LOG OF THE CRESTA BLANCA

 

CREW:             BILL AND CARRIE SAEGART

       FLORENCE JOHN

      ARCH BASSETT

            SHARON WINGATE

PAT HORN

         DAVID SAEGART

                      DAVE AND DORIS GREER

9/21/83 (Wednesday)

Our day began at 5:00 AM. Early arrival of the Red Top Limo Service caught us unawares, but alas, Bill, Carrie, Arch and Sharon piled in for an uneventful trip to the Miami Airport. After checking our baggage we proceeded to the Miami International Hotel (right there in the Airport) where we were to meet our fifth crew member, Florence, who had flown in the night before from Tucson, AZ. We phoned Florence in her room---she was all set to go, so joined us promptly in the Hotel lobby. Bill checked Florence’s baggage in with the aid of a Sky Cap we hooked at top speed over to BVI Airlines for the next leg of our journey. Once there, we discovered that our 12:07 flight did not operate during this time of year and for that matter hadn’t done so for three months. (It is rather disconcerting to find out how many secrets the airlines keep from Travel Agents.) After a three-hour delay and a “delightful” lunch at the San Juan Airport the five of us---along with one other passenger boarded an 8-passenger plane to Beef Island. We were met at the Beef Island Airport by a CSY representative and were whisked away to the CSY Marina. (By the way, what language were the rep and his friend speaking??!) We arrived about 4:15 PM---too late for a briefing (which would allow us to take the boat out of the Yacht Harbor) so we were moored out in the cove at the Marina for overnight. After “Happy Hour”, Bill grilled hamburgers while Sharon prepared all the trimmings. After our evening chit-chat session, we all retired early---after a very long day.

 

9/22/83 (Thursday)

WHEW!!! What a night last night was! The wind was blowing from the NE and the swells were running from the SE. But did Arch let that bother him? Oh, NO! The more we rocked, the louder he snored. Carrie retreated to the cockpit to sleep (about 2:00 AM), but had to return to the cabin below because she was too cool. Sharon made it out to the cockpit next (about 3:00 AM) closely followed by Carrie (again) and Arch. This was our first discussion regarding mutiny---3:03 AM. However, as all crew were not present, we could not take a vote. Lucky for you Captain Bleigh!!! After a short while Carrie again returned to her cabin and Arch and Sharon decided to sleep on the cushions in the cockpit. Oh well, so much for THAT night.

After a wonderful breakfast of fried potatoes, sunny-side-up eggs and super coffee prepared by Captain Blegih (also known as Bill), we gathered extra provisions at the CSY Marian and were briefed on the operations of the boat and general rules and regulations. Thus began our day of adventure. Our first epic voyage was to take us across Sir Francis Drake Channel to Dead Chest Cay for snorkeling. As we got under way, Bill, Carrie and Arch were responsible for hoisting the sails while Sharon kept the boat heading directly into the wind. Florence was support for both operations. Out of NOWHERE came a sailboat---the Calami---tacking across from out starboard side. We were on a collision course. Of course, Sharon screamed “WHATDOIDO”!!! WHATDOIDO??? At this point the crew on the Calami sprung into action---bearing off and Arch took the helm of the Cresta Blanca. We later decided the Calami was playing “chicken” with us, apparently not realizing that our helmsman was inexperienced. After the sails were raised, Arch completed the voyage with no problems. When we anchored, we all boarded the dink for a chance to explore the reef in the cove. Florence and Sharon did not snorkel, but Carrie, Bill and Arch saw beautiful live Coral and a variety of fish---including the beautiful blue electric fish and parrot fish. After snorkeling came lunch---and guess what we had???---HOT DOGS! (The first of probably many times!) We next decided to motor over to Peter Island Cove and anchor for the night. While Carrie, Florence and Sharon bathed in the sea water with Prell, another sailboat pulled into the cove. The Captain approached us in his dink to inquire about anchorlines. During the course of the conversation, we discovered his name was Don Griffin and he was from High Point, NC. Also, he had attended Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC, Sharon’s alma mater---small world, huh? Later, Arch bathed. Hmmmmm---that still leave one more (guess who!!!!).

Again, our Captain prepared a delicious dinner of charbroiled steaks and the ladies prepared salad and potatoes to go with them. Following dinner, the Captain awarded the first medal of the trip to Sharon for the “Valiant Service in the Face of Grave Danger”.

Originally written by: Bill Saegart