Union Island / Carriacou
Purple Mist
Skipper: Kate Cope
Mon 6 Feb 2023 18:33
Union Island and Carriacou
It was time to start heading North to Antigua. We are going to spend longer down this end of the Caribbean as we’ve been told it’s the nicest part then do a big hop to Antigua.
After Grenada we did a 37NM passage in about 7hrs to Carriacou, an island outpost of Grenada. This was a good test out for our upwind setup. First conclusion was it was tremendously wet with waves regularly dousing us. There is no way we can be that wet for 5 days on the C600 race so we are going to need to wear Oilies.
We also were hit by a 32 kt squall which was very wet , so sort of hoped the fresh water would rinse off the salt but it didn’t really. Anyway the boat was fine and rode the squall well .
We headed into Tyrrell Bay which is mostly an anchorage but we found a small new marina along with a boat yard at the north end. The entrance was rather rustic, through a red and green buoy which we need to keep reminding ourselves are the opposite way around over here . Then round a reef which had been handily planted with a mangrove tree on the top of it to warn you off. The marina was empty and plenty of room to tie up. We were joined shortly afterwards by a large classic yacht called The Blue Peter which had been racing Grenada sailing week. We got chatting to the skipper and mate and ended up having beers and curry in town. They knew a curry house run by a Welsh couple and the food was delicious. The skipper was going back for roast lunch the next day.
Next day we checked out at Customs , this is a bit of a faff. There is an electronic system which they sometimes use and sometimes not. Each time you check in and out of a country there is a fee to be paid.
So checked out we headed up to Union Island which is part of St Vincent and the Grenadines…means more customs more fees. Anyway the book said it was an anchorage and the wind was a solid 20kts gusting 25kts so I spent a good part of the 2hr trip wondering whether my anchor was really going to work. I was mightily glad to be met at the harbour entrance by a friendly local who guided us to a mooring buoy and helped us tie up. He also provided a water taxi service which is essential as we have no dingy. The buoy looks a bit dodgy marked by a life ring but so far has proved strong.
The view was amazing we are moored just behind a reef with breaking waves and we have a great view of the kite surfers zooming up and down.
Today Claire has had a kite surfing lesson whilst I took photos from the rib . She did really well and was just about up on the board at the end.
For part of the lesson I chilled on a remote beach which was full of conch shells in various stages of degradation which brought out my artistic side. Great photos opportunities.
