Wind In Your Sails: Part III

We set sail in the fall of 2002, almost six years ago, aboard a 42’ Beneteau named Quantum 2. Our crew consisted of Bill and Claudia Smietana, Pete, and yours truly. The day of our departure dawned cloudy and drizzly. We all attended the mandatory and essential boat and chart briefing. The Moorings is well known for the preparation they provide their guests. Prior to our charter departure, we were given a complete chart briefing covering the local cruising grounds. We were given a chance to ask any questions we had about navigation, anchorages, and prevailing conditions. We were given a complete briefing aboard our yacht and covered all the operating systems, including rigging, electrical system, water system, windlass, stove, head, dinghy, outboard and emergency systems. By the time we finished our briefing, and stowed our gear and food supplies aboard Quantum 2, the clouds broke and a spectacular blue sky appeared.

Leaving Road Town Harbour behind us, we sailed south toward our first destination and overnight mooring – The Bight at Norman Island. After catching a mooring ball to secure Quantum 2, we enjoyed a dinner prepared on the grill at the boat’s stern. We slowly savored the bottle of wine that I carefully smuggled in our luggage and reveled in our first day’s journey. Watching the fiery sun slip below the horizon, we grew lazy waiting for the first evening stars to appear. Star gazing is a must after sunset. Without the reflection of artificial lights on land, the skies are pitch black and the stars bright white. If you’re patient, you can see satellites as they traverse the night sky. The plane of the Milky Way is visible from Earth as a band of light in the night sky and billions of stars twinkle in their brightness. Drowsy from the day’s excitement, sleep came early and easily to the crew. Lulled by the gentle rocking of Quantum 2, and the soft lapping of waves against her bow, we fell fast and hard asleep. Morning light comes early and quickly in the tropics. We’ll need our rest for the next day.

The quality of our photos are poor by today's digital standards. My camera at the time was an old 35mm film. Still, I think you'll get the picture (no pun intended).