Two Ways to Go: The Helfats Sail

By Bernard Helfats

1993

Over the years Lucille and I have sailed extensively in the Caribbean. We usually travel in late January and early February and have found from Antigua south to Grenada the wind to be around fifteen to twenty knots- nice sailing. North of Antigua and in the Virgin Islands it's likely to be lighter. But this year we decided to travel with our children, daughter-in4aw, and grandchildren who could only get away during school's Christmas break. That's how we came to meet the "Christmas Winds."

It blew from the Northeast. Some days were fifteen to twenty, but there were others when the anemometer swung to twenty, twenty-five, and gusted to thirty-five. One twenty-four hour period was positively unbearable. We found shelter in the lee of Marina Cay, dropped two anchors, and were able to sleep through the night. The boat was from Sun Yachts in Tortola: a stable, fast, comfortable 47'Centurion- France's answer to the Swan.

When cruising by ourselves or with other experienced couples, eight-hour days are not uncommon; real distances can be covered. Sailing with teenagers and some family members who preferred lighter winds called for some re-thinking. The Virgins are perfect for short-hop day sailing. They're like a daisy chain. Each morning after breakfast we developed a plan based on wind conditions. We considered nearby islands for snorkeling, wind surfing, underwater photography opportunities, and availability to a good restaurant for dinner ashore. After reefing the sails we headed off for another day's adventure.

Some of our favorite anchorages are Drake's Anchorage, East of Mosquito Island, Sprat Bay, Peter's Island, an area just east of the Virgin Gorda Yacht harbor, and the bay northeast of Marina Cay - Moorings are available at a reasonable price on a first-come first-served basis and all are within short dinghy rides of good restaurants.

It was a good vacation. There was a bit less sailing due to the weather, the boys got their knocks while trying to windsurf, the disturbed water swirled in front of my underwater camera; but we were all together and isn't that what family cruising is all about? Without a doubt we all had a good time.