Ship’s Log

 

 

 

 

Sail BVI 2006 Log Book

 

Boat:                   ISLAND ALCHEMY                                                                  

Captain:             Tony Colizzi                                                                                   

First Mate:         Carrie Luhn                                                                                   

Crew:                  Blanding Levin                                                                             

William Levin                                                                                

Mary Louise Adams                                                                     

Jordan Kruse                                                                                

Chelsea Koontz                                                                            


SHIP’S LOG

                                                                                      DATE: 07/05/06               

Skipper of the Day:_Blanding Levin____________Navigator:  Coach Colizzi                           

Port of Embarkation: Nanny Cay, Tortola                                                                                          

Destination:       The Bight, Norman Island                                                                                               

Weather, Wind, and Sea Conditions:     Partly Cloudy, good wind, 3 ft seas                                            

Time of Departure:        12:30                                                Total Distance:  6.1 nm                              

From:   18o 24.2’ N     64o 37.7’ W        To: 18o 19.7’ N    64o 38.7’ W                Course: 215o   Distance: 4.7 nm             

From:   18o 19.7’ N      64o 38.7’ W     To: 18o  19’ N       64o 37.2’ W                       Course: 141o      Distance:  1.4 nm            

From:                                       To:                                           Course:        Distance:                       

Total Distance/Average Speed = Number of hours of Sail:1hr 20 min ETA:           1:50             

 

Skipper of the Day Comments:  We woke up at sun rise to the sounds of cows and chickens.  Nanny Cay is sheltered from the wind so it was a hot as hell.  We got our food from Ample Hamper, scuba Steve briefed us on the part and duties of the boat.  After lunch, we set sail with Henry.  He helped us learn to work together and to sail.  We sailed to the Bight at Norman Island.  Apparently I was to slow in getting the sails lowered and was tackled by Henry.  He was upset.  We finally moored near Willy T’s and set out for our first snorkel.  We saw many colorful and exciting fish.  We then went over to the caves for a snorkel.  We went into the caves which were dark and awesome.  Lasagna was fixed by Mary Louise and Jordan.  After words we ate cake for my birthday.  It was a pretty good start to our trip.

 

Captain’s Log:  After a slow start in the morning we finally set sail around noon.  The crew was a bit timid and overwhelmed at the beginning but by the time we reached the Bight they were feeling a little more relaxed.  I think they were also intimidated by Henry.  They did a great job grabbing the mooring ball for the first time.  We had pita sandwiches for lunch and then set out on our snorkel.  The caves were awesome with the sunny low in the sky to bring out the colors of the fish.  The crew enjoyed their first night on the water and we slept very well.
SHIP’S LOG

                                                                                      DATE: 07/06/06               

Skipper of the Day:_Chelsea Koontz____________Navigator:  Blanding Levin                        

Port of Embarkation: The Bight, Norman Island                                                                                       

Destination:       Soper’s Hole, Tortola                                                                                           

Weather, Wind, and Sea Conditions:     Sunny, good wind, 3 ft seas                                        

Time of Departure:        10:10                                                Total Distance:  6.1 nm                              

From:   18o  19’ N       64o 37.2’ W     To:       ?          N    64o 38.7’ W         Course: 300o            Distance: 5.6 nm             

From:   ? N      64o 38.7’ W                        To: 18o  23’ N       64o 42.5’ W                       Course: 20o       Distance:  0.5 nm            

From:                                       To:                                           Course:        Distance:                       

Total Distance/Average Speed = Number of hours of Sail:         ?    ETA:                          

 

