Sunday 5 April 2009

Necker Island, BVIs

  Kevin had decided we should get away from the crowds and get some diving in and suggested that we move round to Necker Island just to the north west of North Sound, Virgin Gorda. Necker Island is famous for being owned by Sir Richard Branson and although you are allowed to anchor off, due to the surrounding reefs not many boats visit.DSC05365 (1280x960)

Invincible at Necker Island

Unfortunately it was overcast from east to west when we got up in the morning which was not good to negotiate reefs when you need bright sunlight. Luckily by waiting a couple of hours the sky cleared, we filled our water tank and got our ice.

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Necker Island

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Clear waters at Necker Island anchorage

There was one other yacht in the anchorage when we arrived at Necker Island but we managed to get a spot closer in giving us both plenty of privacy. The water was again crystal clear and Kevin went in to check the anchor. Ten minutes later I am still waiting for him to come up and tell me if it’s ok. He seems transfixed on the seabed. It turned out he’d seen a large ray that had gone over to investigate what might have been dug up by our anchor and chain. The anchor is fine though so I make some lunch but Kevin is hooked now and goes off snorkelling.

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Nurse shark

He comes back to announce he’s seen a shark! We have lunch then set off with the camera for another look. The reef is teaming with fish and the small nurse shark is still on the bottom, as is the ray under the boat. We spend a bit of time exploring before returning to Invincible.

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Ray under the boat

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Invincible at Necker Island

Later in the afternoon, the other boat leaves and the constant stream of mini ferries and posh RIBs stops ripping past Invincible at full steam and we have a lovely quiet night under the stars alone on the anchorage with just a few lights ashore.

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