This place will not disappoint, even had Ice, Fresh Baguettes, Banana Cake and Ice all delivered by boatboys !! “Photo” “Photo” “Photo” “Photo” “Photo”

Cannoun, 17th Decenber 2011. Anchored for lunch in Ramaue Bay. “Photo” Then onto Port Elizabeth where we spent uncomfortable rolly night and could not even get ashore because of such large swell on landing stage,!! Onto Bequia I think !! ``Photo”
Bequay 18th December 2011, Now in the also beautiful island Of Bequia enjoying the local delights. anchored in admiralty Bay, Many sailors have called here and made this there last stop !! “ Best be careful?”. Had nice day swimming with Frenchies F an J in Friendship Bay round the corner, Shopping today and internetting Tomorrow!!
“Photo Links” “Photo Links” “Photo Links” “Photo Links]

Merry Christmas to everybody !!!!
28th December 2012
Anchored in Rodney Bay just of Pigeon island St Lucia. Brings back memories of our first port of call after crossing Atlantic !! Moved into Lagoon next to Titch and Stellas Yacht. Provisioning and planning New years eve Bash !! which ended up with Meal on Frenchies Yacht Galitapo. Rounded up with drinkies in Yacht club over looking beach where the fireworks were displaying. Some swam in the sea ! Novilty !
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Happy New Year to all !!
January 2012
Listened to Yachties net with good information on weather and local activities, Treasures’ of the bilge are bought and sold.! Ended up buying (well Freebie actually ) BCD from yachting legend Chris Doyles ! Famous for his pilot books around the Caribbean !

5th January 2012
Sailed 30 miles to the French Island Of Martinaque where we anchored in Port “Cull De Sac De Marin” Great here for shopping and provisioning, bought over 75 cans of beer !! should last a while !! Birds of Passage : Elaine and ?? on Nemo, John and Jo On out of Africa again ! they invited us out to walk to top Of mount Pele . Suzy made it ¾ way up !! She did goodee ! Also Visited Rum Distillery, and Volcano Museum.
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11th Anse du Alet Good place for smoking with very clear water ! unfortunately wind made it bit choppy and rolly so we moved on !! so was horrified to witness me asking Lady on table next to us that had not eaten her salad ! needless to say I found good home for it !!
14th January 2012 Anchored off Fort De France after very squally few hours sail with low visibility. Wonderd round the town taking in the sights. Unfortunately the Fort is now the local Gendarmerie (Police) and not open to public !
18th January 2012 Sailed to Saint Pier where the Volcano erupted in 1910 killing all 30,000 inhabitants including local Governors from Fort de France visiting to re-assure them not to worry ! Sorry Actually only one survived because he was in prison “for Murder” behind strong walls !! “You surer there’s a god ?” “Photo Link” “Photo Link”
19th January 2012 Left 7am for Port of Roseau, Soufrrier bay, Dominique, Good wind sailed all the way . this pleased the capitano !! Wandered round town, stocked up at local market, Had KFC for Lunch ! Had snack in very old building now “Bar and Internet”. Also took bus to Hot snorkelling spot “Champagne” so named because of bubbles coming from seabed ,
22nd January 2012 Price Rupert Bay (Portsmouth) still min Dominique not England ! Very large Bay with calm anchorage, negative was Boat boys, bit of a pest and 100 % con artists ! invited us to beach BBQ along with about a 100 other suckers at £12 per Head and promise of as much to eat and drink as you like, arrived back at yacht staving and Thirsty !! lesson well and truly learnt , this is what the Caribbean is all about !! There are plusses ! had great walk round The old fort “Cabrits” well kept and good information, Suzy found ammunition store still full of cannon balls !!
30th January 2012 set of for 20 mile sail across to Guadeloupe. I say that because Suzy is keen to point out it was actually 35 miles and just got to Pointe-Pitri, Peti-Cul-de-Sac du Marin before night fall ! lucky we had god winds and fast sailing !! Checked in Marina where we met Ian On Naomi, solo sailor, Internet and Washing done ! dinghied over to town to see the sights and take in History, “Photo Link” “Photo Link”

