Captain’s Log

After rounding Punta Este on Vieques, we unfurled the jib, secured the main engine, and sailed on a close reach at 7 knots, efficiently crossing the Sonda de Vieques to Culebra. The sail was spirited; most students remained in the cockpit, while a few brave individuals ventured into the main saloon, enjoying the sensation of sailing at a heel. Before long, we arrived in Culebra, furling the jib and motor-sailing through the narrow passage in the reef to enter the protected waters of Ensenada Honda.

We proceeded to the head of the bay and anchored off the small town of Dewey. The crew went ashore and hiked across the island to Flamenco Beach, where they admired the picturesque beach, lauded in our guidebook as one of the world's top ten most beautiful beaches, and frolicked in the surf. They returned to the boat sandy and tired, just in time to witness another stunning sunset. Caroline prepared pulled pork sandwiches with a pear, pecan, and goat cheese salad, accompanied by her grandmother's pan-fried potatoes. We dined in the cockpit, enjoying a cooling breeze under the full moon.

The following morning was hot and still in the sheltered anchorage at the head of Ensenada Honda. We got underway during chores and motored out of the bay, with Presley preparing blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes in the galley as we went. The crew enjoyed the pancakes in the cockpit as we rounded the east end of Culebra to anchor off Culebrita. We anchored on deep sand, with a spectacular reef a short swim off the starboard quarter. As soon as breakfast cleanup was finished, we all jumped into the water and snorkeled to the reef. We observed an impressive diversity of fish and coral. Mr. Brown and Allie encountered a manatee, and Bird spotted a spotted eagle ray. Eventually, we made our way to the beach where the crew relaxed in the shallows and beachcombed for shells and sea glass.

Back on the boat, we took a break from the sun and sat down to a lunch of leftovers with a fresh salad. Re-energized, we returned to shore to explore the island. We hiked up to enjoy the stunning views from the old Spanish lighthouse at the island's summit, then trekked to the other east side of the island to swim at Treasure Beach. Returning to the boat, we raised the anchor, set the jib, and got underway, bound for a more sheltered bay for the night.

We are currently settled for the evening in Puerto del Manglar. Presley, Caroline, and Maddie are in the galley baking brookies to celebrate Bird's birthday, while the rest of the crew is exploring the mangrove lagoon at the head of the bay with Mr. Brown in the dinghy. Presley is indecisive about dinner – but I think she is leaning towards cooking mac and cheese, hot dogs, and roasted vegetables. It has been a long day, and everyone is tired in a giggly, out-of-control way. I anticipate an early evening tonight

Coco started the day strong, serving yogurt, granola, and fruit parfaits for breakfast. After cleanup, the crew grabbed their snorkeling gear, and we went ashore to explore the beach and then snorkel. At first, the marine life seemed a little thin, but it got much more diverse as we swam further. Highlights included seeing triggerfish, pufferfish, a sea star, an octopus, sea urchins, lobster, and conch. Eventually, we headed back to the beach to play in the shallows.

Back on the boat, a light southerly wind had picked up, so it was time to get going. We raised the mainsail, pulled up the anchor, and with Ashton steering, tacked around the southwest corner of Vieques. The wind changed as we rounded the point, so we had to tack some more as we sailed to Esperanza, a colorful little town about a third of the way down the island. We anchored off the Malecón, and the crew went ashore to explore. Finding ice cream was our first priority. After that, the students wandered the town, admiring the colorful houses, saying hello to the free-range horses, oohing and aahing over the baby chickens, and searching for souvenirs.

When we got back to the boat, we had just enough daylight left for a quick swim. We enjoyed the pretty colors of the approaching sunset from the water. Coco outdid herself in the galley, whipping up curry, fried chicken cutlets, and rice for dinner. Bird added fried plantains to the meal, and we had quite a feast. A drenching squall came through right before dinner was ready, so for the first time, we ate in the main saloon.

This morning Caroline prepared bagels and lox, and got underway for Culebra right after breakfast. The wind is right on our nose again. We sailed for a bit (this group is getting a lot of practice steering full and by!), doing navigation class and practicing visual fixes, but are now motor sailing to make it around the easternmost point of Vieques in a reasonable time. The day is overcast, and we're all enjoying the break from the high UV index we've been baking under the last few days.

The Spring Break crew arrived at San Juan airport mid-afternoon on Tuesday, eager for their adventure aboard Geronimo. After collecting their checked luggage, the crew piled into the rental cars and headed to Kasalta, a nearby bakery, for Puerto Rican pastries. With their hunger temporarily satisfied, we enjoyed the drive to Marina Puerto Del Rey, where Geronimo was docked. En route, we listened to latin beats, noted the abundance of fast-food options along Puerto Rico's ring road, and counted dead iguanas.

Sunset painted the marina in golden light as we arrived, and the crew enjoyed the long walked to the end of the dock where Geronimo was moored. Bird, our second mate, had dinner underway, and after a brief boat orientation and calls home, the crew gathered in the cockpit for our first meal together: chicken burritos. Showers and further orientation filled the rest of the evening.

Our second day began with a breakfast of scrambled eggs, croissants, and bacon, cooked by Madelyn and enjoyed under the awning in the cockpit. Though early, the sun's rays were already intense. Following breakfast clean-up, we shifted to safety orientation before departing the dock. Gianni took the helm as we got under way. Once clear of the marina, we hoisted the mainsail and set the jib. With a perfect 10-knot southerly wind, we tacked south towards Isla de Vieques.

We enjoyed a lovely sail and anchored off Punta Arena. After securing the boat, we immediately had a swim call. The entire student crew jumped in together for their first swim. The water was nearly as warm as the air, and they enjoyed splashing around and paddleboarding until sunset.

As I write, Madelyn and Caroline are in the galley, chopping onions, carrots, and celery for Bolognese. The rest of the group is in the cockpit, playing games as a nearly full moon rises over Vieques