Squalls and No-See-Ums

Our two-day 100 nautical mile trip from Black Point to Thompson Bay, Long Island was memorable for the squalls and no-see-ums. We left Black Point yesterday morning and motor-sailed in lighter than expected winds. We went through squalls off and on all day, finally anchoring behind Coakley Cay after traveling 50 nm. This was a new anchorage for us but one we thought would provide better protection from NW winds compared to our usual stop at Rocky Point. We pulled in close to shore, about 500 ft from land in order to get into calmer water. 

Later in the evening, as we were watching TV on the iPad, we noticed the wind had dropped and we were getting bitten by no-see-ums. We quickly closed up the companionway screen but it was too late. The cabin was inundated. They were swarming everywhere. No-see-ums are a problem when the wind is light and you are close to shore. We had both conditions and had neglected to close the screens when we first arrived. We finally turned the v-berth fan on high and went to bed under the covers. Nevertheless, they seemed to be able to make their way under the sheet and bite our legs and feet. It was not a restful night. 

This morning, as we got underway again, we opened all of the hatches and port lights (side windows) and turned on the fans as we motor sailed, hoping the bugs would get blown out of the cabin.  We hardly ever open the hatches and port lights while we are underway due to the chance a rogue wave might splash into the cabin getting everything wet with salt water. Our thinking today, though, was that we had to get the no-see-ums out of the cabin or spend another miserable night with them. As I write this I believe our strategy has worked. Just to be in the safe side George is now vacuuming the walls and ceilings to catch any stragglers. 

Squalls had surrounded us again today by the time we were a few hours from our destination. We didn’t get wet, but the wind picked up enough that we could turn the engine off and we even had to reef the mainsail to keep things under control. Now we are all settled in Thompson Bay and happy to be here. Here’s to a night without seeing any no-see-ums. 

Our first squall of the day yesterday. 

Another one of yesterday’s squalls. 

Motor sailing this morning with the hatches and port lights open.  There are no photos of the no-see-ums. Unlike the name implies, they can be seen but they are indeed quite tiny and difficult to see. Their bite is painful and can leave welts on people who are allergic (we are apparently not). They are also called sandflies and biting midges. 

Nearby squall…

…and another…

…it is passing by at sunset.