Skipper of the Day Comments:  Coach and Blanding woke up really early to start to set sail off towards the Indians.  I woke up right after they started the engine and same with Mary Louise.  The two of us started making breakfast.  We scrambled eggs and heated up sausages.  Then we cooked tost in the oven and burnt 4 out of 7 and mixed together the freshest orange juice you might ever taste…. Sorta.  The Jordan woke up after Carrie and Will, and comes to find that he was supposed too help make the food, yet he ended up sleeping in.  Then as I was sitting the table I split orange juice all over the table/seat.  Then after breakfast I helped Jordan clean the dishes, and he ended up loosing the bucket in the ocean and then a few seconds later a big barracuta came near the boat.  Soon after the dishes were finnished we all went snorkling round the Indians.  Then, as captin of the day, I took my crew sailing in the ocean.  We were surfing most of the waves for awhile.  Me, Mary Louise, Blanding and Jordan sat on the bow while Coach steered, Carrie got sick and Will was somewhere.  On the ride back it was a lot smother and we all sat and ate cheese and crackers and lissened to Hootie and the Blowfish.  When we got back to dock, we were finally able to go to shore to replace the water in the tanks that I happend to loose the day before due to my accadentally over flowing of the bathroom.  As I was going to find out when we were able to fill up the ships tanks I fell face first into the dingy.  Then we spent the rest of the time on shore eating, shopping and having drinks.  For dinner we came back 2 the boat to hang out, eat pizza and to 2 Jolly Pirates.

 

Captain’s Log:  After an early start we enjoyed a wonderful snorkel on the Indians.  The Indians are a rock outcropping just off of Norman Island.  This was our first chance to swim with a sea turtle.  After snorkeling we went out on the open ocean.  The swells were large, about 8 feet, but they were smooth and a good distance apart.  It was a good day to plow through the waves.  We sailed offshore into water that was over 1000 feet deep.  We then turned around and headed for Soper’s Hole on Tortola.   After lunch of hotdogs we went ashore to shop and enjoy the atmosphere of Soper’s Hole.  Many of the kids are spending their money like it is going out of style.  They will be in trouble later, it does not grow on trees down here.  We dinghy over to The Jolly Roger that evening for dessert and a bit of relaxation.   Carrie gets her chocolate fix with a chocolate mousse that is served in a wine glass.  We then head back to the boat to get some shuteye The night and early morning hours bring some rain but are followed by a wonderful sunrise.

 

 

SHIP’S LOG

                                                                                      DATE: 07/07/06               

Skipper of the Day:_Jordan Kruse____________Navigator:       Chelsea Koontz                                 

Port of Embarkation: Jost Van Dyke                                                                                          

Destination:       Tortola                                                                                          

Weather, Wind, and Sea Conditions:  Hot and Sunny                                     

Time of Departure:                                                        Total Distance:  5.7 nm                              

From:   ? N       ?    W             To:       ?          N    ?    W       Course: 300o  Distance: 1 nm                

From:   ? N      ?     W                   To:   ?    N   ?     W       Course: 20o      Distance:  1.5 nm               

From:   ? N      ?     W                   To:       ? N      ?     W               Course: 3100         Distance:  3.2 nm 

Total Distance/Average Speed = Number of hours of Sail:         ?    ETA:   ?                     

 

Skipper of the Day Comments:  I awoke later than usual which helped with the days duties.  We left Soper’s Hole a little latter than usual and sailed to White Harbor where we swam and kayaked.  We also unleashed the halyard line and swung off the bow.  The autopilot was on and made for a scary and eventful day.  We then sailed over and anchored for the night in Great Harbor, because Foxy’s Taboo was far to crowded.  After some difficultly with the anchor we ate dinner and we then went and had drinks at Foxy’s bar. It was a fun day all and all

 

Captain’s Log: We had a great sail from Soper’s Hole to White bay.  Along the way the boat lost steering and we could only go straight ahead.  After a few unnerving moments I determined that someone had turned on the autopilot by mistake.  A quick press of the button and we had complete control of our boat again.   After mooring in White Bay we ate a lunch of pita sandwiches and did some swinging off of the halyard.  William and Chelsea scare me on the halyard because they let go so soon.   We then dinghy around the point and head to Foxy’s Bar.  This is a favorite of most sailors and we never miss the chance to stop at Foxy’s.  We stroll the beach, hit the shops, relax in the hammocks, meet Foxy, and find the BE tshirt that we hung there last year to leave our mark on Foxy’s.  After some fun on shore we dinghy back to White Bay to get the boat and bring it around to Great Harbor.  We drop anchor and I spend the next 15 minutes snorkeling down to 30 feet to check on our anchor.  Normally not a difficulty but the visibility in Great Harbor is less than 10 feet.  We set a second anchor and after a dinner of chicken fajitas we head to shore to enjoy the live entertainment and Carrie has a slice of chocolate cake.  