5th Febuary 2012 One hour sail to Isle Grousier “Photo Link” very noisy and choppy and Rolly ! sailed back to Pointe Pitri escorted by Dolphins ! very nice !! next day off to Isle Marrie Galant and Le-saints .
6th February 2012 Fast sail to Le Saints so named by Christopher Columbus because he first saw them on all saints day !! Beautiful place with lots to see and do ! “Photo Link” ! “Photo Link” Our Boy was off Is Cabrit with old fort Josephine, now derelict and home to many Goats !! No rokin and rolling !! Negative very expensive and had to pay 9 euro per night for mooring buoys. Some yachties moaning about this!
8th February 2012 Back to Guadiloupe , Deshaies, “Photo” last port north and checking out place, Nice little place with basic provisions and internet, Suzy had bit of a laps here ! More on that later !! “Photo”
13th February 2012 Early start and off to English Harbour, Antigua. 45nm away. Steeped in Naval History involving legends such as Hortatio Nelson. Also Dad is flying in in weeks’ time to join us for a month’s cruise to Barbuda, St Barts, St Martin, St Kits, Nevis, Montserrat and back to Antigua. Messed about here ! stocking up and doing few maintenance jobs on ship.
19th February 2012, Nice leisurely sail to Jolly Harbour 10 miles further up the coast and bit closer to Airport. Took bouy in Harbour “Bit Pricy” found out later £14 a night ! Anchor in Bay in future ! very calm and great beaches on both sides, “Photo Link” “Photo link” “Photo Link”
20th February 2012 Dad arrived safe and well dressed in shirt, “Photo” cardigan, long trousers and duffle coat und arm!! Soon settled into his forward cabin with own personal heads !”Bathroom” ! and enjoyed new scenery ! Jolly harbour ”Lagoon” has Small and large properties all along the shore, just like St Lucia, Poole Harbour back in UK. One up One down two bed in Jolly is £200,000 “Photo” “Photo”

22 February 2012 Sailed to Barbuda, ”Photo” Island of few people “1500” and many beautiful beaches. Unfortunately there was a big swell rolling in creating big waves crashing onto the beach. Thou this didn’t give rise to any uncomfortable rolling, did give us few concerns landing the dinghy! Timing was the essence and made it to the beach in one piece! not so lucky on leaving the beech ! things went very wrong, not quick enough past waves and one broke just in front taking dinghy with Suzy on board right up in the air throwing out the back taking outboard motor with her ! looked back and dad was swimming in surf with outboard !! 2nd attempt with French people helping was not without cinema ! French man tried to lift Suzy into dinghy like sack of potatoes and promptly shot out the back again ! Then French Lady helping us ended up under Dinghy and I had to pull her out !! Eventually we made it past surf and had to paddle our way back to Sheilah soaked and shaken !! All persons safe ! accept for outboard which took all next day to make repairs !! Quite impressive for our first trip with Senior seadog ! At least he is still smiling !! He must have been thinking what next !! “Photo”

24th February 2012 Barbuda To St Barts “Photo” “62 knm” Left at first light with wind from behind Sheilah made good speed. Frenchies yacht Galatapo caught up with us at mid day, “Tack tics called for” changed Geno to opposite side poled out “Goosewing” ! Sheilah soon picked up more speed and Frenchies could not catch us ! Sheilah won the Day and arrived in St Barts well ahead of them. “Yippy” our only win !!!!
St Barts Port of Gustavia was little disappointing and very windy and Rolly ! More dinghy cinema Coming up !! Made it safe ashore the next day checked in and out then left the next day. To be fair it was Sunday and everything was closed accept for very expensive restaurant overlooking Harbour “Photo Link” where just missed lunchtime food and had to settle for “Creps, Cheese, tomato, egg and three drinks came to £45 ! “Oooch”. Must add here Frenchies went round to Ance De Columbier with optimism for a much calmer anchorage and good snorkelling they weren’t disappointed !”Recommended” we went onto St Martin.

