Lazy Day at Bitter End

 Saturday May 20, North Sound: Bitter End Yacht Club (Ryan)

The day at Bitter End Yacht Club started off in true island fashion … nice and lazy with nowhere to go. The most pressing thing to do was register for the regatta (yes, you read that right, we found a way to race Hobies on the cruising vacation!). Despite all the lethargy and still weather, it turned into a surprisingly busy day.

After Dad (Alan), Kyle, and I (Ryan) strolled down the beach to the sail shop to get officially registered for the regatta (first gun: 1400 island time), we enquired about any nearby hiking opportunities for the land lubbers in the group. And shiver me timbers, the hike turned into quite the slog. It went up, and up, and up, and then flat, and then up, and up, and then a little flat (and then a little more up) and then took a turn down toward the water. We promised Gramma Bronny we would “take care of her” this trip, but after forcing an open water swim to the Baths and a heat-stroke inducing hike we have been unsuccessful. Perhaps the sailing, pina coladas, and beautiful weather will have to suffice.

A rewarding view after an unexpectedly long and hot hike

The strenuous hike was quickly followed by a dip in the water to cool down, and a hearty turkey sandwich lunch (love it) and some fresh guac. Refuel, relax, recharge, and it’s off to the sail shop down the beach.

At around 1330 (island time of course) the crew split up into the racers and the productive ones. The helpful folks, including Mom (Lisa), Debbie, and Gramma Bronny, went to the local market to pick up provisions for the next few days while the others went to race.

We’ll start off with some results: In first place were Ricky and Ry on the Hobie Getaway, similar to a tourist Hobie 16, while Kyle and Dad each had a Hobie Wave to themselves – similar to a Hobie 14. The wind was GREAT! A bit shifty, but blowing 10-15ish and steady enough for some real races. The swell was out of the north-north-east… oh wait, results. Yes, Dad was 2nd (HA!) and Kyle ended up 4th, behind a new friend Steve who appears to be a regular BVI beer can hustler. Erika was an incredible crew and was able to show off some of the hiking, wind spotting and trimming skills she’s been honing.

Pictured (L to R): someone, someone, Winner, Winner, someone, someone, someone else

After great times racing, Mom, Debbie, and GB met us at the sail shop and made off with the kayaks, not to miss the fun on the water themselves. They took a journey over to the narrows at the south end of the sound, then back around Saba Rock before heading back to the beach just in time for a thunderstorm! The rest of the group was at the tiki bar – dry and laughing – and were sure to order some extra pina coladas for when the intrepid ladies made it back ashore.

To tie back together the busy day, we are having a nice lazy evening relaxing around the Bitter End Yacht Club. As I write I sit next to a nice empty island lager enjoying time on the “Quarterdeck” (read: rooftop bar) balcony with Mom and Erika, and am looking forward to a nice easy dinner on board and a great sleep before the big sail to Anegada tomorrow.

A nice sunset for our relaxing evening

Adios gatos and buenas noches!




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