Sailing Ohana

Worried that the entrance to Norman’s Pond was too narrow and shallow, but also that there wouldn’t be enough protection from the winds at our current anchorage, we had some really tough decisions to make about the best option for our next location. It was tricky because the winds were shifting from the South to the West and all the way around to easterly over the next several days, so we wanted to find a spot that had more protection than almost any of these islands provide. There was much debate, arguing, crying, frustration, and pressure as Norman’s Cay anchorage emptied out first thing in the morning… It felt like everyone had a plan except us. We finally agreed that we would join our new friends on Highborne Cay where it looked like there would be a nice spot to anchor near the marina. It was a great sail up because we were going with the waves, but once we arrived and attempted to set the anchor as planned, it became clear that we could not stay where we had hoped. There wasn’t good holding for the anchor and it dragged, but since it was close to some rocks we couldn’t put out more rode to help with that; it was also in an area with a lot of current so we would swing dramatically with the tides. After calling the marina for a slip and learning they had no room, we decided would tough it out for one bumpy night on the west side anchorage and have good protection for the rest of the blow the following days.

After being on edge for the entire day, my nerves were frazzled. The boys were bored and wanted to swim off the boat but I was worried about the choppy water and waves. Spencer spent some time playing with our (very important) bucket that has a rope line and handles attached to it, which we use to collect water several times a day. Long story short, he dropped the bucket in the water and it started drifting away. We all jumped into action and started to drop down the dinghy to go get the bucket, but in our hurry, Jackson and I forgot to unclip the dinghy davit, and the line got jammed and tangled. Feeling discouraged and incompetent, I watched the bucket getting smaller and smaller… Luckily a man in a small power boat came by and I flagged him down and he retrieved it for us. Tommy was able to fix the davit and the waves calmed a bit so I tied a fender from the water onto the boat for a floatation device for the boys and let them jump in, close to the boat. I either didn’t tighten the knot enough or I tied it incorrectly, but the fender came loose from the line and drifted off as well. Fortunately we had the dinghy in the water and Tommy was able to go after it.

Sitting on the rocky boat as waves crashed and made it nearly impossible to go to the beach or take Morris ashore, it was a pretty miserable afternoon. We had a family discussion about what we each felt we needed, and agreed to commit to a bit of a “re-set”. Our friends from SV Grace braved a quick dingy ride over to check on us and take our trash to the marina for us, which we have learned is an invaluable and generous gift for a cruiser. They commiserated and related with stories that reassured us we are not alone in having boat drama while living aboard a sailboat! No photos on this post because I was too grumpy to take any.