Captain’s Log: Breezing Along
The Basics
The boat: Peaceful Sol, a 2018 Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40
Crew: Captain JT (instructor)
ASA Students: Marcel and Phyllis
Courses Completed: ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran)
Day 1: Off to the races!
This crew wasted no time hitting the open waters! Phyllis and Marcel have big plans of bareboating together after they become ASA certified and Phyllis is excited to gain confidence out on the open water.
By the end of day 1, both crew members were getting a great hang of maneuvers under power and responding to the boat. By afternoon, they were ready for a bit of a break and took the opportunity to snorkel with the sea turtles in Little Lameshur Bay. They even saw a small shark!
Day 2: Speeding away
Day 2 brought some fabulous, strong winds to the sailors. The crew practiced tacking and holding a course while under sail in 8+ knot winds! As they sped along, they discussed stand on and give way situations as they approached other boats. By afternoon, they had also practiced heaving-to and anchoring in Coral Bay. The sailors ended the day of sailing by studying their ASA books and eating tacos!
Day 3: Continuing to breeze by
Fair winds abound! This crew couldn’t have asked for better sailing weather as day 3 brought in another fresh breeze. Phyllis and Marcel practiced reefing, tacking, and jibing. They sailed around the east end of St. John, downwind through the Narrows, and into Maho Bay in no time. After mooring, they had plenty of time to dive into the warm waters for a snorkel session!
Day 4: Getting a little sporty
The winds started to get a little sporty on day 4 but nothing this crew couldn’t handle! Phyllis and Marcel made a passage plan for the day, practiced charting/navigation, and set sail. They departed Maho Bay and headed north of St. John tacking our way up to Sandy Cay. The howling wind made for great reefing practice. The crew stuck to the second reef for most of the day and Captain JT noted just how amazing they sailed in the conditions! They then ended their day’s lessons with man overboard drills before sailing downwind to Caneel Bay for another evening of snorkeling.
Day 5: That’s enough wind!
24 knot winds made for some very high winds on day 5 of this learn to sail adventure. The seas churned around the sailors in Pillsbury Sound. They did a three point fix out in the Sound and then motor sailed over to Christmas Cove for some protection. A better day for pizza and snorkeling than sailing, they decided!
Day 6: Fair winds and following seas
The crew took in the views from their sailboat one last time before leaving their mooring and heading back to Compass Point. After saying their goodbyes to Captain JT, Phyllis and Marcel made their way over to Secret Harbour for one more night on the island. It was a week full of fair winds, with the hope of just as fun conditions for when this couple heads out on their first bareboat adventure!