Even More Testing Times

Second Test Sail: 29-30 Jun 08

Surfer Dan & Caribbean Sea

Now brave from our first endeavours, we decided to stay out overnight somewhere. For safe keeping, Hollywood brought along a culture guide, surfer Dan. Who knew what dangers might befall us? We set the main (a nice little in-mast furler) and the headsail (roller furling), then headed out across Freebooters Gangway (Sir Francis Drake Channel) for Norman Island. 

Norman Island was named after a particularly nasty pirate (or was it a rum, hmmm?). Which one? Well, it seems there’s just so many to choose from! It must have been a pirate because he buried Spanish gold in the Caves, off Treasure Point. We later snorkelled the Caves for sunken treasure but only managed to find an interesting variety of fish and one hungry turtle. We will not mention the Galley Slave's minor tussle with the dingy. Age does not improver grace nor coordination – and once out of the dingy, it is difficult to get back in without a ladder.  Such a performance did rather embarrass the boys…..

Friends at Willy T's

This island is also said to be the one RL Stevenson based his novel “Treasure Island” on. But there’s little sense of isolation anymore! The Bight at its best is a popular forest of masts. It’s also home to “Pirates” and “Willy T’s” both famous for their libations. Willy T’s is a floating bar named after a Quaker plantation owner and doctor from the late 1700’s. Today, painkillers and body shots (don’t even think of asking unless you’re over 25) are expected protocol & poor William is probably turning in his grave at the very thought!!

Hollywood Style

Overnight, The Bight became a wind funnel, so we were happy to move round to Benures Bay the next morning. We had it all to ourselves – everything you can imagine in any Caribbean glossy – for a few hours at least. 

The Cap’n and Dan walked to the top of Spy Glass Hill (once a lookout for pirates) and took some great photos of WJ3….just as she was dragging her anchor. The anchor looks like it could hold an aircraft carrier but between Hollywood & GS, and that wonderful electric winch, they had it all sorted in no time! 

The people in the hot water boat next door looked a bit blanched but you can’t have it all ways, now can you?

From: Tortola, Nanny Cay Lat/Long: 18 24N  64 38W   Date/Time: 29/6/08: after lunch

To: Norman Island  Lat/Long: 18 19N  64 37W Date/Time: 30/6/08: “Sundowners” time
Time Taken: 11nm (3.5hrs) (See Note 1)  Distance (this year): 22nm (6.5hrs)
Distance Total (since 2008): 22nm (6.5hrs)  Weather: Fresh Trade Winds    
Fastest Speed:
(Note 1 – remind oneself to check the distance before turning off the instrument panel!!)