Beth Calland

6am start. Under Job and anchor . small accident of a coffee splillahe which we needed to clean up whilst underway. perfect deployment of jib.

Passage – Chatham Bay Departure and Coastal Transit Following a period of unsettled weather overnight, with north-easterly winds of approximately 40 knots, heavy rain, and electrical activity, the vessel remained at anchor in Chatham Bay. At approximately 0100 hours, the crew conducted a precautionary check after hearing a loud impact; the vessel was found to be secure at anchor with no issues identified. At first light, preparations were made for departure. The anchor and bridle were recovered, and the dinghy was secured for passage. Prior to leaving the bay, a fishing line was deployed in an attempt to catch provisions. A fish was briefly hooked but was lost during retrieval. A short circuit of the bay was undertaken to attempt another catch, but no further success was achieved. The vessel then departed Chatham Bay, maintaining a course close inshore along the coastline. Upon reaching the northern tip of the island, the vessel altered course into open water to cross the channel. Sea conditions were choppy, reflecting the recent weather conditions. Upon arrival at the next anchorage, the vessel anchored, with the anchor deployed and set. Chatham Bay was noted as a visually attractive anchorage, though with a noticeable odour attributed to decomposing seaweed along the Atlantic-facing shoreline.

Departure from Mooring Buoy – Clifton Marina to Chatham Bay The vessel was prepared for departure from the mooring buoy. The skipper entered the water to release the bridle from the buoy. Prior to release, the pickup/anchor line had been left with sufficient slack to enable recovery from onboard. Under light ahead propulsion, I recovered the line to the bow, untied the bowline, and brought all lines safely onboard. Lines were then coiled and stowed appropriately, ready for reuse. The jib was hoisted and set in a north-easterly wind of approximately 20 knots. After approximately 2 nautical miles, the vessel altered course to the northwest. The skipper trimmed the jib to balance the sail plan and reduce load during handling. At 3.57 nautical miles, I furled the jib, and the vessel continued under engine power toward Chatham Bay. Upon arrival, the vessel anchored, with the anchor deployed and set in suitable holding ground.

Passage Summary – Arrival and Mooring at Clifton Marina The passage duration exceeded the planned timeframe, with a total journey time of approximately three hours. Upon arrival at Clifton Marina, assistance was offered by a local individual in securing a mooring buoy, which was accepted. The buoy was held in position while the primary line was passed through the eye and secured. A secondary line was then rigged and secured using a bowline knot. This line was led aft around the vessel and passed through the anchor drum in preparation for final securing to the cleat. During this process, a strong gust of wind caused the line to be pulled from my hands while I was attempting to secure it to the cleat, resulting in minor friction injuries (blisters). The line was subsequently returned by the assisting individual; however, the bowline knot had been untied, requiring the procedure to be repeated. A decision was made to proceed without external assistance. The mooring operation was restarted, successfully securing the primary line followed by correct rigging and securing of the bridle.

We returned to Tyrell Bay in preparation for clearing out with Grenadian Customs prior to entering St. Vincent waters, with Union Island planned as our first destination. The vessel was secured to a mooring buoy off Sandy Island, with the anchor deployed for additional holding. The anchor was raised and secured on deck, followed by retrieval and stowage of the bridle. While the Captain released the two outer bow lines from the buoy, I recovered and secured them onboard. The vessel was then manoeuvred ahead, enabling me to transfer the primary bow line aft. From the stern platform, I released the final line from the buoy, completing departure procedures.

Summary – Sandy Island Mooring Exercise Conducted a short passage to Sandy Island in exceptional conditions, departing anchorage by releasing the anchor and bridle and sailing out of the bay. Deployed the jib upon entering open water for the crossing. On approach, completed a mooring buoy pick-up in accordance with marine park regulations. As sole crew alongside the skipper, retrieved the buoy from aft, passed the line through the eye, and walked it forward to the bow while the skipper manoeuvred astern. Led the line through the anchor roller and secured it to the forward cleat. The skipper then attached bridle lines to the buoy, after which all lines were secured. An anchor was deployed as an additional safety measure. Demonstrated effective communication, line handling, and buoy mooring technique within a two-person crew.