SHIP’S LOG

                                                                                      DATE: 07/08/06               

Skipper of the Day:_Mary Louise Adams____________Navigator:  Jordan Kruse                          

Port of Embarkation: Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke                                                                                           

Destination:       Cane Garden Bay,Tortola                                                                                                           

Weather, Wind, and Sea Conditions:  Scattered Showers, Nice Breeze                                                 

Time of Departure:        9:40                                     Total Distance:  7 nm                                   

From:   180 23.7’ N        650 43.5 W               To: 180 25.5’N    650 43.5’ W            Course: 123o  Distance: 1.6 nm             

From:   180 25.5’N    650 43.5’ W                                    To: 180 27.3 N   650 42.7 W         Course: 28o       Distance:  2 nm              

From:   180 27.3 N   650 42.7 W                             To: 180 25.6 N   650 39.5 W         Course: 1180 Distance:  3.4 nm 

Total Distance/Average Speed = Number of hours of Sail:         ?    ETA:   ?                     

 

Skipper of the Day Comments:  Today we sailed out of Jhost Van Dyke and sailed over to Foxy’s Taboo it was a slow sail but we caught speed after about 30 minutes.  We motored over to Foxy’s Taboo and we went on a hike over to the whirl pool.  It was a pretty cool hike.  There were cactice everywhere.  When we got to the whirlpool it was dry but it was still really cool.  I caught a little fish by trapping it in some rocks, but let it go quickly.  We climbed some rocks and it was beautiful.  On the hike back to F.T. it started raining really hard but it felt good because it was really hot.  We motored back to the sail boat and got our snorkeling gear and motored over to Green Cay.  It was really cool b/c there was a windsurfing contest finishing up over there.  There were a butt load of boats over there.  The coral was awesome!  We saw a huge blow fish.  I think it was bigger than William even.  After we snorkeled we played on shore and went back to the boat and sailed to Cane Garden Bay.  The beach is beautiful there.  We went to the shore and played on the beach for hours.  The water was perfect. And Jordan decided to make a moe hawk in his hear and jump off the boat.  The moon is almost full.  We are going ashore tonight to hear some bands play.  I’m excited!

                          Captain Adams, out!

 

Captain’s Log:  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Foxy’s Taboo before we took a dinghy ride over to Green Cay.  The snorkeling was very good and we say many fish.  After arriving at Cane Garden Bay swung off of the halyard and played on the kayak.  While the kids played in the surf and had their chicken fights, Carrie took a nap in a hammock chair and I read my book.  We had spaghetti and salad for dinner before we headed ashore to Myett’s for live entertainment.  We are now several days into the trip and everyone is tiring of the William updates.  We have title it the “Daily William Report”

            


SHIP’S LOG

                                                                                      DATE: 07/09/06               

Skipper of the Day:__William Levin___________Navigator: Jordan Kruse                          

Port of Embarkation:                                                                                                                

Destination:                                                                                                                              

Weather, Wind, and Sea Conditions:                                                                                     

Time of Departure:                                                        Total Distance:  ?                              

From:   180 30.7’ N        640 32.5 W               To: 180 29.5’N    640 32.8’ W            Course: 100o  Distance: 3.4 nm             

From:   180 29.3’N    640 32.8’ W                        To: 180 27.4 N   640 32.2 W         Course: 165o      Distance:  3 nm              

From:   180 27.4 N   640 32.2 W                             To: 180 27.8 N   640 31.5 W         Course: 1180 Distance:  3.4 nm 

Total Distance/Average Speed = Number of hours of Sail:         ?    ETA:   ?                     

 

Skipper of the Day Comments:  I woke up late this morning to a horrible smell of boccli quish.  The quish was terrible.  After breakfast we cleaned and left Cane Garden Bay.  I sailed for a little while and reached a speed of 10.4 knots.  Choach took over and I relaxed.  After a nice long sail we reach Monkey Point.  We dingied over and started to snorkel.  We saw a sea turtle, eel and many fish.  We saw a school of about a million silver sides.  They were getting eaten by about four 3.5 foot tarpen.  Carrie aka (hard a**) got about 2 feet away from a large barracuda.  Then we went to the boat and coached cooked hamburgers.  They were all right.  We went ashore and found large snails and a crab shell and a snake.  We started to climb rocks.  Blanding went really far. Then we went back to the boat and sailed to Marina Key.  We all had showers.  We came back to the boat and had dinner.  It was Uncle Ben’s food that wasn’t that bad.  After dinner we sat around and talked about Simpsons and other good shows and Coach convinced Jordan that he was seeing whales in the Caribbean.

