The geography established for our mission was the British Virgin Islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and many smaller islands (that, by the way, still have big bars and much contraband).
Our ship was a Beneteau 461, named "Fantasea." She featured 3 cabins, 4 berths, 3 heads/showers, a transom shower and substantial storage room for the captured rum (and empty bottles). She combined a great combination of cruising comfort and performance.
Our mission was threatened by the emergence of "lefty lenny" a dangerous eastward-bound category 4 hurricane that passed by the area the day prior to our arrival. However, the boat and provisioning store survived, and the mission was on.
The fearless crew begins the journey at the Sunsail (charter co) base at Soper's Hole in Tortola. Fresh-faced and sober, we prepare for the fight.
The anchorage at Cooper Island. Our mission here was to invade the Cooper Island Beach Club, attack our commissioned Pusser's supply on Fantasea (over a game of hearts won by Mort), and then dive the wreck of the Rhone the next day (that isn't dangerous, is it?)
Actual footage by the fearless photographer of the Battle of Cooper Island Beach Club. Operations AOK. No casualties to report. Bar Tab: $40. T-Shirts, Hats and Suntan Lotion also procured.
Damien and Sy hard at work manning the helm on the trip from Cooper Island to Cane Garden Bay in Tortola, with the first mission behind them. As you can see, the passages were dangerous and required the utmost concentration.
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Having taken the beachhead at Cane Garden Bay on Tortola, the boys get a little R&R before embarking on the toughest battle of the trip - The Bomba Surfside Shack in Cappoon's Bay. Notice the tension in the air as the squadron prepares.
Damien recovers after an epic six hour battle with the locals and tourists at Bomba's (ever see anyone shell-shocked like this before?). The troops faced heavy artillery from enemy forces armed with rum punch, Grand Marnier, and mushrooms. So tough was the battle, our men needed to wear SHOES (sandals, actually). A day of R&R (rum and relaxation) was required to rejuvenate.
Mother nature providing a nice backdrop for our recovery.
Fantasea resting on a mooring ball at Jost Van Dyke. Our mission here was to tackle the famous restaurants at Little Harbor: Syndney's Peace & Love and Harris'. This will forever be known as the Thanksgiving Day Massacre (for Ted, at least).
Hey, there's the spirit. The crew shows a strong recovery in preparation for the anticipated skirmish on Jost Van Dyke. The 2.5 lb lobsters and the self serve bar at Sydney's presented an intimidating challenge but the crew was up to it. Ted took several bullets after dinner at Harris' but teamwork by the remaining crew helped us survive. Note to file: t-shirts, hats, and beer huggies procured and then exchanged the next morning due to incorrect sizing estimates.
Ted enjoys a Monte Cristo after a long sail to Norman Island and a vigorous snorkeling mission at the Caves, where an eel was spotted. The next conflict was another epic: the Willie T and Billy Bones' in the Bight (main harbor on Norman). Heavy weather also moving in in the background.
After a successful mission that featured Sy donning the yellow jersey, Ted prepares breakfast in the ship's spacious galley. The boat's tidiness has clearly suffered, but we return home to base in several hours, our mission accomplished.
Damien and Mort enjoy the pancakes and sausage prepared by the chef.
The mission completed, Dave decides to shower.