Christmas Winds & Fun Rum Drinks
by Nancy Celick (54' Offshore Pilothouse)

Recently retired, Nancy and her husband John are now cruising on their Offshore 54 Pilothouse, La Sirena.

We did not know the theme for December would be the Christmas winds, whether in the Caribbean or local Southern California waters. Early in December we chartered a crewed 48′ Catamaran, the Belline II for a 10-day cruise in the Leeward Islands with friends Brian and Tannis. John said afterward that we should always be cautious about going to islands named after a wind. Brian titled this trip as “40 Days and 40 Nights at 40 Knots.”

It was very windy and choppy with several short rainstorms a day. Although the sailing was good, the anchorages were also rolly and choppy. We were very limited in the places we could go, as we visited only 2 of the 5 islands on the itinerary. We did get in some snorkeling and the water was always warm, which was a treat.

We bailed out after the 8th night (supposed to stay 10). The last night on the boat, we were anchored in a lagoon in St. Martin, which is very, very protected. The anchor dragged that night!

We ended up at a condominium high rise called The Cliff on St. Martin. We rented a luxury 2-bedroom suite with a gorgeous ocean view (we could still see the white caps!). Tannis and I went to the Dior Spa for a half day, which we really, really enjoyed, and it was there that we learned that in December in the Leewards there is weather called the Christmas winds. Combine this with tropical storm Olga and you get the picture. On the catamaran with a crew of three, two of them got seasick! I guess we and they were so lucky that we are boaters.

Home on December 18 and looking forward to spending three days in Avalon, Catalina Island, aboard La Sirena with Brian and Tannis. We left Marina del Rey on the 23rd and had a beautiful crossing to Emerald and a scenic trip along the coast to Avalon. Although I vetoed any “fun rum drinks” until after mooring, the crew enjoyed the flat seas, delicious chicken and red pepper sandwiches and sunny skies. We were met by the harbor master with the news that Avalon expected Santa Ana winds for Christmas Eve. We did not let this dampen the mood and moored on #211. We did a good job (no wind or current and no other boats close to us—great chance to boost Nancy’s confidence at the helm).

Celebratory champagne followed by naps before dinner at Portofinos. The town was decorated to the hilt, and we wore our Santa, Reindeer, and Mistletoe hats.

The 24th was a gorgeous day in Avalon with mirror-like water, hot sun, and blue, blue skies. We moved the boat to #220, which was farther into the harbor in preparation for weather. We then shopped a bit in town. Since the men were requesting “a fun rum drink” every 20 paces or so, we decided that lunch was next on the agenda and went to the “Busy Bee” for fish tacos. This establishment over-served us with two double rum and pineapple drinks a piece. Well, I did tell her light on the pineapple and heavy on the rum. Back to the boat for another nap.

We opened some presents on Christmas Eve and ate roast chicken with garlic, Brussels sprouts with garlic, and rice with garlic. We all needed mouth transplants by the morning.

We congratulated ourselves on Christmas Eve that we were not scared off and went to bed. We heard and felt some winds come up in the night, but nothing too bad. We awoke to “Victory at Sea” with La Sirena rocking bow and stern in the harbor. The smaller and more exposed boats were rocking like mad, but since we were nodding up and down with no sideways motion, we went cheerily on opening presents. The harbor guys were wearing life jackets; people were leaving their boats for shore; waves were hitting the beach causing 40-foot high spray; the fools on La Sirena continued opening presents and wondering when we could have our first “fun rum drink.” At about 9:30am, John had enough and we decided to move to Cat Harbor on the other side of the island theoretically protected from Santa Ana winds. As we were leaving the harbor, the Coast Guard was advising all boats to stay in the harbor.

Only later did I find out that John had never actually gone to the other side of the island during a Santa Ana wind. Gale force winds hit us on the other side. It was actually not a bad motion, and La Sirena rode it very pleasantly, except when the canvas on the flybridge ripped off and sent a stainless still pole over the side. Minor issue.

We arrived in Cat Harbor at noon with 15 to 20 knot winds but very calm seas in the harbor. We anchored with no problem and continued opening presents. Butterfly leg of lamb for dinner, green beans with parmesan and tomatoes, salad and potatoes. Really good dinner. We spent a calm night, although John was up quite a bit checking the anchor.

The 26th dawned, another beautiful day (no wind or waves) but much colder than it had been. Fortunately, we were done with the presents so we could concentrate on the view and breakfast. However, we then found out more Santa Ana winds were coming. Deciding discretion was the better part of valor, we left beautiful Catalina at 10am. The crossing was fairly lumpy seas, but still comfortable. We saw and circled a sun fish. Very cool.

All in all, a wonderful Christmas with good friends, lots of laughter, and “fun rum drinks.”