Jeannius is now trussed up like a turkey. In the morning we let the boom down and tie the main sail down. We remove the genoa completely, folding it neatly and tying it up then remove the sun curtains, rain curtains and windscreen. We leave the bimini on as it as tight as a drum and as it would be a real pain getting it back on the decision is made to leave it to the last minute, only removing it if it becomes absolutely necessary.
Apparently the BVI festival has been on in a somewhat subdued way for a couple of days although we have seen no evidence of it apart from all the hire cars being out. Today, however, it starts in earnest with a three day holiday and a huge procession which begins on the main road right outside Conch Charters.
It is supposed to start at 2 pm and the amount of noise from open trucks full of ghetto blasters and mega speakers suggests that it might actually start on time but at 2.30 they are just teasing us, doing their warm ups, each truck trying to outdo each other as they wait their turn to leave their position and head into the centre of Road Town.
The effort and co-ordination that must go into the preparation for these processions is incredible – the costumes are works of art and there are hundreds of people wearing them. Harness that effort and the islands might just have road surfaces that are safe to drive on, electricity and water supplies that don’t go off at the drop of a hat and people who turn up to do work when they say they will. Dream on!
At around 3.30 pm the first truck takes off but the others still hang around in the ferocious heat, practising their routines and waiting for their turn. With sweat pouring down their faces, I feel sorry for these people. They start off eager to perform and by the time it is their ‘go’, they must be exhausted and bored. I just hope the spectators appreciate it all.
For a community that frowns upon beachwear being worn anywhere but on the beach, there sure is a lot of flesh on show, and I mean LOTS of it. There are some big girls here and they sure as hell don’t mind shaking their wares. Maybe us skinny obsessed females should take a leaf out of their books!
As the individual floats and performers take their turn to go into Road Town, we go back to Jeannius, passing piles of rope waiting to be used if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Hot and sweaty, we take advantage of the air conditioning. Without the batalyne covers over the windows which we have removed, the a/c struggles to keep the temperature inside the boat below 85 degrees but it’s still better than the heat and humidity outside.
Tomorrow we should really know what Emily is doing.
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