   

 

Captain’s Log:  After the crew devoured the quiche, all but William of course.  We had a nice sail to Monkey Point.  It was a long sail as the wind was coming directly out of Monkey Point.  We took some great pictures of the kids on the rocks, had a short rain shower, ate lunch and then headed for Marina Cay.  The kids raced ashore for their showers.  They had not had a shower on shore for 2 days.  William had a window break in the shower while he was in there.  While the kids showered Carrie and I enjoyed some quiet time in the library bar over looking the ocean.  After raiding the Marina Cay store we headed back to the boat for a wonderful dinner of Chicken Curry.  We finished the night by watching the waves that Jordan believed were whales (he even heard one blow) and watching the lightning.  It looks like we may have a blow this evening.  We also got to watch a boat try to grab a mooring ball in the darkness.  They struggled a little in finding the ball.   Tomorrow we head to the Bitter End which is good for some of the crew that has blown through their $200 of spending money with 5 days still to go.  Chelsea also discovers that Pepsi is now bottling their product in Coke Cans.

SHIP’S LOG

                                                                                      DATE: 07/10/06               

Skipper of the Day: __Carrie Luhn___________  Navigator:    Mary Louise Adams                        

Port of Embarkation:     Marina Cay                                                                                                        

Destination:       The Baths and Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda                                                                          

Weather, Wind, and Sea onditions:   overcast, windy and big swells                                                             

Time of Departure:                                                        Total Distance:  ?                              

From:   180 27.7’ N        640 31.5 W               To: 180 25.8’N    640 27’ W            Course: 113o  Distance: 5 nm               

From:               ?                                  To:   ?                Course: 359o    Distance:  2.6 nm            

From:               ?                                  To:   ?                Course: 280 Distance:  5.9 nm 

Total Distance/Average Speed = Number of hours of Sail:         ?    ETA:   ?                     

Skipper of the Day Comments:  Very early this morning Coach and Blanding sailed us from Marina Cay to the Baths on Virgin Gorda.  The weather was very nasty, with strong winds and very rough seas.  Once we reached the Baths the weather cleared, and we ate a ncie breakfast of muffins.  After breakfast, we began our exploration of the rocks at the Baths.  We all climbed to the high point in the rocks and took a group photo.  The climb to the high point was interesting because Chelsea and Mary Louise kept freaking out, but luckily in the end we all made it to the top safely.  After climbing around, we went snorkeling.  The snorkeling was different at the Baths from the other locations we had been, for it was much more rocky.  We saw pretty much the same fish we had been seeing at other reefs, until I cam upon a shark.  I was swimming down into a canyon looking area when I saw a large shark sitting under a rock at the bottom.  Coach later told us that it was a nurse shark about 5 or 6 feet long.  It never approached us, so we all took pictures of it and then continued on. 

     William and I saw a pretty good sized stingray later during the snorkeling.  After we were done snorkeling we swam to a rock that coach and his BVI groups would annually jump off of.  The area around the rock was coined “The Toilet” by Jordan because the tide would suck you into a crevice at the bottom of the rock and then spit you back out.  Everyone had a great time jumping off the rock, except one time Chelsea almost hit it because she didn’t jump far enough out.  Luckily she was ok though.  After jumping several times each, we all swam back to the boat and ate lunch.  Then, we set sail for Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda.  The sail over there was extremely slow.  I think the fastest we got was 5.5 kts.  The winds were just not in our favor.  At one point during the sail, our boat completely shut off and we lost all power.  I went to turn the motor on to get us moving a little faster, when everything shut off.  Coach kept saying I had broken the boat, but he soon realized that we had a serious problem. We had had no control over our boat b/c our entire electrical panel had died and our boat wasn’t moving.  He phone Horizon and the person talked Coach through temporarily fixing the switchboard.  We once again got control of our boat and continued to sail with the help of the motor to Bitter End.  We reached Bitter End at about 3:30 and went ashore to just chill.  We shopped a little and checked out the bars.  Later that evening we went back ashore and listened to a steel drum band and a DJ that played music from Bob Marley to Keith Urban.  The winds were very strong the whole night, and for once, it didn’t rain while we were trying to sleep.  All in all it was a very eventful day in the British Virgin Islands.

