On a day when the wind is perfect, the sail just needs to open and the world is full of beauty. Today is such a day.

– Rumi

Indeed it is. With my family joining me on Silver Lining to sail into the New Year, it’s not just the wind that is perfect. We’re off to an early start on our crossing to the Spanish Virgin Islands, also known as the Puerto Rican Virgin Islands.  We motored into the channel, then sailed dead down wind for a good part of the way and made it to Playa del Rey in Puerto Rico in 5.5 hours; averaging 7 knots.

We will be exploring the area and will let you know what we find. One advantage: you don’t need a US passport, as we won’t leave US territories for the whole week. Also, Puerto Ricans know how to have fun in and near the water.

Here’s wishing you many rainbow-framed adventures in 2014.