Captain’s Log: The Perfect Sail
The Basics
The boat: Phoenix, a 2020 Fountaine Pajot Saba 50
Crew: Captain JT (instructor)
ASA Students: Andy, Elaine, Daniel, and Sally
Courses Completed: ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran)
Day 1: Two Couples’ Cruising Dream
Daniel and Sally and Andy and Elaine all met up at Compass Point Marina for a drink and to share their sailing dreams before getting acquainted with their new home— Phoenix! Daniel already had his ASA certifications but wanted a refresher and his wife was excited to become competent crew for her husband on this sailing trip, as well as future ones. Elaine and Andy both hoped to gain the skills to bareboat with friends and family on trips in the future.
Day 2: A Full First Day
The crew grabbed snorkel gear, bought a few extra groceries, and then got their boat briefing out of the way before setting sail! Each crewmember took turns at the helm getting used to steering and the response of the boat. Once over at St. John, they raised the main and set the jib and practiced points of sail and holding the board on course. Before calling it a day, they even had time to practice tacking and trimming the sails! A full day, ended with a beautiful sunset and turtle spotting in Maho Bay.
Day 3: The Water’s Warm
Jump on in, the water’s warm! At least that was Andy’s plea to get the rest of the crew in the water for an early morning swim before breakfast. After a glorious Caribbean swim, the crew took to the open seas to tackle to 20 knot winds. They practiced reefing and had the boat sailing very well, averaging about 9 knots over 12 miles!
Day 4: The Perfect Sail
Andy seemed on a roll with getting everyone in the water to start their day! After a swim and breakfast, each crew member took a turn at the helm, heading from Magens Bay to St. John. We “enjoyed a perfect day of sailing with east winds at 15 knots and calm seas,” Captain JT noted in his Captain’s Log. They rounded Carvall Rock, sailed smoothly into Caneel Bay, and found a mooring in a protected area.
Day 5: An Exercise Switch Up
Instead of a morning swim, the crew opted for a morning hike instead! The crew motored to Reef Bay and hiked up to Petroglyph Trail. The 3.5 mile hike was a beautiful way to see the history and beauty of St. John. The crew admired the native carvings in the rock below the waterfall before heading back to shore for some snorkeling. Afterwards, they set sail along the southside of the island and each practiced sailing the boat single-handedly!
Day 6: An Impromptu Concert
The crew weighed anchored and headed out into Round Bay, raising the sails, and setting a course on broad reach. The winds were light but the crew did a great job keeping the boat moving on a stead course all the way to Lovango Cay. There, everyone put on their snorkeling gear and admired the variety of colorful fish, stingrays, some soft corals, and a nurse shark. Back on the boat, they headed to Christmas Cove. As they soaked in the sun, they heard the soft plucking of guitar strings. Intrigued, the crew dinghied over to a nearby boat and found an impromptu concert with dozens of other boaters listening in! What a perfect end to an amazing sailing vacation.
Day 7: Goodbye, Paradise
It’s not often you hear a sailing instructor say, it was “about as perfect a day for sailing as it gets” but that’s exactly what JT had to say about the sailing he experienced with this crew in his Captain’s Log. With a perfect mix of hiking, snorkeling, live music, sailing, and amazing cuisine— the crew really got a great taste of sailing in the Virgin Islands. Goodbye, paradise— until next time!