Fast movers!
Oriole
Thu 24 Dec 2009 12:37
|
Admiralty Bay, Bequia.
13:00.692N 61:14.483W.
After our delayed start from the UK
we are now in Bequia for Christmas just three weeks after flying
into Trinidad. We got all the jobs done in double quick time and left
Chaguaramas 5 days after launching. Trinidad was in full swing in the
run-up to Christmas and we found time to go to a performance of the Messiah
complete with steel band, African drums and also military drums for the Alleluia
Chorus. The choir were VERY good and the richness of the Caribbean voices
really stunning. We also went to a charity concert of singing and two of the
best steel bands on the island. We very much enjoyed seeing the Kelshalls who
were, as usual, extremely hospitable and we look forward to returning in early
January for Natasha and Paul's wedding (this time by silver bird).
We left the marina at Crews Inn at
0530 on Saturday 19th December and had our fastest ever passage to Grenada (11
hours) with a 15 knot wind just forward of the beam with very little sea and a
very helpfull north going current. After brief stops in Prickly Bay and Tyrell
Bay, Carriacou we checked into St Vincent and the Grenadines anchoring in
the Frigate Island anchorage with is beautiful turquoise water colours.
 Frigate Island anchorage.
The area was very quiet and the ever
popular Tobago Cays had very few boats and Clifton the main entry point for
yachts was almost empty. We wonder if this is now the recession biting or
whether we are just early in the season. Bequia is very popular for
Christmas but there are probably fewer yachts than last year.
We met Peta and David Kimber on
Moonsong RCC in Prickly Bay and have been cruising in company and plan Christmas
Dinner with them tomorrow. Tonight there is a carol service in the local
church and having left home so late we have many more Christmas cards than
before including one emailed by Lucy (sister Liz's grand-daughter). So
Christmas is in full swing on Oriole.
 Cruising in company with
Moonsong.
 Oriole takes a gust lying
down!
The weather has been dry, the winds
not too strong and the seas pretty calm so life has been unusually easy
inspite of the picture above. Chris and I wish
everyone a very happy Christmas and our apologies for our late missive to anyone
who has been eagerly awaiting the blog!!! |