Ryan Turner

Our first sail on our own after completing our ASA certifications. Had some issues getting the main up with a single reef, but once we sorted it out, our trim looked sharp and we did 6.5 kts in 20 kts wind from Bequia to Mustique. Had an amazing lunch at Basil’s Bar and caught a few sets of the Wimbledon Men’s Final. Wind died in the afternoon and we had a 3 hour motor back to Sandy Lane Yacht Club. Docked the boat ourselves and made it to the pool in time for happy hour.

Long motor sail into big winds (28 kts) and waves. Wind was more northerly than expected, but turned out to still be the better weather window for the passage than the next day. Our mantra of making hay while the sun shines continues to serve us well. Looking forward to three nights’ rest on the hook in Bequia.

Just a one hour motor to get to Tobago Cays (turtle heaven). Saw 11 different turtles (including 2 families of four) and a huge stingray. While at our mooring ball, had our generator serviced and fixed a faulty sensor. Still encountering issues with our battery controller - appears to be another faulty temperature sensor, however there could be an over voltage delivery from the generator (after running the water maker). Will continue to monitor.

A late start after some morning chart work. We opted for hard mode and short tacked our way through a narrow channel. Great practice tacking the boat under pressure. We had 18 kts on the beam down to Canouan. We ran out of time to hit up Basil’s Bar on Mustique (private island famous for rock star homes like Jagger’s) for lunch and made a bee line for Sandy Lane Marina instead. Beautiful facilities at this “super yacht marina” with a private airstrip and 18 hole golf course. Another fantastic day ended poolside with rum punches and spicy margaritas.

Mostly a light motor sail in 12 knots apparent on a broad reach. Hit a squall about an hour from Bequia - had to put 1 reef the main and 2 reefs in the Genoa, in a hurry (with a face full of rain). Managed to leave by 6:30 am and got in a bit after 3:30 pm. We were able to check back in to Saint Vincent (despite the Carnival holiday) and catch the Brazil / Norway game in town.

After checking out of Saint Vincent we set sailed at 9:45 am. Motor sailed up the leeward side of Bequia. Averaged 6.5 knots on a close reach through the channel. 2 knots of tidal current blew us almost 8 nm off shore. Made for an hour long motor into the wind to arrive in Souffriere, Saint Lucia. Overall a very smooth crossing with full main and 1 reef in the Genoa for the majority of the time. Feasted on BBQ bratwurst under Petit Piton.

Very smooth sail today! Motored from Gun Point to Union Island and drove the dinghy through a really tight tunnel to get to customs. After checking in to St Vincent, we immediately weighed anchor and got on a 4.5 hour close reach, averaging 6.5 knots in 22 to 25 knot wind. Some swell, but overall a comfortable sea state. One reef in the main and 2 in the Genoa. Brown Boobies kept hitching a ride on our bow pulpit. Canada Day Quesadillas at anchor in Bequia and a few rounds of UNO capped off a great day.

No rain today! 22 knots from the east made for a ton of windage to the west. We changed course from Chatham Bay to Gun Point for Tim’s BBQ. Another spirited sail averaging 5.5 to 6.5 SOG. A single reef in the main and two reefs in the Genoa (we fully unfurled the Genoa once we got some Wind shadow from union island). Lots of starfish at the anchorage and the best chicken drumsticks ever!

What an adventure today! Huge sail from Grand Anse Beach to Sandy Island, Carriacou. Wind never dipped below 15 knots and averaged closer to 20 knots, all upwind. Sailed through four major squalls with gusts up to 38 knots and plenty of rain. Six foot waves with big swell. Tidal currents (2 knots) blew us off our original course (west of the underwater volcano, “Kick ‘Em Jenny”). We had a single reef in the main and usually 1 - 2 reefs in the genoa. For dinner, we had cheeseburgers in paradise with Arby’s curly fries.