We spent the second week of March at Village Cay Marina in Road Harbour, Tortola (BVI) – getting work done on the boat and pounding through some boat school. We are now 5/8ths done with 4th and 6th grade!!!

The voyage from Key Largo to the Virgin Islands, as previously noted, was quite “spirited” – giving us a chance to to literally break in WIDAGO. Nothing too significant, but enough small things, as well as, ongoing maintenance, caused us to hole up on land until the projects were completed. Guyon had all the engines and “Genny” (our favorite daughter which allows us to run AC, do laundry, and shower with hot water) serviced. Additionally, WIDAGO enjoyed a deep cleaning and full Brazilian wax job. She is now super shiny, with water beading off her like an ice cold Purple Mountain on the James River (Boom – that one is for you Walty).

One of my favorite things about the Leopard 48’ Catamaran, is the forward cockpit area. In fact, if you had to pinpoint the tipping point as to why we specifically chose this boat – it would definitely have to be the forward hangout space. Unfortunately, the rough seas on the way down from FL caused some damage to the fiberglass, so we decided to get that fixed – rather than having the front of the boat fall off. The rigging folks came over from Mooring Charter to provide an inspection and make sure we were calling them “lines’” instead of “ropes”. Additionally, they reattached our wind vane at the top of the mast which comes in very handy if you need to know which way the wind is blowing. We now have plenty of extra lines which may come in handy if we blow out any sheets, reefs, or need to tie up unruly pirates.

Road Harbour is the the capital of the BVI, a small city with many government buildings, law offices, and accountants. We found a fantastic french restaurant, The Dove, which poured one too many bottles of LPR (thinking of you Wagner) and quite possibly the best pad thai I’ve had ever – which is weird since it was a french restaurant. (David is working on an additional perspective/review of The Dove and its burger offering – stay tuned). We met another Leopard 48’ while at Village Cay – very friendly wine and cheese minded folks; were docked (apparently you can’t say “parked”) behind a Czech family who’s baby Martin celebrated his first birthday in style – naked except for a diaper; the boys found a couple stray cats & litter newborn kittens who were quite curious, cute, and a little crusty.

Just a quick note of gratitude and appreciation regarding the quality, quantity, and vastness of choices we have in U.S. grocery stores. I guess I didn’t realize how good I had it – even at what I would have considered crappy stores (err-hmmmm Winnie Dixie & Food Kitty). Provisioning, even in the capital city of Road Harbour, was eye opening. The boys and I spent an afternoon walking around town exploring our options, only to realize the terms “world-class” and ”5-star” vary greatly, depending on your perspective. That said, we have come quickly realize how little we really need: fruit, fresh bread, boxed milk – and always more coffee. The rest is just a luxury.

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