Log 20-23rd December - "Bequia to Tobago Cays"
s/v Safena's blog
Simon Ashley
Mon 24 Dec 2018 15:01
From the Pitons we sailed to Bequia. Fantastic fast sailing on a reach in F5 albeit with Atlantic Swell. Sophie felt slightly “off” so we headed down the west side of St. Vincent where the wind and swell were less. Coming into Admiralty Bay, Bequia, the conditions were fast and furious. Kenmore was there in his dinghy with camera. He took some amazing shots of us under sail, all of which we bought subsequently! A lovely anchorage mid bay in Bequia where we spent a couple of nights. We re-provisioned (although supplies in Bequia were quite limited). We swam off the yacht and also to Princess Margaret Beach from the RIB. Unfortunately, the lobster restaurant so highly recommended to us, L’Auberge des Grenadines, has closed down. Therefore, we had dinner at the Plantation House Hotel which is right on the beach with a dinghy dock. On the second night we went back for Rum Punches at happy hour and watched an incredible sunset. We ended up staying for pizzas! Admiralty Bay was our first opportunity to fly our new OCC burgee which we proudly did. It had the desired effect! We met several OCC members and were invited to a party the following evening but had to decline as we planned to move on. On 22nd December we set sail for Canouan. Again the sailing was absolutely fabulous, beam reach in F5, doing 8-9kts the whole way! We intended to anchor at South Glossy Bay where the water was gorgeous but there was too much swell. So we moved round to Charlestown Bay which was a quiet and peaceful anchorage with only about 4 other yachts moored up. This was our first opportunity to try out our doughnut! We had much fun towing each other around the bay! We ate on board - Nina defrosted some of the Mahi Mahi we had caught on the Atlantic crossing and cooked a fabulous Thai fish curry! During the night there were very strong wind gusts and we swung around a lot which was a bit uncomfortable. We left for the Tobago Cays before breakfast. Initially it was windy and quite squally so we opted for Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau where we had breakfast and waited for the weather to settle. The clouds dispersed and we we made our way into the Tobago Cays marine park where we were greeted with the most spectacular scenery and turquoise water. We found a great spot to anchor surrounded by beautiful water at the west end of the cut between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau. This is what we had all been waiting for! Classic Caribbean water, beach, and palm trees! After a great day swimming, snorkelling and sun bathing we had sundowners.Then we went to the beach for BBQ lobster by Alfonso - it was fantastic but getting on and off his boat from Safena and then the beach and back again was very tricky due to the choppy conditions! Simon |