Successful sailing

Yesterday we sailed much of the way from Useppa to Cape Coral. Once we got to Useppa the winds relaxed and weather was perfect.  Sailing was great!  Billy had to dock at the fuel dock and did a great job.  

Useppa Island

Yesterday we boated to Useppa Island a quaint and charming private island. The winds were fierce leaving Captiva's dock. Billy did a great job.  Conditions were not good for sailing.

Captiva island

Yesterday we boated to Captiva Island and stayed at Southseas marina.  Billy did a great job docking our boat. The resort is so nice.

Sailing

Yesterday we got our catamaran "Southern Comfort" in Cape Coral Florida. Fred and Claire stopped by to visit. Today we go boating.

Salt Pond St John

Last night we stayed in salt pond bay. We swam, snorkeled, then hiked up to a little resort and had a drink. The beach was beautiful and snorkeling was great. There were so many fish. We are still waiting to meet Mr. B, Gail's 4 foot "pet" barracuda who visits her almost every week here!!

Hiking trail was great

The cactus has a tree trunk!

The view from top of hike was beautiful.

At night we had delicious meal on the boat and then sat under stars.  Billy used the boat swing. 

British Virgin Islands

Yesterday we went to Tortolla and then sailed to Norman Island and moored overnight and had dinner at a very nice restaurant on the beach.  Today we sailed in the ocean and came back to St John and are staying overnight.  We are all getting better at running the sails. We have passed 3 courses and tests so far with 1 to go!! 

Dinner last night on Norman Island was fabulous!!

Norman Island from the boat. 

Jenga on the beach. Dick is our sailing instructor on the left and Gail his wife the cook in front. So nice!

Sailboats everywhere

Our boat from the beach on St John

St. John U.S. Virgin Islands

Yesterday and today we sailed in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  We start each day with school and our books.  Then we do hands on drills. The days fly by and there is so much to learn!!   The sails are huge and a little intimidating for me.  At night we had a delicious dinner on board, listened to good music and had some wine.  Everyone on board is very nice, the captain Dick is a great patient instructor and Gail is a great cook.   

The sails are huge!

We had to tie knots

Snorkeling when school is over

The helm and ropes we need to pull can be hard and fast when turning through the wind.

Studying for tomorrow test.  We all got high 90's on first test

Sunset on boat first night