Christmas & New Year 2013 Grenada.

2013

A Very Merry Christmas

With a Prosperous

Healthy

and

Happy

New Year

To all our Family, Friends,and Avid readers!

         This snap is one of the Malls in Trinidad, by the time you read this we hope to be on our way (I hope).  The air con has departed so it's getting warm down below. Just customs & immigration to satisfy, duty free to pick up and a few last goodbyes to peeps around us.

  Next time I go on line I hope to see some Christmas letters etc from you all.  Only those with Blogs are spared.

So all that remains is to say drink responsibly and enjoy the festive season.

Thank - You sail

Curtis Helming on the way out.

As promised to those who came along, here are my meager efforts with snaps.

Al posing

 After hoisting a full suit of sails 'Piano' really showed her heels. even though she has just had her 18th birthday!  In flat water she made a fair 8 knots.  This to the amazement of first time sailor Joel.

Graham taking it all in his stride while Joel looks on.

We all had a brilliant time, as did 'Piano', who almost made it to Venezuela!

Meanwhile here is Ian from 'Winchworks'  who also has a special relationship with 'Piano' so deserves a mention.
Let me know if I have missed anyone out and I'll update this blog.

Another week has flown by with Grahams team aboard to sort out minor items which the Captain is not happy with.  Falco found a minor problem, he disconnected a pipe which was feeding seawater into the exhaust elbow, discussed his reasoning with Graham who then took his advice and fitted a long pipe to vent the seawater from the exhaust and potentially the engine.
The main winches had made a ‘funny noise’ on the shakedown sail so were taken by Ian the winchman to be sorted out.  Curtis and Al came by to re-seat the Smart pilot processor.  Jimmy stopped by to screw a few more screws into place,  run a line of sealant around the kitchen sink and some cosmetic work in the cockpit. Dennis from ‘Goodwood Marine’ fitted a new battery to the B & G instruments processor.  Jim from ‘Shore Power’ meanwhile is procuring another switch for the generator so that we can run it without holding the stop toggle down.

Now for a sea-trial with Team Dynamite. We slipped at around 11 o’clock after a coffee and welcome aboard. Then motored out to set sails and fly down to Chacachacare then as the helm was enjoying it so much decided to continue around the island and before we knew it we were very close to Venezuela! Lunch on the hoof a simple meal of Coronation Chicken, rice and guacamole tortillas with a sour cream and spring onion dip. Everyone had a go at helming and for some (their first day aboard a sailing boat did extremely well!) Back to Crews Inn for tea and cheerio to a fantastic Team.

We managed to stay a few more days at Crews Inn until the Managers Christmas Party, in the square.  Live entertainment meant a karaoke session in which Malcolm sang, a short quiz of theme tunes from TV programmes, and of course disco music to dance to.  The food was international with a Caribbean twist and truly delicious. Rather a shame that the picture were naff.

   Wednesday no more excuses, we signed out at C & I, collected our papers and picked up the duty free allowance and slipped for Scotland Bay.  Here we prepared for an early morning cruise to Grenada.

  Up at 04.30 we motored through the Bocca and set sails.  Along the coast at first to make a good course for St Georges.  It was a fast sail, whether due to the rigg tuning by Jonas of the clean hull , whatever the sea was flat and ‘Piano’ showed her heels yet again.  A whole hour of over 7 knots put us at anchor off Grand Anse by 20.00,  Dinner and bed.

We had at least a week here shopping and meeting up with Dave and Jan S/Y Mistral, who suggested a jam session on the beach before they sailed on Christmas Day.  This was at a beach bar and lunch was available from the BBQ The guys on guitars were very professional and a great time was had by all.  Next day we sailed around to Whispher Cove and found many more of our old friends there.

Christmas eve we celebrated at Taffies Bar and watched the start of a Christmas storm.  The sky bloomed with natures light show, thunder lightning rain and wind.  This continued overnight and into Christmas Day.  Snug aboard ‘Piano’ we roasted a small Duck with Christmas trimmings and raised a glass to absent family and friends. 

Friday we went for Curry at Taffies and booked a place at the New Year Celebrations too.  Saturday we were invited aboard S/ Y Blackthorne Lady for a late lunch of Christmas left-overs.  Jacqui did us proud the food was sumptuous they company dazzling! 

