Bequia- Canouan 29 January 2024

We woke to a wet morning and we had to wait for the showers to clear as we had breakfast. We thought we would move on today to Canouan- an Island some 20 nm away. As the rain cleared David suggested that he go up the mast to check the steaming light (mast light) bulb as that is why we thought it was not working. You use the steaming light when you are motoring or motor sailing at night so others know you have the engine on.   

We set up the Bosuns’ chair (the chair used to go up the mast) and David climbed in. We attach two lines to it, one for pulling up and the other as a backup line should the first fail. We added a third so that one crew member could hold it to prevent the wind moving David about. The steaming light is above the pole and the first spreader (there are 3 on our mast). We hoisted David up to that level and had also tied a fourth line to the Bosun’s chair to which we could attach a bag for tools etc. He was able to undo the fitting and the filament in the bulb had gone – so that was our problem. Luckily we had a replacement which we hauled up in the bag on the fourth line and once fitted it worked. So steaming light now sorted which was very satisfying.

I have been asked about the Red Baron which has lain damaged under the forepeak bunk. I had mentioned this to the mooring man and he said that the sailmaker could repair it. The mooring man came and we took the Red Baron to the sailmaker and pulled it out in the sail loft. They said they could repair it but it would be 3 days. I decided to go ahead and thought we could go to the next Island Canouan and then come back. We therefore bought a few provisions (fresh fish, bread and beer) and headed back to Stormbird.  The Red Baron may rise from the dead and fly again!!     

We hauled up the dinghy and headed off. The rain looked like it had gone for the day and we headed towards the end of Bequia passing a few Cays (mini-Islands) on the way until the final edge. Once we were round the bottom of the Island we headed for Canouan and oddly for the Caribbean we were on a close reach (i.e. sailing close to the wind rather than it being behind the boat). We were soon cracking along about 7-8 Kts and had a bit of heel. The sea was flat and it was lovely and sunny. The issue was that we were effectively on a direct course but so were the boats coming the opposite direction. We were on a port tack and they on a starboard so we had to get out of their way. There is a code about collision regulations so we have to adhere to the code. Therefore on our way we had to get out of the way of a few boats. The distance was not that great and we had to be aware of a shallow patch just off the Northwest coast.

We therefore had a lovely sail over and due to the wind direction we took down the sails once we were in the lee (shelter) of the west side of the Island and motored to Charlestown Bay being the main anchorage. There is a port (red) and Starboard (green) markers showing the entrance to the bay.  It is quite shallow inside but we found a nice spot to anchor and before long we were settled and ready for a swim.  We all dived in and the water was lovely and warm but it was a bit cloudy so it was a bit difficult to see the bottom even though we were in about 5.8-6 meters of water. After the swim and a refreshing shower we had a beer on the rear deck watching the sun go down. David was trying to explain to Cari about Tilley hats which went on a bit too longgggggg!!.  We had sailed about 22 nm and this had taken us about 3 hours.

Canouan is a small Island of less than 10 sq. km and is steeply intersected by hills and valleys. It is a lovely Island according to Chris Doyle (and American who has made sailing guides to the Caribbean) and has spectacular beaches, pleasant walks and great views. The Island has been developed for tourism since the 1970’s and is now a luxury tourist Island with some upmarket hotels. It has a marina in the south called Sandy Lane and luxury resorts and a golf course.

We will explore the Island tomorrow but Simon is cooking us a nice fish supper as we rock gently at anchor in what seems a quiet Island. There are a number of other boats at anchor here but there is plenty of space. It was nice to be somewhere new and we look forward to exploring.                   

The blog will continue as we explore the Caribbean further and beyond.

If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com  I can only upload one picture a day.