27th February 2012 St Barts to St Martin “Photo” 26knm 5Hour sail round the bottom of St Martin and into the French Port De Marrigot, South side is Dutch and more expensive to check in and Charges are made for anchoring. 2 nights here in Bay, Second not planned ! “Missed bridge” Pilot book had times wrong ! am bridge is 8.15 not 9oc ! Anchored halfway between French and Dutch side and enjoyed over week here. Shrimpies “Photo” was happening place and made very welcome by Mike and Sally, Originally from Austria, spent most of their life in South Africa, Ending up here in St Martin.” Not sure if they sailed here ? think perhaps they did ?. .Mr Shrimpy also ran the local VHF net in the morning which was well popular. This is how we ended up with new dinghy and outboard! “Second hand of coarse”. 10ft Carib with 10hp Honda 4 stroke engine. Dad paid half “Thank Him “ ! On the Dutch side “Barnacles” seems to be the happening place watering hole and meeting place for yachties ! Hired car for the day and had very interesting tour of the Island. “Photo” “Photo” “Photo”

11th March 2012 St Martin to St Kitts “Photo” 55knm Arrived in the main Town of Bassterra “Port Zantie” . Anchored of beech and didn’t like the rolling one bit! “Not recommended” moved up to Anchorage bit further up “White horse bay next door to Ballest Bay “Where works seem to be going on, maybe to open up lagoon ? now closed till work finishes. Very calm and quiet here ! far cry from Port Zantie ! “Photo” “Photo”
” 10knm two hours nice calm downwind sail ! “ahh”.
14th March 2012 St Kits To St Nevis “Photo
Suzy stayed on board for metime so Dad and myself went ashore for quick mooch round and get a few supplies !! Very nice here liked it people very friendly and welcoming 1 same for St Kitts ! “Makes a nice change” ! Also free buoy to tie up to !! “Photo”
14th March 2012 Nevis to Montserrat, 30knm Just arrived before dark in Little Bay. Very rolly ! bad night, Checked in and out ready for quick exit tom morning! found taxi driver to take us to see volcano devastation, town of Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 now half buried , just see rooftops above the mud / ash . Seems most of the damage was caused by the side of the volcano collapsing and causing sand / mud slide Back to Sheilah and last rolly night in Montserrat ! “lets get out of here” ! “Photo Link” “Photo Link” “Photo Link” “Photo Link”

16th March 2012 Montserrat back to English Harbour Antigua thou only 27knm took us 9 hours hard slog motor sailing into 20knts south easterlies! “Remind me not to do that again !! Why the britts didn’t roll Montserrat in with Antigua i don’t know ? big mistake !! give wide berth next time !! „Yippe back safe and sound in good time for Dads flight home. Few days looking round Falmouth and English Harbour, Also skipper found time to start open water dive certificate with John and Arnout at Aquanaut Dive centre, “Photo” “Photo” “Photo”
18th March 2012 Falmouth Harbour to Jolly Harbour 12knm nice downwind sail under genoa only, just right to finish the cruise with senior seadog ! Just time for last day swimming and taking in some of the best beeches and scenery in the Caribbean area, “Photo Link”, “Photo Link”. “Photo”, Last night and slap-up meal in marina restaurant overlooking harbour. Hired car for last day sightseeing and delivering dad to the airport. Betty hope plantation steeped in history “linked to Gloucestershire” was worth the time and enjoyed very much , “Photo”, “Photo ”, “Photo ”. Day didn’t end quite as we planned we arrive one day to early at airport “Noodle Dad got it wrong” and after much previous discussion i might add! Plan B ! Decision made, found Dad hotel for the night 500yards from airport, not even dad could mess up that short distance !! Said goodbyes to senior seadog and returned to Sheilah.

21st March 2012 Back to Falmouth Harbour to finish my diving, Yippee passed ! Now fully qualified to dive to 18 metres ! Might take my advanced on our return to Antigua ?? “Photo” “Photo” Now down to some serious maintenance ! well overdue and built up over many months cruising !! Last job scrubbing all the barnacles off Sheilahs bottyland ! armed with two full tanks of air we st sail for Green Island next to Nonsuch Bay surrounded by large reef.
27th March 2012 Falmouth Harbour to Nonsuch Bay 10knm motor sailed all the way, wound are way round Green Island and into Nonsuch Bay and Truly tropical paradise . spent great 3 days here Scrubbing and Snorkelling !! “Photo“ „Photo“ „Photo“
6th April 2012, Antigua to Grenada

25th April, Grenada, Sheilah Lift out. End of first season on 2012

Back to England and finish MH

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