USVI-On-Line

Day 5
After another light breakfast we headed to the Coral Bay dock to go sailing on Breath. We were joined by Hanna and John from New Jersey. We were referred to Peter, who built Breath from scratch, by Clark of White Wing. Breath is a 48 ft gaff rigged ketch that can fly as many as 8 sails at one time although we only had 5 up at one time on this trip. Peter raised his family on Breath and sailed in across the Atlantic three times including around Africa and up one of the major African rivers a significant distance. Jean and I have done some sailing around San Diego so found Breath to be a pretty cool boat to sail on, however it could use some TLC. It was solid, but very slow. You'd have difficulty sailing around the BVI's on Breath for this reason. Colin was the skipper with first mate Roy. Colin was a young man who grew up in Alaska where he and his family were crab fishermen. Roy was in his 60s and had retired and sailed his boat from Washington State single handed. Both were great guys. We snorkeled at two new places for us, both of which were accessible only by boat. The first was New Found Bay on the East end of St. John. It was a beautiful bay but the snorkeling was a bit choppy.






One of the largest barracudas I've ever seen was hanging out under the boat.



After lunch on the boat we motored over to Flanagan Island. Here we snorkeled through and around a large rocky point. Very pretty.






We then sailed into Hurricane Hole where Colin and Roy described the process set up by the Coast Guard to assign moorings during an impending hurricane. We then returned to Coral Bay were we had Painkillers at Skinny's while Mark utilized Connections to check his email. We then headed to Shipwreck Landing for dinner.

Day 6

After our typical light breakfast, we left for Trunk Bay about 9AM. We had checked to ensure there were no cruise ships in first. It wasn't very crowded upon arrival so got a good camp sight down the beach away from the crowds. We decided to snorkel while it was still relatively empty. Great snorkeling! We saw at least three sting rays and a really friendly turtle. The snorkel trail was cute, but the snorkel around the Key was really super.








We had lunch at the Trunk Bay snack shack and decided to try another beach. We attempted to get to Jumbie, but no parking so headed East to Cinnamon Bay. We checked it out and decided not to stay because of the crowds, and headed for Francis Bay. We snorkeled, floated, and relaxed before leaving and heading back to Starfish Market again for some necessities. Home again and a dip in the pool.




After cleaning up went to Mongoose Junction for some shopping followed by dinner at Morgan's Mango where we ran into Dominica (XIsland girl) and Chip.



more to come!

Awesome report guys! We went out on Breath last year. We were lucky. Capt. Peter took us out himself. I really wished I had read his book, Adrift on a Sea of Blue Light, prior to the sail. I had no idea that this soft-spoken gentleman had so many adventures under his hat!

Agree about the slow part of Breath, she is a heavy ketch. We went in Sept and there was no wind, probably the same in June. Would like to sail her in Dec or Jan with some real wind to fill her sails!

Great report and pics! We went out on Breath in Dec. 2005, and the wind really did fill up the sails. We went to the same 2 snorkeling spots, and we loved Flanagan. We met Peter and his lovely wife at the dock, but he didn't sail that day. We went out with captain Jared and first mate Colin--all of them have some fascinating tales to tell!

Thanks for another great report! Breath looks like a beautiful boat. You said you hot two snorkel spots--was that a full day sail or a half day?

Anybody know how Peter is doing these days. Also does the little dog I think it was a Skipper key still sail with you.

I liked seeing the Breath pictures. I really enjoyed his book and we keep meaning to book a trip.

Liamsaunt, when we went out on Breath, the 2 snorkeling spots were a full-day sail. Newfound Bay in the morning, Flanagan in the afternoon. It was a great day.

Some responses about Breath...

BenChill - How lucky for you to actually go out with Peter. We met him at the dock. He's still trying to write but said he was having trouble getting anything published. I understand he has Parkinson's disease so I don't think he's personally taking people out now. He has two captains working for him now. We had enough wind to fill the sails, but it was pretty slow going particularly since we were used to sailing on White Wing. Thanks for the tip, I have to go find his book now!

Amy - Looks like Colin got promoted from mate to captain since you last sailed with him. Nice guy with an interesting past. We really enjoyed Flanagan Island as well.

Liamsaunt - It was a full day 9am to 4:30pm. We did sail around Hurricane Hole a bit probably to kill time before taking us in. But it was interesting to see where all of the moorings are and hear how they are assigned in case of a storm.

Hey Mark,

Definately get his book. It's a compilation of short stories in chronological order detailing his journeys. Fun read.

Just finished packing and leaving for ATL in an hour and a half. Back on island very soon now!

Thanks for the report. Your photos are great.

Agree that snorkeling at Flannagan is good. We went there with White Wing last year.

BenChill - I'm soooo jealous you're returning so quickly!

Maggie - Yup Flanagan was a cool snorkel. We are so bummed we didn't hook up with Capt Clark this trip. This is our first trip that we didn't sail with him. We usually go out with him twice each trip. We were supposed to hook up with Clark and Cathy to see their new house, but we just missed them.

WOW!!! Fabulous pic's! what was your camera?

Cirruskye, it WAS an Olympus 790. We were really happy with it all the way up to our last day when one of the compartments must not have latched fully and filled up with sea water.

that is sad that you lost the camera, your "eye" is just lovely. I feel relaxed just taking in the sights! thank you for sharing.