1.17.2022 - 1.23.2022 Back to Hassel Island

After hanging out in Christmas Cove for a couple weeks, we decided to head back to the Charlotte Amalie area.

Prior to heading back, we needed to refuel our diesel (engine) fuel and water tanks - we decided to do this is Red Hook as we had practiced docking at their fuel dock (which also has water) when we did our ASA lessons. In preparation for docking, we readied our starboard bow and stern lines to be able to throw/pass to the dockhand and put out 5-6 fenders on the starboard side.

Once we started to enter Red Hook bay, we called over our VHF radio to the fuel dock to ensure we were able to dock (meaning they were there and the dock wasn't full by another boat refueling). We got the all clear and took our approach slowly (like Captain Jose taught us) with Mike at the helm and me at the bow ready to pass the line to the dockhand.

Our approach was perfect and went really smoothly :) Once the bow line was placed, I went to the stern to get the line placed so that the boat would "tuck-in" to the dock. We then proceeded to fill our water tanks (Mike) and both engines with diesel fuel (me).

Once we were done, we were able to head out and bring up the sails to head over to Hassel Bay. While underway, we took the opportunity to sail out to the 3 mile line so that we could dump our holding tanks. During our sail back, we heard our first pan-pan call over our VHF radio. Pan-pan is the international urgency signal that's used as a preface over VHF when the safety of a person or the boat is in serious jeopardy but no immediate danger exists, but it could escalate into a mayday situation. The transmission stated that there was an adrift and unmanned 35' vessel 23NM south of St. Croix. We heard later on in the day that the vessel was recovered with no damage.

As we approached Hassel Bay, we were able to get a great anchorage spot - once anchored, we got in the water to check the anchor placement and snorkel around a bit. We then dinghied over to Moe's for more provisions and to drop off garbage.

On Wednesday, we had a Zoom date with Brad and Jackie to hear how their passage from Grenada to Miami went! They hired a Captain and had a friend join them for the passage - it took them 10 days total and was for the most part smooth sailing. It was great to hear about their experience first hand as we've been starting to plan our passage back to Fort Lauderdale/West Palm Beach :)