12:00.07N 061:43.23W

We had a straightforward crossing from Trinidad once we had got through the incredibly turbulent seas that met us as we came through the gap on the north west corner of the island.  The swell, current, wind, tide, land, everything seemed to be working against everything else and squeezing up the seas big time as a result.  So, first couple of hours were pretty uncomfortable and we gave up on any ideas of cooking supper in favour of cold snacks, but after that it settled down as expected to the usual swell and trade winds which blew us pretty much all of the way here. 

We had been talking to Brad and Ann on their yacht Breezing Up and learnt that they were anchored in Clarkes Court Bay so we hung a bit of a right and joined them in there.  We are very glad that we did.  Not only is it a delightful, quiet spot with gorgeous views but we were able to have a couple of meals with Brad and Ann before they set off north.  We had met originally in Antigua last year via the Ocean Cruising Club radio net and got to know them and very much enjoy their company then.  They had been among our friends and family on board when we had had front row in Nelsons Dockyard for the Earl and Countess of Wessex’s visit.

We took the dinghy ashore to check in with Customs and Immigration and met Harold; the most charming, welcoming and helpful official we have ever come across.  So much so that he offered to give us a lift in to town when he went off duty so that we could visit a cashpoint and actually pay our fees.  Then when we said there was no need to go to such trouble he instead kept our passports overnight while we sorted ourselves out and, while he had them, he cleared us through immigration as well because the immigration chap wasn’t there when we were. 

We have been introduced to ‘Rock’ the taxi driver who was a charter skipper for thirty odd years and knows the Caribbean incredibly well, so much so that he has already told us exactly which corner of each anchorage is the best, what the depth will be and what is on the bottom.  He is going to take us on an Island tour and from the experience of our trip to the shops today we are going to learn a lot.

Now we are just getting ourselves and the boat organised for the arrival of George (18) and Jack (14); our next door neighbours in Field Assarts.  We are really looking forward to having them here and getting them sailing.