Tobago and Grenada

It was lovely to relax in Charlotteville, Tobago. Valentina had broken a hatch cover on their trip and left after a day or two buy a replacement in Trinidad. The next day, Marion and Connor on Toucan arrived. They completed their circumnavigation in Grenada. We had seen them last in Cape Town and their route had taken them directly to St Helena and then to ports in Brazil. It was good to meet up and compare our experiences.

The week passed quickly. We topped up with water from the dock, but there was no diesel in Charlotteville as the tanker drivers had refused to take their vehicles over the mountain. They had no confidence in the private company that services the tankers. Off we sailed for an overnight passage to Grenada, downwind for 87 miles. The wind was strong and the swell was quite big, but not too uncomfortable. Hydrovane struggled to steer a straight course, so when I saw a white light ahead it was hard to say whether we were on a collision course or not. When I saw two white lights I knew it was a BIG ship. I was relieved to see a red navigation light and judged it would pass my stern. I shone the spotlight at it to make sure we could be seen. I should have called on the VHF because 5 minutes later I saw red and green navigation lights which seemed to be as far apart as a football field. I realised the big ship was bearing down on my port side. I shouted for Jeremy, who was asleep below. He came up quickly, started the engine, furled the poled out genoa and we turned away. The huge silhouette of an oil tanker passed by within a quarter of a mile. Phew! Panic over, but that was a close call.

All dressed up for a night on the town

We checked in at Prickly Bay Marina in Grenada. My sister, Pat, flew in from the Isle of Man leaving snow and ice behind and enjoying hot and sunny weather here. She had just retired from work, following a very difficult year, so we were determined to give her the break she deserved in the Grenada group of islands. The Trade Winds were stronger than usual with gusts up to gale force at times, but Pat proved to be an excellent sailor. All those rough Irish Sea crossings on the ferry must have prepared her well.

Strange fish

We went to all our favourite haunts – Isle de Ronde for snorkelling, Carriacou (Hillsborough, Sandy Island, Tyrell Bay, Anse la Roche) and Petite Martinique. We were surprised to find a three masted tall ship anchored off Anse la Roche and lots of naked men on the beach. No women at all. The 10 day holiday ended with two nights in Clarkes Court Bay, anchored off Whisper Cove Marina. Pat enjoyed a meal out at the Little Dipper and the afternoon BBQ at Roger’s beach bar at Hog Island.

Tea aboard Sal Darago

Yesterday, we took Pat to the airport and now she is back in dear, cold England. We leave for Trinidad tomorrow afternoon (Wed 10^th April). Sal Darago is due to be hauled out at Powerboats yard on 17^th April and we fly home to the UK on 22^nd April. We’ll keep in touch with the occasional blog. All being well, we return to Trinidad in late November.

Sunset over White Island, Carriacou