Anegada July 19

We had a little rain over night, but it was clear in the morning. We moved from our anchorage to a Mooring ball near the Gas dock at Bitter End. We all went ashore for Showers,  Shopping, and Morning drinks. We were supposed to get a briefing on how to get to Anegada but the Briefer was away on personal business.

His side kick asked, "Have you been there before?"

To which Gary answered, "Yes, six years ago."

"Then you seem qualified, have a good trip."

Anegada is the largest of the BV Islands but also the Lowest.  Highest point on the island is 30 feet.  It is not visible on the horizon from any of the other islands. It is surrounded by shoal water 3 to 5 feet deep, except for channel through the reefs at the west end of the island. The channel is marked on the charts, but the entry markers 1 and 2 are missing.. Having Luke's Chart plotter made the trip possible.

Luke by the way was captain for the trip to Anegada.

The boat performed Triumphantly. We were topping 9 Kts routinely and flirted with Ten Briefly. The winds were on the beam at 20 Kts but the seas had not built up yet.

Just as we were having so much fun the sky began to darken.

We were still two miles from the channel entrance.

"I think it's time to reduce sail," I said to Luke. 

"Good Idea," he replied.

Wanting to reduce the weather helm I suggested dropping Main first. I came down easily and was quickly stowed. Next we turned dead down wind to roll up the Genoa. Just as we did the squall line hit with full fury.

It took four of us tugging on the furling line to bring it under control. All the while, the winds are increasing. Luke next turned the boat straight into the wind and rain.  Someone Made Luke a foul weather garb out of a 30 Gallon Trash Bag. That's what he is wearing in the picture. The rest of us were Dry below.

Soon the rain was blinding Luke, so I stood beside him with my face somewhat shielded by the Bimini.  I could see much better so I used my arms to indicate where he should turn. We did this for the next Half hour that the storm was passing over us.

I estimate the winds exceeded 60 Miles per hour for most of the storm. I declared it to be Tropical Storm Foxy... Three Days later NOAA renamed it Franklin.

We made it safely into the anchorage and found a mooring ball in plenty of time before the next wave of bad weather.  JJ was off immediately to search for an Internet connection or a Rum and Coke or Both. He also made us reservations for Dinner at Neptune's Treasure.

Anegada Anchorage

Neptune's Treasure Is the leftmost Building in the Photo above.


The Lobsters were giants... the Diners were Voracious.  JJ and I both loved the Dirty Rice     Rating **** $$$$

Kane Garden Bay July 19