In Trinidad we met Bea and Vincente on Pasion Ibiza. We left Trinidad together for the sail over to Grenada. When we arrived Grenada the Christmas winds arrived, which made the sail north more uncomfortable. Vincente invited us for Christmas dinner. For us it was an easy choice. Meeting new friends from different parts of the world is the essence of cruising.
Bea is originally from Germany, Vincente is from Ibiza in Spain. So here we where four people from four different countries. And what a fun Christmas evening we had!
Working our way south we revisited many of our favorite places, and met friends along the way so it was quite a social time. We were required to check out with customs and immigration on Union Island. While there, we returned to the HAPPY ISLAND bar where we posted photos in January. This time windsurfers entertained us with spectacular tricks. Here is a short video as one surfer flew through the air and grabbed a beer from a gentleman holding it out for him. He had a few drinks as he surfed away and then returned giving the beer back to the gentleman. Cheers by all.
Our final sail of the season took us from Union Island to Carriacou Island where we joined 7 other boats leaving for Trinidad.
Convoy #1 head out from Carriacou
A week earlier a sailboat was pursued by “pirates” near the Trinidad coast. Shots were fired and although no one on board was injured, the boat sustained several bullet holes. As a result, a total of 8 boats formed a convoy and made contact with the Trinidad Coast Guard and North Coast Radio. We filed a sailing route with them and had radio contact as we approached the coast. They were monitoring us on radar. We experience no incidents and had a beautiful 16 hour sail, arriving Trinidad early in the morning.
Bella Luna, Beaucastel and Blue decided to go into the first cove and anchor for a few hours of sleep as we did not choose to go into the area of the marina at night. It turned out to be a magical experience. As we approached in the moonlight there were a lot of fish swimming at the surface. When we set the anchors and turned off our motors we heard Howler monkeys and tropical birds in the distance. Waking in daylight we were in awe of this beautiful cove, with still water, dense tropical foliage and the silence except, again, the moneys and birds callings. How special to be in this South American setting to enjoy our final anchorage of the season.
Bella Luna & Beaucastel strapped down for hurricane season
After 7 month on the hard at Peakes Yachting Bella was launched on time.
Before launch Bella got new batteries (Budget Marine) and a new Mastervolt Combi (Electropics). Gittens worked on the cylinderhead to the generator.
Dwayne who had looked after Bella when on the hard was a tremendous help pointing me in the right direction when I needed help. Made my life so much easier. If you ever plan to keep your boat in Trinidad it is well spent money to have Dwayne looking after your boat. Every two weeks he aired Bella and sent updates with 20+ pictures.
As soon Vickie arrived we sailed to Grenada as we had our friend Billy arriving from London. The crossing is only 75 Nm, but have a bad reputation due to uncombortable sea. It was a bit rolley but nothing worse than sailing in The North Sea. We started our crossing at 6 AM and dropped anchor in Prickly Bay Grenada just before sunset.
