January 2017
I begin with the run
up to Christmas, since writing my last Blog. Although many of our
dear friends have already started their cruising season and are on
other Islands there were enough sailors here to make a jolly
occasion. Preparations underway for events on Christmas Eve with
Mexican Train Dominoes changed to Saturday so that Sunday was clear
for a Potluck BBQ at Crews Inn Marina. Christine (S/Y Quadrille)
arranged for the Marina staff to prepare the Table for about 30
people, light the coals, a marquee for shade /inclement weather, she
also sourced a case of Beer and other goodies from around the area.
The participants arrived for noon and a great time had by all.
Photo
Early on there were
rum punches and nibbles, and as the throng became hungry the smells
for food cooking on the grill. The selection of ‘sides’ was
enormous and showed a true Inter National flavour. After lunch we
sang Carols and chatted until sunset. It’s a good job I managed to
phone the UK before beginning the day! I was able to speak to the
whole family who had already opened their presents and had their
Christmas meal at my brothers house.
On Boxing Day we
were invited around to Kaye and Colins for a traditional lunch. This
began with a cool drink in their jacuzzi and was followed by Turkey,
roast potatoes, brussel sprouts and all the trimmings followed by a
sumptuous chocolate cake with ice cream. After the clearing up Colin
brought out his Backgammon set and trounced both Kay and myself.
The next event was
the regular pot-luck at Crews Inn on Thursday when we all relished a
quiet evening discussing the holidays. New Years Eve was spent
aboard S/Y Quadrille with Adrian and Christine and Alison and Mike
from S/Y Arawak. We started with nibbles and Champagne at 7 o’clock
and opened more at 8 (which is when the UK would have been listening
to Big Ben)
Friday evening an
evening held at ‘The Lure’ Restaurant for all cruisers at which
Jesse was the YSAT representative. He and his team served cutters
(traditional ham rolls with salad and chutneys) and cool beers or
wine. There was also a local band playing disco music. It was very
well attended by many people of all ages.
New Years Day –
the event was held at TTSA (Trinidad & Tobago Sailing
Association) . Jesse invited all cruisers to a -GAM (this is what the
American SSCE call their big meetings, we have no idea what it
stands for!)- OKA a Potluck under the auspices of the various
international cruising Associations which he represents here in
Trinidad. YSAT (Yacht Services Association Trinidad) and various
members in the boatyards had donated door prizes and other bags of
goodies which Jesse passed out to lucky winners. Yes we were
presented with a bag with some very useful items of kit inside.
It is now the 7th
of January and I have heard that my mothers operation went ahead to
schedule, she is recovering with my sister taking care of her this
time. She has done a wonderful job since she arrived and even
cancelled the homecare team while she is there. I know from
experience how hard she is working!
Well things are
back to usual now, the first shopping trip refilled depleted reserves
aboard Piano and work on the hull has restarted. Colin the gel coat
man is presently sanding more of the gel coat to satisfy himself that
it will be ready to begin work rebuilding the hull and do the
anti-fouling. The team know that our visas expire on the 22nd
of January so all systems are go to meet the deadline.
Little jobs like the velco on the dinghy chaps still need tweaking by
Kay and various new pieces of teak on deck need to be fitted and
restrung by Alans’ team. There seems an inordinate amount to do
before we return to the water but no doubt it will all get done…..
No comments:
Post a Comment