 

Captain’s Log:  After a very windy night at Marina Cay, a night in which Jordan slept very little, Blanding and I had a very wet motor over to the Baths.  The hike through and the climb to the top of the Baths was very exciting.  It even involved a small leap of faith.  Blanding, Jordan and I served as climbing aids to the others who were struggling on the climb.  They pulled on us, held onto us and even climbed up and over us.  The view at the top was amazing.  The snorkel back from the end of the island not only included a shark but also some fun snorkels through underwater arches.  As Carrie mentioned the sailing had some interesting moments.  Losing motor power was a bit disturbing but we were far from land so we were not in any serious danger.  We sailed past Richard Branson’s private Neckar Island.  He is the billionaire that owns Virgin records and his house on the island has been on MTV Cribs.  At BEYC we also enjoyed relaxing on the beach and doing some crossword puzzles and reading our books.  Some of the crew are very upset as they have learned that their parents are unable to wire them money to BEYC.  They are angry with the receptionist at BEYC.  I believe they are taking their frustration of being broke out on the receptionist.    Before heading back to shore for the evening, we have a wonderful dinner of steaks, broccoli and cake.   While ashore Carrie and I watch the replay of world cup soccer championship while the kids explore the island.  Jordan thought it would be funny to tell us who won the soccer match with only 5 minutes left in regulation and the match tied at one apiece.  Completely ruining the rest of the match for us.

 

SHIP’S LOG

                                                                                      DATE: 07/11/06               

Skipper of the Day: __Coach Colizzi___________  Navigator:          none                                        

Port of Embarkation:     No sailing today.                                                                                                

Destination:       The Baths and Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda                                                                          

Weather, Wind, and Sea Conditions:  Beautifully sunny morning                                                              

Time of Departure:                                                        Total Distance:  ?                              

Skipper of the Day Comments:  The morning starts with a nice breakfast of pancakes.  After breakfast we head to shore around 11:00 to relax and enjoy the BEYC.  Carrie and I assume our position on beach chairs with our books and crosswords in hand.  The crew has determined that their parents can buy them gift certificates that they can use on the island.  All is better with the crew.  So much better that two of the crew schedule manicures!   The money is already burning a hole.  After a delicious lunch of mac and cheese we head back to shore to relax some more.  The crew rents two Hobie cats and sets out to sail the sound. (What sound does it make).  I follow in our dinghy toget picture s of them as they sail and flip.  They appear to have great fun.  Carrie continues to enjoy her beach chair, she is giving her skin a break from the salt water.  The crew returns from their sail and cools off in the water.  Blanding and Mary Louise head off for some alone time while William and Jordan are attacked by a yeti.  Their attempts to fight him off are futile.  After a walk along the beach the crew heads back to the boat for tacos.  After a very tasty dinner and showers on shore the crew takes a water taxi over to SABA rock.  The whole island (rock) is covered by a restaurant.  We enjoy a round of hot fudge brownies and Carrie’s chocolate craving is fixed again.  After the sundaes we step outside to watch the tarpon feeding in the light along the dock.  We then head back to the boat to end a perfect day at BEYC.  Tomorrow we will head to Cooper Island.

 

 

  

 

 

 

SHIP’S LOG

                                                                                      DATE: 07/12/06               

Skipper of the Day: __Chelsea Koontz___________  Navigator:       William Levin                                       

Port of Embarkation:     Bitter End Yacht Club                                                                                     

Destination:       Cooper Island                                                                                         

Weather, Wind, and Sea Conditions:  sunny windy                                                               

Time of Departure:        8:50                                     Total Distance:  14.1 nm                            

From:   180 25.8’ N        640 27.5 W               To: 180 30.5’N    640 23.5’ W            Course: 303o  Distance: 1.3 nm             

From:   180 30.5’ N        640 23.5 W               To: 180 32.8’N    640 22.5’ W            Course: 338o    Distance:  1 nm              

From:   180 32.8’ N        640 22.5 W               To: 180 29.5’N    640 25’ W            Course: 2450         Distance:  2.8 nm 

From:   180 29.5’ N        640 23.5 W               To: 180 22.5’N    640 30.5’ W            Course: 2080         Distance:  9 nm                   

 

Total Distance/Average Speed = Number of hours of Sail:         3.5hrs ETA:   ?                     

