Position           12:37.95N 61:21.53W

Date                2000 Local - 30 December 2010

(All times in this entry refer to local time, UTC -4 unless stated as UTC)

Andrew’s birthday on the 28^th meant a late’ish start on the 29^th when we headed south towards the Tobago Cays.  Sailing in these parts requires some attention to detail as islands are easy to confuse one for the other and there are a considerable number of submerged and semi submerged rocks and reefs to catch the unwary.  GPS and chart plotters make these much easier than it was on our first visit eleven years ago.

The Tobago Cays are one of the world’s better known destinations and the world seemed to be there when we arrived.  There is a lot of room however and after threading our way through numerous catamarans anchored in the entry channel we were able to find a secure anchorage in between the three islands that surround the Cays.

With a constant 20 to 25 knots of wind blowing and bright sunshine our wind generators and solar panels were working well.  Barbequing however was a little more difficult due to the cooling effect of the wind.  The shelter of the cockpit was most welcome to get out of the constant blast.  Barbequing however was worth while as we made inroads to the excellent meat that Elizabeth bought in Las Palmas.

One of the highlights of the Cays is the excellent snorkelling.  I had my first foray with my Christmas present which was a camera and waterproof housing.  The guide book marks a “Turtle Area” and conveniently the turtles have read the guide.

We stayed two days in the Cays before heading on to Union Island to clear out for Customs and Immigration and Chatham Bay for New Years Eve.