Our “rapid” trip north to get to the Leeward islands is not going quite as planned… The Caribbean climate has been harsh on Merryn and we have been discovering more and more things that we are trying to sort out before longer passages. The electronics, in particular, have taken a beating. We had already replaced the defunct starter battery, but now have discovered faults with our digital barometer, chart plotter, the electric toilet, the vacuum cleaner, the solar panels that have delaminated in the sunshine, and the VHF aerial. Other problems have included a leaking gas supply, jamming cupboard latches and loosening of the caulking on the teak decks. Ouch!
So, our progress has been slow as we stop to try and fix the assorted issues. On the plus side, the enforced delays have given us a good excuse to spend more time in our favourite windward islands.
We spent a relaxing few days in Carriacou, this time at anchor in Tyrell bay to make it easier to go ashore, and found time to revisit Paradise beach for a delicious lobster feast – by chance we had arrived in the middle of the inaugural Carriacou lobster festival. What were the chances of that?
Checking out of Carriacou, our first stop in the Grenadines group of islands was Mayreau, where we revisited saline bay and went ashore for a drink. It was great to see how much the island had recovered from the Hurricane of June 2024. Last time we were here the beachfront was scattered with wrecks and no businesses were operating. Now new bars have sprung up along the waterfront, and it was lovely to sip a beer at sunset looking out across the bay to our boat at anchor.
Next stop was Canouan, also recovering well after the hurricane. Annoyingly, the ocean swell had a slight northerly component, which made for an uncomfortable rolly night at anchor, so we were quick to move on from there to Bequia, where we are currently sitting at anchor, and waiting whilst a new chart plotter arrives for us in St Lucia, to replace our old and broken model.
All the sailing so far, in a north to north-east direction, has been close-hauled and often in quite big seas. It has made for some exhilarating, if not exactly restful passages. Fortunately, here in Bequia we are in a safe and protected anchorage, so are more than happy to rest awhile. As luck would have it, we have arrived in Bequia just as the annual Bequia music festival has come to town. What are the chances of that? For the last three evenings we have been ashore to be entertained by some fantastic musicians. On Thursday we danced to a series of bands at the Boley bar bash, including an great set from a guitarist who called me to the front, only to present me with a wooden guitar – my job: to accompany him on air-guitar! At least Cate enjoyed that bit!. Last night the main Blues festival kicked off; again, some excellent musicians, and more dancing opportunities.
Most bodacious of you! When do you get to St. Lucia?
Hopefully in St Lucia by Thursday, where a new chart plotter (hopefully) awaits!