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June 14, 2005
Stupid Motor Vessels
We have been stalled with a lack of wind, and an inbound low pressure system promising rain and wind. So we have decided to stay put here in Georgetown, Exuma, where we can get almost everything we need. Our 7-sailing days to Freeport, Grand Bahama will be without internet, groceries, or diesel. Oh, heavens-to-Betsy! Lyons and Tiggers and no Internet, oh my!
On our second trip from town today with jerry cans filled with diesel, we met a young couple who were returning from sailing from Florida to the British Virgin Islands and back. Just out of high school, they were heading back to go to college. How romantic, and lucky that they were able to experience such adventure at their young age. Good for them for being so courageous.
We discovered a big motor vessel had anchored near us since we left. It looked next to us, no, then on our stern, no, then on our bow. We unloaded the diesel, and determined that the RV was in fact 20 feet off the bow. Upwind, in fact. This becomes an important fact.
Emerge the 4 barking dogs, 8 children and umpteen irresponsible adults. Oh, and the smell of belching, burning diesel. For hours. To make matters worse, there were no other boats for half a mile. They could have easily picked a different spot.
So, we poured stiff drinks, and pondered retaliation, with plenty of giggles.
We contemplated blasting the stereo, but, we were downwind, and the effect would have been lost, although we would have danced, giggled, and laughed at their expense.. Maybe testing our flares?
Better still, we could move the boat upwind of them, run the diesel generator all night long, dump the black water tanks (yes, that would be really nasty). Then blast the stereo, set off some flares, use the air horn, etc. etc.
Of course, we are way too polite, and chose to read our books (Chis reads “A Suitable Vengeance” by Elizabeth George, and Dave still reads “Stormy Weather” by Carl Hiassen) instead of causing trouble. Common Canadian virtues of “do the right thing” prevailed. Life is beautiful.
Posted by dave at June 14, 2005 01:07 PM