Night sail to Bequia

It was hard to leave St. Lucia, because it is a comfortable spot, and I was having a good time.  After 10 days, I figured I had to move on, and the weather was looking good.  So on Monday, August 4th, I cleared customs, put on 100 liters of diesel at Rodney Bay Marina and set off south at 11am.  The run to Bequia is just under 80 miles, but the wind was light, and it took Valkyrie 21 hours.  All in all a pretty comfortable overnight trip in mostly calm seas.  I saw lots of dolphins along the way, and there was a fair bit of maritime traffic to keep things interesting.

Passing the Pitons, St. Lucia

Tuesday morning, I approached Admiralty Bay at around 8 am.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to anchor off Princess Margaret Beach, or rent a mooring in town.  Puttering around the harbor, I was approached by one of the locals who directed me to a mooring close into shore right off the boardwalk, and bars,  perfect I thought. Renting a mooring turned out to be a wise decision, as another boat that came in after me, and anchored in the same spot I was eyeing off the beach, was boarded by thieves that first night.  Fortunately the owners scared the thief away, but as tired as I was that first night.... who knows.  Also, just as I settled in on the Mooring, a large Manta Ray circled the boat several times.   Manta's are rare in the islands, so to see one up close was a treat.

 

 

Bequia is an interesting place.  It has the feel of a city, but its really only a small town.  Clearing in is fairly painless and cost me $35ec.   Even in August there are lots of yachts coming and going from the harbor, and high speed ferries, and RORO freighters come and go all day long.  Bequians have a long seafaring tradition which is evident today with numerous traditional vessels around the waterfront.  Whaling, is still permitted around Bequia provided it is carried out by locals, on traditional whaleboats.  They are allowed 4 each year for the entire island. From what I hear they seldom meet this quota, and many years they catch none.

 



 One afternoon while having a beer at the Frangipani Bar, I met a couple, Joey and Gabrielle.  After a few Tequilas, we go along well and headed off to explore the island.  We3 got along so well, maybe the will come with me to see the rest of the Grenadines...............