Skipper of the Day Comments:  Yesterday we all woke up to eat cereal and then got our boat ready for our long sail from the yacht club to Cooper Island.  I was the captain but I dident drive the boat that much since I obviously don’t know how, that well.  So once we got here we ate lunch cleaned the gallery and then coach, carrie, me, will and Jordan snorkled while Blanding and Mary Louise hung out on the boat.  We say many things out there like schools of jelly fish, baracuta, and sting rays.  When we got back all the kids went over to the beach to hand out.  Then me and Jordan came back to the boat for bout a half hour until we went back to the beach where coach and carrie took the dingy back to the boat while we all went to the bar, beach and gift shops.  Then we all came back and got ready to to out to our nice dinner.  Then  round 630 we left to go eat and it seemed every one enjoyed their first meal in 10 days that we dident have to cook ourselves.

 

Captain’s Log:  We had a very nice sail for the Bitter End Yacht Club to Cooper Island.  We sailed past Mosquito Island, the Dogs, The Baths, and along Tortola. Today was the first day that the crew did all of the sailing.  I got to sit back and just watch.  The first hour or so was a bit of confusion but they did finally get their act together.  However dropping the main when the captain says to raise the jib (genoa) was not to impressive.  We arrive at Cooper Island and have a wonderful lunch of hotdogs and chips.  We swing off of the halyard for a while before we head out to snorkel the rock off of Cooper Island.  Jordan shows us his rendition of forgetting to let go of the halyard before you come back to the boat.  He stops himself with his head as it slams into the boom.  I guess that is why they call it the boom.  The kids snorkel for about 30 minutes before they are worn out and head back to the boat.  Carrie and I continue to snorkel for another 45 minutes.  We run into schools of Sergeant Majors with several thousand fish in each school.  We also have a sea turtle and a rather large eagle ray swim in to check us out.  This was the first snorkel of the year that we saw a school of squid.

Dinner out at Cooper Island was wonderful as usual.  We had chicken, mahi mahi, fritters, rotis, and of course desert of fudge covered brownies.  We enjoyed dinner while watch the sun set over Tortola.

SHIP’S LOG

                                                                                       DATE: 07/13/06               

Skipper of the Day: __Mary Louise Adams__________  Navigator: Blanding Levin                          

Port of Embarkation:     Cooper Island                                                                                            

Destination:       ?                                                                                                  

Weather, Wind, and Sea Conditions:          ?                                                                    

Time of Departure:        ?                                              Total Distance:  ?                                 

From:               ?                                  To:   ?                Course: 302o    Distance:  1.2 nm            

From:               ?                                  To:   ?                Course: 2770    Distance:  6.1 nm 

Total Distance/Average Speed = Number of hours of Sail:         ?    ETA:   ?                     

Skipper of the Day Comments:  Today we woke up and Blanding, William and Coach went and scuba dived to the wreck of the Rhone.  The saw the ship and a giant sting ray.  The saw a lot of cooler stuff but I was not there.  It was the deepest dive William and Blanding had ever done.  Back at the sail boat Jordan, Carrie, Chelsea and I cleaned the boat and then a massive storm blew in and it was awesome.  We could barely see land.  After the boat was clean we went to shore and had a basket of conch fritters.  They are freaking awesome.  After that we layed on the beach and waited for Coach, Blanding and William.  Laying in the sun felt really good.  When they came back we ate lunch and set sail.  The sail was great.  It was a nice smooth sail.  When we were pulling into harbor we got caught on the mooring line of a small boat moored in the channel.  The boat then bumped into the side of our boat.  It left marks on the boat and I felt real bad.  We are back and Nanny Cay and are preparing to leave.           Captain Adams, out.

