13.00.500N   061.14.300W

The days and evenings in Rodney Bay Marina flashed by with lots of boat jobs completed, more discovered and various social evenings aboard different yachts.

A great pleasure was to welcome “ Twilight” from her Atlantic Crossing with Rob Kiley and crew and that of course was cause for another celebration-- “Twilight” has wintered at Ardfern on 2 occasions!

Friday we welcomed my God daughter Jess aboard “Moonbeam”- first time sailing in the Caribbean!

Saturday  midday we headed south and after a glorious sail took a mooring just North of the Pitons; it turned out to be rather rolly but still a stunning “ anchorage” ( anchoring is not allowed within the marine park ) and the snorkelling was excellent.

The Pitons St. Lucia

Passing St. Vincent

Sunday was the 50 mile passage down to Bequia, a rather rough introduction for Jess but a good reach followed by a beat into Bequia where the local photographer (www.bequiaphotoaction.com) captured some good photos of us cruising well reefed into Admiralty Bay.!

Bequia is a favourite place and we caught up with the Willhauers aboard “Breezing Up” and “Eight Bells” and the Craig-Woods on “Moonrise”.

Mooring Admiralty Bay

Skipper and Jess                                                                                                     Turtle sanctuary

Crew in Bequia                                                                                                      looking south over the village of Freindship!

                                                                                                        www.bequiatourism.com

                                                                                                                              At the Full Moon party with “Breezing Up” and “Windward Passage” 

Time was spent swimming, at the beach, an island tour including the turtle sanctuary and finally a fun “Full Moon Party” on the east coast when unfortunately the weather let us down with lots of cloud!

                                                                                                                                   At the “Whaleboner” bar – note the seats and bar edge!

Wednesday we headed out of Admiralty Bay only to smell strange engine room smells which was quickly diagnosed as a faulty alternator so a beat back to the mooring where the offending article was removed and we headed back out for the 24 mile reach down to Mayreau- unfortunately the weather was cloudy and showery but hopefully that will pass as we visit the Tobago Cays and introduce Jess to snorkelling with the turtles!