Formentera – Natural
Formentera, Spain Just nine miles long, Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands and has a population of...
18 25.411’N:64 37.073’W
Berkeley East crossed the Caribbean 1500 finish line in squall conditions just 8 days after departing Virginia.
We had an exciting passage with both highs and lows. When it was all said and done we were the 13th boat across the line, despite a few setbacks. We had great sailing, covering over 1300 miles. Our asymmetrical spinnaker came in handy during the days with light winds and at night we would reef the sails down to get through the squalls.
While Berkeley East is a sailing yacht, we need our engine from time to time to maneuver around bad weather and in light wind. As we were exiting the Chesapeake Bay the engine wouldn’t start and we spent five hours drifting and at anchor diagnosing and developing a workaround to a failed starter relay. Later in the passage about 250 miles from Tortola we found saltwater in the engine. About 8 hours later all was repaired and we were on our way through light winds trying to regain our position in the fleet.
Berkeley East wins 2007 Caribbean 1500 Fishing Trophy
We had great success fishing as we sailed South. With new fishing gear, supplied by our crew (Rich and John), we caught 5 large Mahi Mahi’s and two Black Fin Tuna earning Berkeley East the event fishing trophy!
We have spent a couple of days relaxing here in Roadtown, Tortola and the Baths in Virgin Gorda. Tomorrow we are off to the “fat virgin” party in Virgin Gorda.