January 25, 2015

Two weeks from today I will board a flight in Halifax, NS that will eventually bring me to St Lucia  later that afternoon. There I will meet up with Eric.  On Feb 11, we will fly to Tortola, BVI and board our chartered sailing vessel until March 02.

Itinerary
Sunday February 08
5:25 AM - AC603 Halifax -> Toronto
9:40 AM - AC1602 Toronto -> St Lucia (3:50 PM)

Wednesday, February 11
8:15 AM - LI310 St Lucia -> Antigua -> St Maarten -> Tortola (12:05 PM)

Clothing & Essentials
Although I have most of my clothing and gear gathered in the spare room, it is time to review my packing lists from 2014 and edit their demands.  Last years sailing excursions to Tortola in February followed by St Lucia in April has provided me with the essential packing experience needed for this sailing trip in the Caribbean.

The #1 tip - bring ½ the clothes you think you need.
The temperatures will be hoovering around 28C.  Reducing the weight or bulkiness of any piece of luggage provides its own reward when having to haul even the shortest distance.  Also, the limited storage on a boat should be considered.

Shorts, T-shirts, flip flops with the occasional dressier shirt (linen is best) will work for most situations while hats, sunglasses (2 pair) and plenty of sunblock are a must, non-negotional.

The Crew
Throughout this charter,  February 11 - March 02, our crew will change.
 - Those arriving via EIS (Beef Island Airport) will board at the nearby (5-minute walk) Trellis Bay Marina or at the Mooring's Base in Road Town.
 - Those arriving via STT (St Thomas Airport) will meet up with us, by ferry, at the Mooring's Base in Road Town or at another prearranged nearby island.

The Journey
The British Virgin Island's are comprised of many islands accessible by various Cays, Bays, Ports, and Harbours with the furthermost on our 'to do' list being, Anegada.

The Boat
We will be living and sailing on a 46-foot catamaran, chartered through the Moorings.  Last year, Eric & I completed the Offshore Sailing School's '6-day Live-Aboard Navigation Course' aboard this same style and size boat.  Following, we received our "Catamaran Endorsement' through the same school. The 4600 Cat is very spacious, comfortable, excellent for entertaining, and ideal for exploring the BVI's.

The Moorings 4600 Catamaran