New Years Eve saw us shopping with Patrick the maxi driver together with a dozen other needy yachties. All the major shops were covered, IGA supermarket, Island World and Budget Marine Chandleries, and a cash & Carry.  Once again stocked up we were able to enjoy our New Year Celebrations without too much to worry about.

  Having just updated this issue we sail for Carriacou tomorrow, winds have dropped so if the sea is quiet we should do it in a day.  

More emails as to the weather in the UK, keep the stories coming!

Return To Trinidad!

I am greatly in remiss my avid readers, for the lack of updates to this blog!  Also equally sorry that you have the knitty gritty details to wade through, since this is my personal diary as well as your favourite reading!  Thank- You all for your hospitality and we are so sorry we couldn't have stayed longer.

To begin, we left a very cold UK 8 C and returned to the warmer climes of Trinidad 23 C—cool for once– checked in to the Power boats apartment and chilled out after the long flight.  It seems an age ago and so much has happened.

The first day back and we arrive bright and early at the shed to have an inspection of the work.  We are thwarted by the lock on the door which WILL Not undo! Even for Al who arrives and finally gets it open.

As we take a first look at the shiny new gel coat we are amazed to the perfection of the workmanship.  Colin and Spanish have excelled themselves.  It must be an optical illusion that in some lights the whole boat looks cream but if this is the case it certainly looks great!  The question is how long will it stay so pristine??

Thanks to Susan & Andrews for these snaps.

Spanish doing the polishing

Colin checking justice has been done to his craftsmanship.

Now begins the hard labour of finding items needed for on going work and humping boxes back aboard to unpack into their usual homes.
One of the first items needed are a couple of pieces of headlining one of which, Al manages to uncover in the container, the other still needs to be made,  by Carlos.  While I help the carpenter (Jimmy) and his mate (Leroy) Malcolm busies himself with more technical work which needs his personal attention.
When the workers leave I can resume box humping to my hearts content and by the end of the week I have re-homed the majority of the container.  All that remains are items to large or heavy for a 'girl' and they are moved by the lads with the aid of a truck and chain gang.

Friday 22nd

First the mast is re seated.

Bang on Schedule, Thanks to Graham and his team at 'Dynamite'.  We are launched smack on the set day. We arrive at Crews Inn to our same berth which we left in the summer.

Thursday 28th
Another day of scrubbing the decks and polishing the mainbraces , plus all the usual housekeeping jobs of running about shopping washing clothes etc etc etc ! topped with Potluck at Crews Inn.  Andrew (S/Y Andromeda) baked a large fillet of Sea-Trout in wine , butter and herbs to perfection—my goodness did we really eat it all ???

November 29th Friday.
  Final preparations for the shakedown sail, a few items of shopping, a long dip in the pool and at last the mast has been re-wired such that I can re-cover it in the saloon and repack the shelves behind it.  Which also means I now have access to the shower so can hang the curtain and scrub it ready for guest use!

December 1st
  First a quick run up to Debbie the swimsuit lady to collect Malcolm’s new shorts, he liked them so much he wore them on the shakedown sail!
Susan & Andrew (S/Y Andromeda) arrived with their overnight bags to join us on this epic adventure.
We slipped lines at 10 ish and motored out into the bay to hoist the mainsail and set the reefing lines as we went.
Then hoisted the Yankee and Staysail, somewhere here the instruments on deck went off and the helm was steering blind.  Fortunately Susan , (like me ) is an ex dinghy sailor and coped easily. ( But I know that when she is dancing she only needs my forefinger to steer!) With full sail up we then turned the iron horse out to pasture and had a terrific sail down to Chacachacare Bay.  On the way we were greeted by a few huge and battered Dolphins who cavorted under the bow, one even doing a tail dance with pleasure alongside!

  The close we got to our destination, the sky became more ominous, with grey patches under the clouds.  We telephoned S/Y Quicksilver to ask the depths, for anchoring and with the aid of the lead-line dropped the hook in about 5m of water.  The stern was close to the shore with 2.8m so we floated peacefully all night.

S/Y 'Piano' Chacachacare Bay.

