Luckily it wasn't as bad as it felt and sounded. I've cracked a rib where the gunnel flexed and the cat lost some gel coat. I reanchored in deeper water and the owner came over. I paid a small amount for them to get it fixed and went on my way bound for Deshaise, Guadaloupe 50nm away.
After making an average speed of 6kn across the channel, ten hours later I'm barely making 2kn and scratching for wind in the lee of Guadaloupe - I never learn!
Making the anchorage in daylight is no longer possible. I finally get there around 10pm and despite it being straight forward and pretty safe, I'm still pissed off about the collision earlier. Sod it, I'm staying at sea!
The wind is now about 15-20kn and more easterly than I was expecting. I'm pointing at around 10-15 deg T meaning I can probably make English Harbour saving myself another horrible sail from Jolly Harbour. The last time it took me 11 hours so it's a sail worth not having to do unless required.
Short story, double reefed mainsail and reefed staysail (first time ever) and I'm still making 5kn over big bumpy seas. Sleeping on the egg timer doing 20 minute watches avoids most of the soakings as there is a lot of water over the boat. First light I can make out the Pillars of Hercules and one tack to remove the staysail reef sees me sailing into English Harbour at around 7am.
Anchor down in the usual spot (in the 'swamps') ... I'm home. Fade to Black!
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