11th Day of Christmas

11th Day of Christmas
I spent last night in Gorda Sound at the north end of Virgin Gorda. Looking at the charts I saw that the island of Anegada is less than 15 miles north of where I was. Anegada is not a volcanic island like everything else, it is flat with sandy beaches. I thought that it might be a perfect kiteboartding location. First thing this morning I set sail for Anegada.
It was a delightful broad reach all the way up. My first impressions were great. White sand beaches backed by green casuarina trees. No mountain to distort the wind. I got into the anchorage when the impression started losing its appeal. The anchorage was totally open. No protection at all. The anchorage was at that location because that is where there was access through the shallow reef. Up next to shore the waves subsided enough to have a landing of sorts, and there were several piers with restaurants. There was not enough room to anchor, but the entire area was mooring balls. In the 20 knot wind and ocean chop I did manage to pick up a ball, on the second try. Did I say it was choppy? Really choppy. On the ball it said $30/night, pay at hotel. I dinghied ashore to find the kiteboarding locations. Started asking questions. Do people come here to kiteboard? No.
I don't know why. It looks beautiful. Just down from the mooring field is a sandy beach with onshore wind. It looks really good but I could not find any firm evidence that it was worth investigation. All I got was somebody's brother does it sometimes over on the other side of the island. It wasn't worth $30 to try to figure it out. Back through the chop, almost dangerous conditions, load the dinghy, and am now beating back to Virgin Gorda in SE wind. I am not going to make it back to Gorda Sound. The wind has too much south in it . So I will pull up against the shore where there is beach on th the lee side of the island, anchor, and go swimming.
Reef Early
Bill Doar
s/v Advent II