Como No in Antigua

[Como No Cruising]

Since our previous post we left Guadaloupe for Antigua, with a good weather window. Well, the weather gurus missed this one. Instead of the clear blue skies and gentle east, south east winds of 12 -15 knots we had solid rain squalls and hard winds from North East. Right on the nose. In one squall we recorded 38 knots. It was not a fun trip.

We were planning to depart a few days ago for St. Martin on an overnight passage, but when doing our rigging check we discovered a cracked turnbuckle toggle on the aft lower shroud. Not a good thing for offshore sailing in strong trades. At the time of our planned departure we were anchored off Jolly Harbor, Antigua. Since we could not replace our rigging part there we headed back to Falmouth Harbor. Antigua Rigging was able to supply us with a new Navtec turnbuckle and toggle for $61 USD. Now we were ready to weigh anchor for St. Martin.. Unfortunately the so called "Christmas Winds", which did not materialize in December, made their appearance. We are now experiencing 20 to 25 knot trades with the attendant large seas. No respite is anticipated for about a week, so it looks like we are destined to wait and watch the Super Yacht Cup races which take place this weekend; Jan 28 to 30.

When sitting here at anchor close to all the super yachts and Mega yachts we feel like our humble home must compare as to an ant to an elephant. Most of the mainsails on these yachts would cost more than our boat and all its gear. We need to get out of here and back to where the real cruisers are.

At least the climate is cool and comfortable, so our waiting for a weather window is not unpleasant.

Will & Annie