 

Captain’s Log:  After a potluck breakfast the divers are picked up by the Blue Water Dive Boat.  Blanding almost misses the boat and he is ashore playing with a turtle.  What a great day of diving on the Rhone.  We say many schools of fish, a moray eel and many lobsters.  We rubbed the Captain spoon and the lucky porthole for good luck.  Our first dive was around 80’ and we dove on the bow section.  We were able to swim through section of the ship and identify many of the ships structures.  The second dive was on the stern of the ship and we saw the propeller of the ship which was 15 feet in diameter.  We had a wonderful dinner of pizza at Peg Leg’s Restaurant compliments of coach.  After showering at some of the most amazing bathrooms in the Caribbean the crew settled down for a short nights rest before rising at 5:00 to head to the airport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Captain’s Final Log:

This has been a great trip a many of the crew have learned a lot about sailing.   Most know how to raise the main, the jib and how to sheet or ease a sail.   Most have learned how to keep the boat on a heading without staring at the compass and steering us of course.  Most even learned how to react to the boats movement without over compensating, causing us to travel in an S pattern.  Some have learned how to navigate but need to work on filling out their logs so that we have a record of our navigation.  However, their inability to identify different islands after 10 days of sailing through them disturbs me a little, especially since we sail by line of site from island to island.  No Mary Louise for the last time that is not St. Thomas! J  We even survived listening to every one of Blanding’s scratched CD’s.

 

Over all the crew did very well and hopefully they have a greater love and appreciation for sailing and the fragile coral reef ecosystem.

 

All of the previous logs were direct translations of the captain of the day entries.  No editing was done.

 

Our Flying (or lack there of) Ordeal:

The morning starts out well our taxi driver is 30 minutes early and we get to the airport in plenty of time.  We arrive at about the same time as the Sail Caribbean crew of 60 kids.  We wait in line for our tickets for about 1 hour when we find out that our flight has been cancelled.  The guy at the desk says we have three options.  We can catch a later flight but we will miss our 2:17 flight out of San Juan.  The good news is we could catch a later flight to Newark.  However, we will have to spend the night in Newark.  The next option is to spend the night in Tortola and try again tomorrow.  The third option is to catch a private charter to San Juan and make our 2:17 flight.  After discussions with the parent over the phone we decide to go with the private charter.  Our pilot shows up about three hours later and we hop in a nine seater.  Carrie is a bit concerned about this flight, especially with Jordan as the copilot.  We make it to San Juan and get to the continental gate 3 hours before our flight.  We each lunch and wait for our flight.  At 1:45 we are informed that the plane has a flat tire and they will need some time to fill it.  We are concerned because our layover in Newark is only 30 minutes.  At 2:17 they make an announcement that they are unable to fix the problem with the wheel and that the flight will be delayed.  After standing in line for two hours and the parents back home trying to find us a flight on another airline, I get fed up and head down to the Delta desk where we are now supposed to have tickets to fly home at 4:30.  The problem is that it is 4:10 and they will not let us on the plane.  I head back up to Continentals desk only to find out that our plane will not be leaving until 12:30 am, eight hours from now.  Continental gives us two hotels rooms and dinner vouchers.  After dinner we all head up to our rooms to get a short nap.  At 11:30 we head back to the Continental desk to fly home.  We are then informed that the flight has been further delayed until 10am.  The hotel did not call our room to let us know that.  We again head back to the room for a few hours sleep.  After a quick continental breakfast I go down to continental to find out if our plane will be leaving on time, of course it is delayed again until 12:30 or 1:00.  At this point I tell Continental that I want to be switched to a different airline and I would like them to arrange it.  After another 2 hours we are switched to Delta but our flight is not until 2:30.  I decide to get a taxi and take the kids into Old San Juan and tour the fort.  We arrive at the fort but 3 of the kids decide they would rather eat then tour the fort, so they cross the street in search of a restaurant.  Mary Louise, Blanding, Carrie and I have a wonderful time touring the fort.  While we are touring the fort we get a call from the other three that they could not find a place to eat so they have headed back to the airport.  We also get a call from the other three, while we are eating at El Jibarito’s, and they are stuck at the hotel without a room key.  We tell them that we will be back shortly.  We have a wonderful lunch of tamales, chicken and steak along with a local cream soda with 53 grams of sugar.  Uncle Omar and his nephew Angel treat us like kings and we thoroughly enjoy or lunch.  Our shortly turns out to be about an hour and they have finally made it into the room as Chelsea realized she had a key in her bag.  We then head down to Delta to catch our flight home.  After two uneventful flights we end up back in Charleston 25 hours after our scheduled time.