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B.V.I. Sailing Trip 18 Feb 2011 to 27 Feb 2011

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Part 14: The Sir Francis Drake Channel and Marina Cay

 

Saturday, 24 February 2011 (continued)

Eric Stone was playing on Marina Cay later this afternoon, so we left Peter Island and headed out for a long, beautiful sail up the Drake Channel.

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As we were sailing, I had to take a mental step back to appreciate it...We were in the heart of the Sir Francis Drake Channel, and I couldn't help but think about what it was like to be sailing through here three or four hundred years ago. The times had definitely changed for the better. We were here for pleasure, enjoying the sights, and loving the feel of the trade winds on our warm faces. The early adventurers and sailors passed through here looking for new lands, heading to battle, and looking for instant wealth. Most struggled and suffered, and many died in the heat and dangers of the West Indies. To slaves on St. John, the Sir Francis Drake Channel was all that separated their horrific lives from freedom. Many were killed or drowned trying to swim or boat across to Tortola. I felt lucky. I was here for pleasure, and the hardships of the past were long gone.

We started tacking again and headed northeast for Marina Cay. From Deadman's Bay on Peter Island, we headed northeast, back across the Drake Channel towards Beef Island. Along the way, we passed Dead Chest Island, Salt Island, Cooper Island, and Ginger Island. As we passed Road Town, Tortola, we headed directly into the path of a departing cruise ship. It was an amazing sight to come so close to it and see how fast it was really moving.

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Upon approaching Beef Island, we turned southeast in the direction of Ginger Island. From there we turned northwest, which finally allowed us to get past Beef Island, and end up directly at Marina Cay.

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Tiff and I were feeling lazy, so we stayed on the boat while the rest of the group dinghied over to the island. After we got ready, we headed over and met up with them at the bar on Marina Cay. We got a couple drinks and enjoyed the music and another beautiful sunset.

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After the sun went down it was dinner time, and Kristian was at the dock to pick us up. Dinner was, yet again, wonderful. After dinner, we just hung out on the back of the boat, playing games and watching the stars.

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B.V.I. Sailing Trip 18 Feb 2011 to 27 Feb 2011

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