  We were then taken for a short hike to the old leper colony and Nuns graveyard, by Irene and Ray, which ticked the box for exercise nicely.  Ray and Irene (S/Y C–Drifters) stopped for the first drink of the evening and made admirational noises as to how beautiful ‘Piano’ was looking.  A quick shower to freshen up and we all went across to C-Drifters for a Chilli supper.  As before the hospitality of Irene and Ray was profound!  There were eight of us in total Sharon and Chris (S/Y Quicksilver) brought home made garlic bread and Chocolate chip cookies (yum yum).
  The evening ended with a natural bonanza of Fireflies in the jungle ashore and Bioluminessence in our wake.  Even the jumping fish were silvery with a coat of light giving water !

December Wednesday 4th

Much rain today so we treated ourselves to Ribs and Swordfish at the ‘Wheelhouse’ Bar.  Instead of cycling we took the rib and motored across.  Thanks to Jeff for the major service and over haul he gave the engine it sounds like new!  Welcome back to Mark and Willie (S/Y Liahona) Just back from Guyana.

December 5th.
Another week has flown by with Grahams team aboard to sort out minor items which the Captain is not happy with.  Falco found a minor problem, he hastily disconnected a pipe which was feeding seawater into the exhaust elbow, discussed his reasoning with Graham who then took his advice and fitted a long pipe to vent the seawater from the exhaust and potentially the engine.
The main winches had made a ‘funny noise’ on the shakedown sail so were taken by Ian the winchman to be sorted out.  Curtis and Al came by to re-seat the Smart pilot processor.  Jimmy stopped by to screw a few more screws into place,  run a line of sealant around the kitchen sink, and those in the heads and shower room also some cosmetic work in the cockpit. Dennis from ‘Goodwood Marine’ fitted a new battery to the B & G instruments processor.  Jim from ‘Shore Power’ meanwhile is procuring another switch for the generator so that we can run it without holding the stop toggle down.
 We hope to set sail towards Grenada sometime next week.  Today (7th December) I heard about the floods in the UK.  In Kent mother has sand-bags around the door and much of the town is under water.  I sincerely hope that all of you reading are not suffering too much, our thoughts are with you all.

September– The Hurricane Season.

    So, here we are back in the UK!  Decidedly cooler but very pleasant.  The lift-out went well,

Lift Out at Power Boats Yard.

 followed by the mast being lifted off

and ‘Piano’ being coaxed into the shed in Skinners Yard.

She was left overnight while they sorted out the doors

          All the boxes were unloaded by the weekend and just Malcolm’s tools to off load before leaving.

 I managed to get the cupboards and floor joints sealed before the headlining came down.

       Since we have been home we have delighted in home cooking, Sunday roast Lamb (from Romney Marsh) and real local cheese! With venison and port sausages for a BBQ at the bay.  Ned & Hannah brought some brambles and apples round to make a pie  This involved a full cooking lesson so that they could repeat the exercise when needed. It was devoured while still hot!
Next the Sandwich Carnival... 7th September 2013.

Not as LOUD as the Caribbean!

  How novel, a trip to the cinema to see 'About Time' which we thoroughly enjoyed.
  Hannahs’ birthday on Saturday so family party with cake  And the Southampton boat show next week (which we got free tickets for) so no excuse for giving up spending money on ’Piano’ .
      A couple of visits on the way to see Malcolm's sister who does so much looking after the post for us, we also got to see Mark and Hannah who dropped in to say Hi.
The Truro Food Festival is now a regular feature on our return home.  Real Cornish Cheese, clotted cream, and fresh local vegetables! Ohhh such heaven.
During the Falmouth Oyster Festival we were able to see the working boats race, and The best Rigger in the land came first (of course) with his crew aboard S/Y ’Victory’.  Well done David!  More Cornish food for sale so we stocked up for our final week with local organic meats etc.
  Our visit to the Eden Project

is fully written up with the captions on Picassa, and you should have had an invitation to view them by now, so no more here!
Minor running repairs are almost finished at the Cottage, the Jacuzzi, and Sauna are fully operational and working very well!  I hope our visitors appreciate all we have done to make their holiday a success.  We look forward to returning to the warmer climes of the Caribbean very soon!

August—The Rainy Season

     Since the last entry life aboard ‘Piano’ has been going at full speed—well as fast as possible with the heat and humidity.  Kay has been and given us a great quote for dinghy chaps and a UV cover while it's stored aboard .  The engine is back aboard and working well (Thanks Falco).   All the sails are now off and packed apart from the main which is having new tell-tales and a thorough inspection.  Pot-luck has had low numbers now that there are only a few cruisers here at Crews Inn, so we cycle to TTSA and join the fun there on a Monday evening.  They had a pretty good Pig Roast the other week which is cooked in a metal box from 9.30 in the morning and ready about the same time that night.

