It’s 0930 and we are approaching our destination, having gotten under way early to avoid melting under the Caribbean sun. As my wife, Alison, and I sail Ben-Varrey, a 1969 Luders 33, through the anchorage, we pick out a couple spots that we like and agree on a favorite. I head forward to drop the jib as Alison takes the helm. I return to the cockpit, and we lay out our game plan for dropping anchor, along with a plan B in case something goes awry. We also acknowledge that it’s all right to come around a second time if things aren’t lining up; we’re in no rush.
Under just the main, the boat moves at a calm speed and lets us point as much as we need. We weave among other anchored and moored boats to arrive to our final glide path and turn the boat to irons. As the speed drops, I’m back on the bow to drop the anchor. Alison gives me
