Exciting arrival in Barbados

Sy-tucanon
Philip Fearnhead
Wed 12 Dec 2012 19:55
Wednesday 12th December 2012 13:05.51N 059:37.06W
 
We arrived at Port St Charles in Barbados last night after an exciting afternoon and evening of sailing.  We survived a severe squall when in sight of Barbados which required changing from full sails in 15 knots of wind to 3 reefs in 40+ knots within a few minutes. Then, when the weather had settled a little, we found ourselves being inspected by a large whale which made repeated passes under the boat, during one of which it surfaced almost under one of the hull bows.  Our best guess is that it was a Northern Minke Whale, although there are other species which are similar.  It was very visible in the clear water, despite the failing light, and showed remarkable acceleration and speed from time to time, surfacing once or twice on each pass.  Several times it turned to show its white underside as it gazed up at us on the boat.  For a while we were surprise how quickly it could reappear in opposite directions until, after 1/2 an hour,  we saw two of the animals together behind the boat. Shortly afterwards, they disappeared.
 
Our entry to Port St Charles was strange.  Barbados second official Port of Entry failed to answer VHF when we were approaching during the evening, and the marina was unmanned apart from a few security guards who allowed us ashore to walk around after 3 weeks at sea. Illumination was minimal, but adequate.  This morning, the officials were helpful and the Customs, Immigration and Health departments were all conveniently represented at adjacent rooms in the marina complex. All were polite and helpful.
 
We have now moved to Carlisle Bay, by Bridgetown, and are anchored a few hundred yards from both the beach and the river entrance, which provides a route into town.  We plan to spend the next couple of days sightseeing on the island before testing the efficiency of the officials at Bridgetown when we need to check out of the island to make passage to Grenada.
 
The weather here is warm and breezy with lots of sunshine and a few heavy showers.  The sea temperature is 28 C and the air temperature 31 C.