  We have also had a further two meals at the Culinary School and enjoyed both equally.  Our friend Chris (Quicksilver) accompanied us for the final and he too was impressed.
  Ray & Irene (C-Drifters) have been back AGAIN to look at the sewing machine and dare I say that it seems to be working well again.  I finished the new petrol can cover and sundry items which needed repair without a hitch.
  The biggest item of work now is packing for the lift out.  We have a 20 ft container in which to pack EVERYTHING eeek it will be just like Rustlers back in 2009! Except I now have a comprehensive spreadsheet with the location of all items so re loading should be much easier!  The work is estimated to take 3 months and with all the mess we have decided to fly home during September.  We have even secured the cottage for October so will be pleased to see visitors ‘at home’ in Penryn.
Saturday Morning is for catching up on news of blogs from all our friends and Facebook.  So I was very pleased that so many followers liked the new cover shot for my Timeline comments however brief remind us of you all.

Trinidad July 2013

.....Quite a pleasant overnight sail from Tobago to Trinidad.  We were visited by this helicopter, who watched us for a while , then waved and flew off.

  We timed our departure so that we arrived in the ‘Bocca’ early morning in time to check in with C & I .  With both the current and the wind funneling through the narrow gap we literally flew through! and with boats around coming at us in all directions - it was politic to reduce sail.
  After completing the formalities and berthing we were welcomed by Andrew & Susan (S/Y ‘Andromeda’) and invited for dinner,  yum yum, and much to catch up on.  Since then the days have passed quickly with the many and varied jobs to be done.  Top of my sewing list was a new bag for the life-sling and a mark three wind chute.  So a shopping trip into Port of Spain to get the ‘Sunbrella’ was called for. This completed with the help of Susan.  Meanwhile the engine and generator were serviced.  Falco disappeared with the top end to weld and repaint, Narace came to measure up for relining the bathroom ceiling which seems to have been leaking for a while. Graham and Colin came to look us over to enable them to tender for a new gel coat.
  We have had a R&R evening to watch the Leatherback Turtles lay their eggs:

And to see a hatchling:

We also had a superb meal at the Culinary School but you need to look on my timeline at Facebook to see the edible delights.  Apart from that plenty of Potluck BBQ’s , Mexican Train Dominoes and of course the pool when the rain lets up. 

St Lucia to Tobago 28th May - 23rd June

The passage to St Lucia. Tuesday 28th May 2013 arrived Rodney Bay lunch time on 29th May. Welcomed back by the dockmaster who was pleased to see ‘Piano’ again.  We caught up with Mari who is still here and Bridget & Derek who are both looking well.  Invited Jane & Tony over for sundowners. And tried out the waterside steak house which was tremendous.
  Finally decided to move to Bequia on 6th June.  Not quite an all night sail but very slow since the currents are against you when travelling south! Managed to snag a picture of a dolphin!

 Anchored in Lower Bay at ten to eleven that night.  The sea was alive with lots of fish and turtles.  Next day Coffee at the Gingerbread Hotel while the skipper signs us in then a trip to the top of Mount Pleasant with Baldwin and a wonderful view from the top,

Flamboyant Tree

 before a pleasant walk down to the Fig Tree for lunch. Each day we have been visited by Joseph the travelling chef with his offerings of fruit and fresh bread.  He also cooks at the Friday night Fish Fry at the Fig Tree.

      Tuesday we went to the Italian for a Pizza and Lasagna.  Great idea to have a take away for the trip tomorrow so ordered another Pizza but it came as the next size up so had to be cut to fit a) the fridge and b) the oven

Wednesday 12th June

  Set sail from Bequia to Man of War Bay, Tobago. 

Malcolm says he enjoyed this trip (!) I was more discerning, the grey sky and uncomfortable ride, was not my idea of fun.  I enjoyed lunch but went below for greater comfort and missed out on the Pizza for dinner.  Malcolm battled away all night without calling me for my usual watch. I returned to deck the next morning while it wasn't raining.  That didn't last long, by the time we were 12 miles off Tobago the grey skies had returned and the heavens emptied. Meanwhile down below the towels had a worst time, they ended up in the bath/shower try and the hatch wasn't tightly closed so they were comfy too but sodden with seawater! 

