This update is sent from Bequia. The timing and layout may be different to usual due to a mishap with the Dell laptop. More later!!!

 

After departing Bequia last week we had a 3 hour motor to Petit Byahaut on St Vincent where we anchored overnight. I had intended anchoring at Buccament Bay, but since last May, the anchoring shelf has been absorbed by 2 new breakwaters for the hotel development!

At 0530 the next day, we set sail for St Lucia, following the usual strategy of hugging the St Vincent coast as long as possible to reduce the effect of the confused seas at the North of the Island. We spoke to John & Chris Lytle from "Oriole" on their way to Antigua and to Sean & Gabby on "Tabasco Jazz". They had suffered a significant failure of their in mast furling winch and were motor sailing  to St Lucia. Although the sail was good, there were one or two substantial squalls with up to 40 knots of wind and substantial rain.

 

 

Rodney Bay was unpleasantly crowded with the ARC arrivals and we anchored in the Lagoon - 4 times we anchored and 4 times we dragged - the last time with 10 times scope out! We could not get a good hold in the mud with the 25 knot winds which were blowing.

 

Jacqui was duly collected from the airport and the next day Mike & Val Birch left for the UK after their 2 week cruise.

 

 

On returning to Marigot, I helped Sean remove his mainsail and damaged winch and we had yet another great meal in the Rain Forest.

 

At dawn on 17th we set sail for Bequia in lively but fun conditions and I was surprised when Jacqui appeared to be seasick. On arrival at Bequia she did not look at all well so we trotted up the hill to the local Hospital where 3rd world medicine triumphed and within 30 minutes she was on a drip to treat the diagnosed kidney infection. Four hours later with the appropriate drugs dispensed we were back onboard Eowyn with Jacqui looking very much better.

 

Tomorrow, we go to Mustique for the jump-up at Basils and after a few days in the Southern Grenadines we will return to Bequia for Christmas. For the time being, reports will be sent from the backup laptop and will probably be without photos.

 

On Tuesday night, Jacqui again felt unwell and we returned to the hospital on Bequia. She was kept in overnight and this morning was sent by ferry to St Vincent with Mum and a nurse. Kidney stones are suspected but the scan equipment is in St Vincent so tests must be completed there. I plan to sail to Young Island this afternoon so that Chris has somewhere to sleep tonght close to the hospital. Unfortunately the weather is not being kind to us and we have heavy rain showers and squalls forecast for the next few days.

 

Jacqui was admitted to St Vincent Gemeral Hospital on the 19th and spent 2 nights as an in patient in a very 3rd world hospital - I won't realy all the detail, but as an example, they had to discontinue IV antibiotics when they ran out of the neccesary drug!! We took food in every day and conditions were grim, although many of the staff were dedicated and helpful. On Friday evening Jacqui was discharged and if all is well we will return to Bequia tomorrow