The Calm Before the Storm

It was mirror-calm on the water last evening, and we both sighed with relief from the rocking and rolling of the last two days in our anchorage off Staniel Cay. However, we woke this morning to grey skies and howling wind, and a weather prediction of more to come. So we decided to weigh anchor and head for points north, where there might be more protected anchorages.

We left at about 8:30 a.m. and were buffeted for an hour by big rolling seas (about 5 foot waves), with lots of spray, as we were motoring right into the wind. “Enough of this”, says my Captain – “let’s go into Sampson Cay”. This used to be a beautiful, full-service marina, but a call on the VHF informed me that it was now “private”. Apparently, the whole island has been taken over by an American billionaire, who closed down the marina/resort and is using the gorgeous development on land for his family and friends (see pics below). This guy is reported to be the largest land-owner in the US – a former VP of a telecommunications company.

So though we can’t go ashore (lots of signs saying “private – keep off!”), we are now anchored opposite his not-so-modest villa – still in rolly water, but at least sheltered from the worst of the wind.  We’ll sit this “norther” out and then probably head back to George Town – snorkeling in the marine park will have to wait for another visit. I guess we were due this lousy weather – it’s been two full weeks of pure heaven.