Hasta La Vista: 1 March 2010

Mal’s daughter, Kathryn, her partner, Jeremy, and baby son, Levi arrived on the evening of 1 March. We booked into a marina in Charlotte Amalie and collected them from the airport at 9pm. Both Mal and I hadn’t met Jeremy or Levi before so it was wonderful to see Kathryn again and meet her family. On returning to Hasta La Vista, we sat in the cockpit talking and laughing until 2am celebrating Mal’s 60th from midnight on as Mal’s birthday is 2 March. Needless to say that the day of Mal’s birthday was a quiet one. Diago, from the catamaran X-T-Sea, who we met in Fort Lauderdale with his wife Sandra and son, Corizon, and who we sailed with in the Bahamas, joined us for drinks and dinner that evening.

Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Jeremy toasting Mal a Happy Birthday with a cup of coffee on the morning of 2 April. Kathryn and Jeremy presented Mal with an “Aussie Pack” which contained this BBQ Apron as well as Aussie surf shorts, coolers, an Australian flag for the boat and much more.

Kathryn, Jeremy, Kerry and Mal having a birthday lunch on Hasta La Vista.

We sailed/motor sailed the US & British Virgin Islands showing Kathryn and Jeremy the beautiful bays, sandy beaches and Caribbean towns and villages. Levi turned 1 on 8 March and Kathryn celebrated her birthday on 18 March. We were anchored in Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, on Kathryn’s birthday and went to dinner at one of the local restaurants to celebrate.

Jeremy, Kathryn and Levi on Levi’s 1st birthday.

Jeremy and Kathryn celebrating Kathryn’s birthday at Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Levi was with Mal and Kerry for the day on Hasta La Vista. Mal (Grandad) did most of the caring but Kerry got to change all the dirty nappies!!!

Jeremy, Kerry, Mal, Levi and Kathryn at the restaurant, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, celebrating Kathryn’s birthday.

Jeremy, Kathryn and Levi on Kathryn’s birthday night out.

Levi in his Caribbean highchair.

Kathryn, Jeremy and Levi were delighted with their short stay in the Caribbean on Hasta La Vista. Here are a selection of photos showing some of the highlights of their stay.

A daily swim is a must.

Mal and Jeremy keeping an eye out for cruise ships!

Kerry and Levi in the cockpit which became a wonderful play area for Levi.

It was wonderful having our own personal hairdresser aboard.

Kathryn and Jeremy swimming under Hasta La Vista. Yes the photo below shows Levi watching his Mum and Dad swimming underneath! He thought it was great having a game of peek-a-boo!

Nothing like a margarita while cruising!!

A morning at the Baths, which is an area of huge boulders along the shore of Virgin Gorda, ended in lunch at a restaurant overlooking the bay.

After spending a couple of days anchored in Virgin Gorda Sound, we pulled up anchor and motored past Necker Island, Richard Branson’s Island in the Caribbean. It is a beautiful island surrounded by crystal clear waters with luxurious houses scattered on the gently sloping hills. Two artificial palm trees stand on a small sandbar just off the island. The flamingos were quite happy on their island paradise.