  It was still pouring next morning when we went ashore to sign in.  So we waited ‘til after coffee and then made a dash.  The customs lady ‘Venice’ has just started her job here and is a very happy lady.  Such a change to talk to a human being rather than an official! ( Ramsie you are not alone)

 A good job the water tanks are full so that the washing machine can go on– just need to empty the drying racks to hang it in the drying room/workshop! Plus there was plenty of Pizza and meatloaf left over for a tasty lunch.  The rest of the week was spent making a trek up to Fort Cambleton for the views.  We also visited ‘Sharon and Phebe’s for dinner another night.  Malcolm hiked up Flagstaff Hill too, while I put in some serious ‘liming’.  Wednesday we found Jabba’s store for internet and I was able to forward a few funnies.  Thursday we got free Wi-Fi at the library, but nothing new. 

Monday 17th we took a bus ride to Scarborough! (didn’t we have a luverley time the day we went to …) For a 2 hour trip I thought £1.80 return was good value!  Snaps here and in Picassa

Fort St George.

     Friday 21st June. A short sail round to Parlatuvier Bay, Tobago.  From the seaward side it looked as though it would be rolly but once in (almost on the beach) amongst the fishing boats it was mostly pleasant. Saturday we hiked to Parlatuvier Falls, 

Parlatuvier Falls

the only thing we forgot was the insect repellent!  Of course following a stream we were attacked by many biting insects mosquitoes included.  Malcolm said the water in one of the pools was plenty warm for a swim.  I had a couple of hours on the beach while Malcolm went looking for a restaurant. We haven’t seen a supermarket since St Lucia so we are making good use of the emergency cans which I shall not be replacing! We have sufficient with what’s in the freezer to reach Trinidad! And I’m back to hand kneading the bread as the motor on the bread-maker seems to have a problem. 

    Sunday 23rd June motored round to Englishmans’ Bay   Very nice quiet no other yachts. No Jetty, so we were unable to take the tender ashore here.

 Unpacked the diving gear and had a quick dive,  Malcolm had problems with his mask but managed to get it sorted.  Not much to see with a sandy bottom and just a few underwater rocks.  Quite a long swim back to ‘Piano’ for lunch and liming.  Light rain intermittent during the afternoon.  Also the camera is playing up since we recharged it , one of the lights stays on after it has been turned off!

Pigeon Island Reserve to The Saints 24th May

Friday (!!!)  we sailed for six hours in variable winds. At one point we even got the pretty Multi Purpose Genoa out of it's locker to give it an airing- it hasn't been out since the Atlantic crossing!  Of course as soon as it was set the wind came up so it was furled again -along with all the other sails- as a rain front came through with  strong puffs (30 knots) and big waves.  Still I managed a Hot smoked salmon 'Sub' with fresh french bread for lunch AND Devils Chocolate cake at tiffin time, not bad eh?
      We picked up a mooring at 'teef time.    Iles de Saints , named because there being so many small Islands the explorers couldn't find enough saints names for them all!  Hey Ho! A pleasant few days with no wi-fi and intermittent tropical rain to keep the tanks topped off. It was rather rolly on arrival so we ate aboard.
   I also took some pictures of the 20 or so competitors in the round the Islands race.

 Saturday we went ashore for a café au lait and general look around. They really go in for electric cycles here!

 Many artisans stores with gaily coloured fabrics and crafts.

 That evening we ate ashore in a pleasant restaurant which had tables around various water features.  No trouble from mosquitoes and the rowdy noise from the frogs made conversation impossible.   Sunday we hiked up hill to the Napoleonic fort for some history.

 1782 Admiral Rodney was here wresting the place from the French along with what I think must have been one of Sir Francis Drakes grandchildren, namely Francis Samuel Drake.  From old records someone had made a model to show 10,11, and 12 o’clock on the day of the battle.  The men o’ war had their ships name on the sail and boats were either red for the Brits or white for the French, it was most impressive.  As were the outside grounds, almost as good as the Botanical Gardens (on a smaller scale).

