Third Crew Member on a Roll

Saturday was a lovely sunny day, but the wind was blowing about 20 knots and from the east/southeast. That is not the wind we need to leave here. Provisions were getting low again (we had less than a half bottle of rum), so we made a run in to George Town. That’s about a mile from where we are anchored.

We put our sandals and knapsack into Boffo, revved her up, and set off. One of the techniques used to keep dry in a dinghy, other than full wet-weather gear, is to stand up holding the painter. I tried this and it worked a treat.

We did the shopping. Exuma Markets actually had some fresh vegetables and—oh frabjious day!—oxtail. Knapsack stuffed, youth carrying a bag of ice, and WW burdened with a large bag from the rum shop, we headed back to Boffo. We tipped the lad and WW started dumping our loot into Boffo’s bow. It made it a bit tricky getting on board, since she was bow in and surrounded by many other dinghies, but we managed. Off we went.

Now, keeping dry in a dinghy standing up works a charm…when the wind is behind you. We were heading straight into it on our way back. Within a quarter of the distance, I was drenched, as were all our purchases. WW wasn’t faring much better in the stern. We waved cheerfully as we passed anchored boats and were waved (and laughed) at in return.

Upon arrival at Django, my job is to grab one of Boffo’s painters (she now has two), clamber over the bow onto our swimming steps, and get her lashed until WW can hand me the purchases and get himself aboard. So, soaking wet, I tried to clamber over the sopping and stuffed backpack, the bag of ice (now containing a lot of seawater), the rum bottles, our wee dinghy anchor, and the blades of Boffo’s oars. That’s when the third crew member (TCM) put in an appearance. TCM pushed me, I swear.

It was our first man overboard experience.

A great deal of rinsing and draining and general seawater removal then ensued. Everything got stored OK and we both agreed it was a bit early but definitely beer o’clock.

That evening (which was yesterday, actually), we went in to St. Francis Yacht Club where one of the cruisers was playing guitar and singing, hamburgers and fries were pouring from the kitchen, the beer of the Bahamas Kalik was available in profusion, and a good time was being had by all. We met some very nice people, including a couple who has done the sail from here to Turks and Caicos (our next leg) three times. We are to meet with them later today to pick their brains.

As a closing note (I seem to have a bathroom fixation): the loos at St. Francis are Gulls and Buoys.