Well, we had hoped to be exploring new territory at this point but here we are back in St. Martin. Having spent some time here last year, it was not on the list if islands to visit this time through.
Apple Crisp
Lasagna
We spent last Sunday morning preparing for passage. Jeff checked the engines, strung the jack lines and prepared the boat. I made a pan of lasagna, one of Apple crisp, and prepared the cabin.
Eustatia Sound BVI
We raised our anchor at noon in Eustatia Sound near Virgin Gorda. It was an incredibly beautiful morning, a beautiful spot in any conditions but the colors were particularly intense that day.
Temporary Sail Repair
The first few hours of the passage were a nice sail south. Echo did quite well about 60 degrees off the wind, we had the full main and Genoa up and our speed ranges between 5 to 7 knots. Wind speed had been about 15 knots but picked up to low to mid 20’s so we took in the head sail. The wind direction had changed also so we started up the engines too. At this time Jeff noticed a tear in the main sail and had to go forward to place a piece of sail tape on a a temporary repair.
The seas were running about 6 to 8 feet right on our nose so it was a pretty bouncy ride. We each had our handy wrist bands on but then added scopolamine patches to help with the queasiness. The patches take a few hours to take effect and should have been applied earlier that morning or the night before to have provided much help. We have found that both of us feel a bit queasy our first day out and should have prepared accordingly.
These one night passages are tough on us. We only managed 2 hour watches and neither of us got much sleep. We arrived in St. Martin just after sunrise and dropped anchor in the outer harbor. Took a little nap then removed the main sail in order to get a better look. Quite a a task in 14 Knots of wind, I pretty much laid on the sail to keep it from flying overboard.
We have known a new sail was in our near future but hoped to make it through to Grenada where we will spend the upcoming hurricane season. While exploring what our options are, Jeff is patching the existing sail. It is our intention to reinstall it then keep it reefed down. This along with our various head sails should get us through for the interim.
Jeff has been getting loads of sewing experience lately. A few weeks ago he made a new section for our windshield. We had the entire windshield down since arriving in Puerto Rico in December but it’s a necessity for night passage. Now his sail repair effort is a critical part of our plans. Glad he is so resourceful!
Zooropa and Echo at anchor, Simpson Bay St. Martin
While here in St. Martin we have encountered two other Antares. Golden Glow who we had met in Annapolis last fall and had corresponded with recently and Zooropa who we just met. We learned that Golden Glow will be heading across the Atlantic in the next month or so, we’re excited for them and will watch their adventure on their blog. Zooropa took delivery of their new Antares just last August in Argentina and will be heading to the Bahamas then to the US.
We have also reconnected with Mitch and Mel of Private Dancer. We met them last year in the BVIs and have enjoyed spending a bit more time with them this year. They had gone as far as Trinidad since we saw them last and they have given us loads of information for our travels south. They are now heading back to the US for a bit.
We are traveling slower than we had hoped but it’s just part of the program. We continue to feel good about Echo and are quite comfortable. We knew when buying her there would be work involved and we are addressing things as they come up while enjoying the sights along the way. We need to be about 500 miles south of here in Grenada by July 1st to comply with our insurance policy. We plan to visit several islands along the way and don’t foresee a problem making the distance in time.
Hope to be heading out this weekend. Happy Easter to all!
~ Jeff and Mary ~
Glad to hear you all made it safely! Just wondering if you prefer the Antares or your prior monohull in higher winds and seas? That’s quite a sewing machine! Did you just get an industrial one or is it special for sails?
Happy Easter!!!
Hi Kimberly,
The machine is called a “Sailrite” and is especially suited to heavy duty jobs. Works great for sails and canvas work but is just too difficult to use for light duty stuff. We also have a very light weight “Brother” machine aboard we picked up at Walmart for about $50. Great for the light duty projects.
The monohull / multihull question is difficult. In most sea states that we have experienced we feel the the multihull offers a smoother and drier ride. One exception might be when trying to motor to windward. The cat seems to get stopped by big waves on the bows that a monohull would plow through. We have sailed the cat often in winds of the mid 30’s and seas of 6 – 9 on all different points of sail very comfortably.
Sounds like there are plenty of adventures, now and in your future. Great to be able to check in with you from time to time. Be safe and enjoy the journey.
We are keeping busy Suzanne. Thanks for checking in.
PS: I heard the lake melted 🙂
Hi Jeff, glad to see those home economic courses are paying off! You’re pretty resourceful! Those pics are awesome and boo hoo, you have to spend time in St. Martin!! But we understand that you need to get to Grenada before any hurricanes come through. Hopefully it will be a quite summer. We are doing fine, Deb is busy studying 3D animation in school and I’m happy trading options. Hope to see you guys in the future some time, safe travels!!
Mike & Deb
Mike, we got no sympathy when we had to stay in St John USVI for extra days because our mail was delayed by a snow storm in Kentucky either. No body knows the troubles…
So good to hear more from “The Adventures of Jeff and Mary.” You two really do make a great team! Sorry to hear about the sail tear.
We are on our way to spend the week in Asheville. It will be Kurt’s first full week with Joshua and Jaynie as they are on break from school. So far it’s going well considering the traffic has been horrible and it’s been raining on us all through Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Right now Kurt and Josh are discussing some breakthrough is the production of solar panels…love my nerds!
Miss you both and wish you fair winds and calm seas!
Amy
Nerds of a feather flock together.
Have a good trip and drive careful.
I am impressed with your sewing skills, Jeff. Mary your culinary skills are just as steller. By the pictures it Looks like you have found a perfect spot to spend the holiday. I hipe the Easter Bunny can find you. Good to hear all is well……hugs and kisses from The Sunshne State
Thanks Linda,
Glad to see you are on board with the blog too.
Happy Easter
Happy Easter to you. Think of you two often. Happy sails.
Thanks Amy. Great to hear from you.
All our best to Scott and all the Js.
Happy Easter to you two!
Thanks Joe,
Happy Easter to you and Cheryl too.
(we are running out of peeps)