Log of the Cresta Blanca Finale.

9/27/83 (Tuesday)

Last night was the first night we had no rain. Of course, some of the crew (AHEM) could not fully appreciate this fact because they never knew it rained all the other nights!
Following a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, Captain Bill and Arch took the dink over to the Tradewinds Resort which is under construction and due to open in February, 1984. They were trying to get us a tour of the place, but returned indicating there was really nothing to see. The girls relaxed on board reading while they were gone. The remainder of the morning was spent taking it easy. We ate lunch ashore for the first time---at Biras Creek Resort. The restaurant’s outward appearance is that of an old fort. The view from the restaurant is a panoramic---the Caribbean on one side and the Atlantic on the other. Just spectacular!
We spent about an hour and a half at their salt water pool on the ocean, with a couple who were the ONLY guests at the resort!
The rest of the afternoon was spent on the beach at Bitter End. We returned to the boat to dine on filet mignon and cauliflower with cheese sauce (concocted by Florence). Deeelicious!

9/28/83 (Wednesday)

The Rains hit again last night, but this did not dampen the spirits of the crew. After our breakfast of French-toast, sausage and bacon, the Captain wanted to run the engine to charge up the batteries and cool the refrigeration system. However, there was one slight problem---the engine wouldn’t start! It sounded as though the batteries were too weak and could not provide enough juice to turn the engine over. This was time for an executive decision by the Captain. He called Tortola Radio to patch him through to CSY Marina. He was asked a number of questions regarding our status, including whether we could sail to Trellis Bay. The Captain indicated he had a “green” crew and felt that it would not be wise to try this. We were then told to expect the “chase boat” around mid-day. We decided this would just give us enough time to do what we had planned anyway---go to the beach. Bill and Arch dropped the ladies on the beach and continued to the reef for snorkeling.
We returned shortly after noon to have lunch and await the arrival of help. Well, 2 o’clock came and still no boat. Bill again contacted CSY and was told that someone should have already been here, and to call again in half and hour if still no help.

About 3 o’clock two mechanics arrived. After trying to start the engine, they determined the problem was not the batteries, but the starter motor. Fortunately, they had a replacement for us. Arch took the ladies over to the beach while a repair was being made, and then returned to wait with Captain Bill. When all was over, Bill and Arch joined us on the beach and the Captain took a well-deserved nap. After having a drink at the bar, we returned to the boat (which had been relocated to a breezier spot) to prepare dinner. A feast fit for a King---we had veal cordon blue, green beans and potatoes au gratin. Good job Florence and Carrie!

Well that is all that was written in the Log of Cresta Blanca. I am sure that there were many more adventures, but they were not recorded in the copy of the log that I retyped for this Trip Log. Ho-hum. Next I will try to tackle the South American Tour of 1965 by Ernest R. Saegart. 

Log of the Cresta Blanca Part 3

9/25/83 (Sunday)

True to his word, Fritz arrived quite early to bring over an autographed copy of his book for Florence. He bid us farewell and we made preparations to head across Drake Channel to the Baths. We anchored offshore of the Baths and a lovely sandy beach, and everyone anxiously loaded into the dink for a visit ashore. After walking through the Baths and swimming for a short while, Captain Bill and Arch took the dink back to pick up snorkel gear. The girls all enjoyed a Prell bath, shampoo and much needed leg shaves. Finally, the snorkel gear arrived. The area was sparsely populated with limited varieties of fish, but still, everyone enjoyed. Lunch was next on the agenda, and then guess what??? The ladies read while the guys meditated.
The weather began to worsen somewhat, so Captain Bill decided we should head for safe harbor. Carrie valiantly volunteered to be set afloat in the dink with the stern anchor line while the rest of us freed the bow anchor. WE all solemnly promised to return to pick her up. All went well, and Carrie was again safe on board.

Our next stop for the night was Spanish Town at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor. The marina is quite big, but the individual slips look quite small. However, that proved to be no problem for Old Salt (Captain Bill, of course). First attempt was perfect (APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE). We walked up the highway to Fischer’s Cove for drinks and a dinner of grouper for Arch and lobster tails for everyone else. Upon returning, unable to wait any longer, Arch and Sharon headed for the showers. A nice hot shower was just what the doctor ordered. Having had a full day of sun and fun, all retired for the evening---again witnessing the rise of a somewhat waning moon.

9/26/83 (Monday)

Everyone enjoyed using the very nice facilities at the Marina. Captain Bill, always very ingenious, prepared “gromet” pancakes for breakfast with somewhat (more) fermented pineapple and rum, along with sausage.
Afterward, we all took a Taxi-Bus into Spanish Town and little Dix Bay, the Rockefeller-owned resort. The resort is beautifully landscaped and has very open, spacious architecture.  We took some pictures and bought postcards in the shop there.
After returning to the Marina, Captain Bill gave a brief orientation on who would do what during our sailing expedition which would take us to The Bitter End. Everyone had an assigned task and all went well. However, the ladies wore a somewhat somber, if not grim, expression throughout the voyage.
We radioed in and decided to tie-on to a buoy. We took the dink in, explored the resort complex and had a wonderful pina colada at the bar. After learning that the $10 mooring fee covered only mooring and garbage pick-up (use of shower facilities cost $2.50/person), the Captain made an executive decision---we wouldn’t use their buoy, we would drop anchor. Dinner was simple, we decided the Chef needed a break. Florence and Sharon cooked hamburgers. MMmmm GOOD! Everyone retired early to read before going to sleep. A Monday of sailing beats a Monday of working anytime!