We alluded cryptically in a previous blog to "engine problems" encountered in Georgetown. In reality, we lost mechanical propulsion as a result of a massive failure of the drive train. After consulting with various experts, we determined we could not properly do the repairs locally, and decided our best course of action was to sail the boat back to a specialized yard in West Palm Beach. Fortunately, my sailing buddy Guy was on his way to join us on Bon Vent for a leisurely cruise back to the USA, which turned out into a more robust version of the original plan. After checking out the weather forecast to ascertain steady easterlies for the week long return voyage, as well as the tides to help us negotiating the passes between the Exuma Sound and the shallower bank, we eased our way out of Victoria harbour under sail early morning. We did the 300 miles trip in three legs, the last one from Nassau to the Florida coast, including the overnight crossing of the Florida strait. Once safely ensconced in the Victoria Beach harbour, we got ourselves towed to the yard, and got hauled out immediately as the boat was leaking water from the damaged stern tube. Bon Vent is now resting "on the hard", and the repairs can proceed. We were fortunate in our misfortune that the accident happened in Georgetown, that we had access to a support network of boaters, that the weather cooperated for the trip back, and mostly that we had Guy on board to help us out. It was also a grand occasion to give wings to our boat, and the pure sailing over the 4 days and 2 nights of the return trip was for the most part a glorious conclusion to our first season on the water. See you all next year!