 The DOWNHILL walk was more to my taste.  It was spitting again by the time we had coffee.
Later….What a tasty Sunday dinner a leg of New Zealand Lamb obtained in the small local supermarket
  Monday was a grey day so we moved to the smaller Islet a Cabrit for more snorkelling. Pleasantly wall to wall fish! Plus we did get to see the mother and baby dolphin too.
Tuesday back to Desaires to sign out and we see the OC Club burgee flying next door so pop over to introduce ourselves to Jane and Tony aboard S/Y ‘Capisce’.  Then the passage to St Lucia.

Many more snaps in the latest folder on Picassa 'The Saints.

The Passage to Guadeloupe 18th May 2013

After a quiet meal at the ‘Piano & Steak Bar’ on Friday evening ( back in Jolly Harbour) we were not in the mood to lift the engine and tender.  So early the next morning we made an effort to get it done before being at the Customs dock at Jolly Harbour.  Saturday is the weekend and we were delayed by a late opening.  However I had a good chance to pass the time with ‘Ramsie’ the Boss who truly epitomises the Antiguan way of life.  He told me that he easily manages to remember the Yacht names if people return year on year and I can vouch that he is one of the best ambassadors for his country.  I’m looking forward to next time!
     So at 9.30 after coffee and strawberry cup cake with Ramsie we slipped the customs dock and set off for Guadeloupe.  Having sighted many fishing buoys ’Piano’ failed to snagg any—or touch any shallow sea bed.  By 10.00 we had set  three reefs in the main with full Yankee and staysail and we were roaring along on a close reach at 7.7 knots!  I had prepared lunch while at the customs dock so we ate ravenously around three in the afternoon. As we approached Deshaies we could see rain over the mountains so Rolled 1/3 of the yankee ( in case there was an acceleration zone). 17.00 we anchored in Deshaies Bay 16° 18’North 61° 47’ West and had tea.  Malcolm then went ashore to clear in ( just a French computer in a general store).
    On Sunday we had an enforced day off due to torrential rain but the upside was that I could finish my part of the quiz and yes Malcolm did his too!
  Monday we took the empty dive bottle in to the dive shop to be filled (5€ ) and they also checked my identification of species so that I could email the final part of the quiz.
  Next we made a visit to the Botanical Gardens—It was MORE expensive than Wisley but even so well worth it. I’ll tel the snaps tell the story. Koi Carp at the entrance:

Map of the Gardens:

A walk in bird avery with brightly coloured Parakeets.  They were tame enough to know that the dispenser gave a sugar drink.

Plenty of Palms :

Bromeliads :

Orchids :

Then a 50 ft waterfall complete with Flamingo enclosure.

Further on a village of McCaw houses with pairs of birds mostly sleeping.  We could see that they had a fun life with tight-ropes and various items of fun around.  (I suspect that their wings had been clipped).

After the tour we had another brilliant meal in the hilltop restaurant and then a leisurely walk down hill to the jetty.
Malcolm took a detour to Pointe Batterie.  A few loose cannons and a picnic area:

    Unfortunately Hemingway's Restaurant is now a ruin with a 700,000 € restoration grant from the European Community!!!
  Tuesday we needed a few items from the shops so took time to tour the small town.  It has a LARGE library, TIC, market area, bakery with coffee shop, tennis courts and all the local shops needed.  Not much in the way of tourism since it is a small village, not on the cruise liner run. Lunch was crunchy fresh French bread and quiche with salad etc from the bakery. As we were finishing S/Y Mistral arrived and came alongside to say Hi.  I mention this as Dave the fridge man was aboard and we haven’t needed anything done recently.   After tidying away we motored round to Pigeon Island Anchorage.  This lies in the Cousteau Marine Park so has good snorkelling and dive sites. I actually followed a small turtle along the rocks. 

Antigua –R & R May 10th

So all the racing is over and we can’t seriously leave until I have some use of my left wrist.  However I can manage small things like finger typing!
 We visited the Antigua Yacht Club to take part in a local Quiz. We now know that Antigua has 365 beaches!!! Our friends Andrew and Susan (S/Y Andromeda) were on the last winning team so had to prepare the quiz for this month.  I hate quizzes but there being no alternative I had to make up the numbers.  So we had a team of four Malcolm myself, Judy from S/Y Wings and Karel from S/Y Tahani-li.  We played against three other local teams and to cut a gripping evening short we WON.

