Table of Contents
British Virgin Islands, Jan 2014
Leopard 384 Serenite
Hannah invited me to join her on a sailing trip around the BVIs for a couple weeks. As we were emailing each other to exchange information (flight, passport, address, etc.), I happened to ask her the cost of the charter and provisioning. Chartering a Leopard 384 at that time ran us $8,000 (about $1,500 per person), and she estimated food would run $300 per person for the trip.
my bf asked me if u wanna be our treasurer-haha-I think u r the most qualified to handle money :) so i say bring at least 2-300 bucks for provisioning-joe says the treasurer has to wear a fanny pack :)
…to which I replied…
Lol yeah sure, I’d be honored to be the treasurer. Must I wear a fanny pack?
As you’ll see among the final images, I took that job quite seriously.
When I landed in Tortola, I took a taxi to the Moorings and messaged Hannah. Most everyone had arrived and were hanging out by the pool. Joe was busy blowing up an inflatable swan. Both the swan and the dinosaur made comfortable berths on the trampoline while on passage (the swan aboard Pipsea and the dinosaur aboard Serenite).
While some continued to relax by the pool, a few of us went to provision. As some of you can tell, I enjoy cooking, so I had a vested interest in making sure I knew what ingredients would be brought aboard. When we returned to the marina, there were last minute reassignments and I was reassigned from Pipsea (skippered by Joe) to Serenite (skippered by Slava).
I recall finding out later that Hannah argued with Joe later that night. I wasn’t put out by it though. Slava was going to gain a skilled crew (racer, galley cook) who knew her way around a boat, and in retrospect, it really didn’t matter. Both boats were a lot of fun, and we would take turns hosting breakfast and dinner aboard at anchor.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Monday, Jan 20) depart Wickams Cay II 9 am. Head to Marina Cay, explore shops and resorts, snorkeling.
Day 2 (Tuesday, Jan 21) head to Virgin Gorda - The Baths for a day stop, lunch and return to Marina Cay for night anchoring.
Day 3 (Wednesday, Jan 22) head towards Gorda Sound within Virgin Gorda, moor boats near Bitter End Yacht Club. crew free to roam. good snorkeling at Necker Island.
Day 4 (Thursday, Jan 23) entire day will be spent in Gorda Sound. crew free to roam, fishing expeditions, jet skiing, kite surfing, resorts and spas available. resupply.
Day 5 (Friday, Jan 24) depart Gorda Sound. head to Anegada. moor boats. fresh lobster dinner on shore.
Day 6 (Saturday, Jan 25) entire day will be spent in Anegada. scooter rentals available. crew free to roam.
Day 7 (Sunday, Jan 26) depart Anegada, heads towards Jost van Dyke. stop at the Soggy Dollar bar, party at Foxy’s.
Day 8 (Monday, Jan 27) resupply at Sopers Hole, west end. anchor at Norman island, party at Willie T’s if its open.
Day 9 (Tuesday, Jan 28) snorkeling at the Indians. anchor at Peter Island.
Day 10 (Wednesday, Jan 29) depart Peter Island for Wickams Cay, arrive by 11 am.
Log Book
On the advice of Charlie from CSC, I began to track my charter experiences in a sailing log book for this trip. Best decision I ever made.
The one I use is “The International Marine Log Book” created by C. Dale Nouse formerly editor of Cruising World magazine and executive editor of Practical Sailor magazine. The log book is available on Amazon. It is complete, compact and durable. It has areas to record your boat’s entire cruising history, vital navigational aid, concise and accurate weather-forecasting system (e.g., wind force, sea state, barometer and forecast), daily checklist of your boat’s mechanical systems, and becomes a journal of your activities each day.
Using notes from the log book and photos on my hard drive, I was able to recall each of the days however perhaps footage does an even better job. If you would like to see a video of the trip, click through to Navick’s Youtube Channel.
Sailing Highlights
- hiking out on the windward side to decrease heel and increase our speed (a.k.a. human whisker pole)
- racing Pipsea enroute to Virgin Gorda and again to Anegada
- navigating through shallow channel on our approach to Anegada, where groundings are common
- exhilarating downwind sailing through isolated storms from Anagada to Jost van Dyke
- sailing with the crew of Pipsea from Diamond Cay to Great Harbor - they were so chill, while Serenite loved to race - it was good to experience the contrast
Life Highlights
- losing my credit card, debit card, and drivers license
- Phoebe took a tumble down below and split her lip
- exploring the caves at the Baths
- gas tank missing or stolen; must paddle back to the boat
- exploring Spanish Town with Joanne
- lounging at Saba Rock
- crazy minivan drive to lobster dinner on Anegada
- rolly anchorage at Anegada
- swimming to shore to Soggy Dollar Bar
- snorkeling around the Indians
- listening to Counting Stars by One Republic
- Benny’s 35th birthday celebration and doing condiment shots
Food Highlights
- pan seared Caribbean chicken with dirty rice
- lobster dinner on Anegada
- shepherd’s pie
- ramen burgers
- curry chicken bread pudding
- painkillers, dark & stormy, and mystery punch aboard Serenite
After getting back home, I emailed my thanks to Hannah and wrote,
“Hands down, it was one of the best times – visually stunning, adventuresome sailing and silliest drinking vacation I could ever have.”
CYC, Summer 2014
Jeanneau 43 Pacific
Upon returning from the BVI trip, I continued to sail every other week with CSC. When I expressed an interest in racing in the summer again, Jan from CSC introduced me to a few members of the Cal Yacht Club.
A few introductions later led me to Whitney, who owned a Jeanneau 43 Pacific. She was recruiting for the upcoming CYC Wednesday summer races as well as Women at the Helm regattas. Out of a group of 15 crew, 8-10 of us would rotate in each Wednesday throughout the summer.
After the first outing on June 25th, I invited Andrew to join the crew on future races. To level-up our skills, Whitney also hired an experienced racing coach, and we set aside one Sunday session so he could train us to work more seamlessly together.
On the very next outing, we took first place.
This summarizes my sailing experience prior to meeting Andrew. Stay tuned for Andrew’s story, the “prequel” to this timeline.
Thanks for reading!
Share Sailing Resume Part 3 with your friends:
Stay up to date with our content releases, by subscribing to our RSS Feed or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
If you would like to delve deeper into our adventure as it unfolds, please consider joining the Serenade Wind Crew. Our sister site provides more information on what it means to be part of the crew, unlock the pirate’s booty, and receive other exclusive access and benefits.The first 50 members have a gift waiting.