BVI 2020 Day 01 Norman Island

We had a great sleep aboard Firebolt.
The A/C units kept us nice and cool all night.
We were up all up at 7am, as Walter started the generator to make coffee.

For breakfast we had bagels and yogurt:

Debbie and Colleen

Jon and Dude

The ladies took a cab to Riteway supermarket and got all the fresh provisions we needed.

At 09:30 all the boys got a briefing on the boat.
Ross did an overview of all the systems on the boat.
Motors
Generator
Batteries
Water
Anchor
Dinghy
Electrical

He was were very thorough.

We were treated to a beautiful rainbow:

Happy Valentines Day
I had packed some chocolates and cinnamon hearts for Rita.

Hans and Walter holding the dingy stable

At 11:00 Walter and I got the chart briefing in the office.
Here they layed out were we can anchor and such.
What is open.
Where we cannot go (example north shore of Tortola)

We left the dock a little after noon and headed out towards Norman Island

In Tortola Harbour, we rigged up a double reef in the main, as it was blowing 25+ knots, and there were threatening thunderstorm cells coming from the east.

Click for BIGGER

Trip Odometer : 5.44 miles
Moving Time: 01:16:00
Moving Average: 4.3 knots
Max Speed: 9.1 knots

Winds were from the SE, we sailed with the double reef and partial jib, sailing on a close reach.
On a catamaran, you can't sail too close to the wind.
Inside 45 degrees, your speed drops off.

After about half an hour, one cell came through, so we furled in the jib and rode it out.
We got PELTED by rain and 35+ knot winds.
Boat took it nicely.

When it passed, we motor sailed at low RPM due south to Norman Island.
We turned the motor off and unfurl the jib around Peter Island.

We took a day ball at Treasure Point for almost 3 hours.
Everyone went for a swim and a snorkle.

We then moved over The Bite Bay, home of the Willy T bar and the Bite restaurant.

As we motored to the ball, the winds picked up (40+ knots) with major rain.

From inside the cabin

There was major wind and rain for the rest of the night, and we decided to not venture with the dingy to the Willy Ts.

Debbie made dinner on the boat, Indonesian Nasi Goring and Chicken Saute.  (very Dutch)