Judy , (S/Y 'Wings), Karel ,(S/Y Tahani-li ) and Sailor Sue with the prizes.

 Mostly due to Karels vast knowledge of Courtesy flags and their countries but with help from all members of the team showing their own specialist knowledge.  Malcolm even managed to calculate the time it takes for light from the sun to reach us on Earth—5000 seconds!  So with 30/42 marks we gained first place and a bottle of 5 year aged Antiguan Rum and the onerous task of preparing a quiz for the next evening of fun.  I have already done my share and need to email it to our co-ordinator so that it can be sent to the Yacht Club Secretary in time.
  The following evening we all met again in the same place to have aperatives, namely the Aged Rum before setting of to the Admirals Inn to have our last supper as a team.  Yes! Fred managed to fail getting the last Lobster but everyone else shared yet another wonderful meal.
    The weather has been cooler inter-spaced with grey days of warm rain.  We returned to Jolly Harbour to do some shopping, fill our water tanks.  Judy and Fred came over for a final sundowners before we leave them to sail South.  They will be travelling towards the ABC’s and Columbia. Another day around at Five Islands Bay for Malcolm to do a spot of hull cleaning– namely the propeller and intake pipes, which seem to have barnacle growth due to being in one place too long.  Needless to say it rained even more now that our tanks are full!
So we set off for Green Island on Sunday 12th May.  Stopping to pick up my computer stick from S/Y Quicksilver.  Coffee en route and we were just saying “What a brilliant sail…” when a peculiar noise was heard and the steering felt ‘funny’.  Ooops what now? The speed dropped and as I looked over the stern I see a couple of yellow things with a rope attached…’Piano’ had snagged another set of buoys! ( What a Girl ehh?) The air around the Captain was ‘blue’ but we managed to get a line around the offending tether and lead it forward.

 Malcolm cut it free and we managed to free the rudder sufficiently to sail back to Five Island Bay.  The new Knife he had bought was a casualty– not tied on he dropped it into 20 m of turbid water. Lunch first , then Malcolm donned the scuba gear once again and removed the remaining line. Note to self don’t say that the sail is brilliant of ‘Piano’ will look for a buoy!



The Eastern End of Antigua. 13th May.

  The second sail to Green Island / Non Such Bay was in fact just as brilliant.  ‘Piano’ definitely sails faster on Starboard tack, probably due to the extra weight on that side.  6 Knots against 4 knots on Port tack. Of course when we tacked we did find a) we were trailing a fender, b) the piano stool had not been screwed down and c) one of the clothes storage cupboards had flown open.  We all know that ‘things’ happen in 3’s!
  OK I’ll set the scene here with a look at the charts for the area,  Google maps possibly won’t have the historical detail.  First of all Non Such Bay was named after the first visiting ‘Yacht’ in 1647.  They must have been blown in downwind to have survived the variable depths, heads of emergent coral and semi submerged rocks.  The entrance is barely 50 m wide with shallow water either side.  Once in, the Bay is 2 miles deep by 1/2 wide, and has about 12, really sturdy buoys to tie up too.  Once settled we could see the reef ahead which protects the Bay from all weathers.  The spot is idyllic with kite boards skimming the surface and the occasional turtles popping their heads up.
Tuesday we take a day off! Well in this world that means mundane jobs like cleaning the weed growth from the tender, hoovering and washing the cabin floor of all the salt taken down during the recent escapades and checking out the life jacket which was used as a safety line the other day.
  Wednesday we made a tour in the newly cleaned tender of the whole bay.  From the entrance at ’Cork Point’ round to Nanny Island is owned by the Mill Reef Club, who are anti Yacht people.  They make money from rich tourists ‘in season’ who pay top whack for the privilege (tee hee). Evidence here is that times are hard, with other restaurants defunct nearby.
   Passing Nanny Island the next Bay is Browns Bay right up close to the head of the bay.  Next comes Hughes Bay, home of the Non Such Bay Resort which is Yacht friendly—and still making money !  The other side of the hill is Ayres Creek and Clover Leaf Bay.  This is called Guyanais Cove by the locals and is a deep mangrove lined bay in just the shape of a clover leaf! (Excellent shelter in a hurricane)
Finally the channel which some yachts leave by is called Spithead Channel (? Where have I heard that ?)