img_1544As the wind was out of the north, it was a downwind passage from Mustique to the northern entrance to the Tobago Cays, leaving both the rock, Little Canouen, and the island of Canouen to port. We had thought of flying just the asymmetric spinnaker as the wind was 10 knots or less but decided against it because the legs were short and may involve a gybe. Instead we tried setting the whisker pole so we could sail wing-on-wing with mainsail and genoa. However, we had some issues with the pole, so ended up furling the mainsail and flew just the genoa for a while before starting the iron genny and motor-sailing. We had plotted our course very carefully before setting off, which paid dividends as we made our approach to the Cays. The sun was shining high overhead, which also helped enable us to see color variations of the water and pick out the shallower areas. All the same, it took some concentration to make sure we were on the right track using information from multiple sources (chart plotter, iPad, sailing guide, etc.). It’s always reassuring when they all tell the same story! So, we passed in between Mayreau (on our starboard side) and Baline rock and the shoals just south of it (on our port side), then rounded Petit Rameau to starboard. As we did so, we began to see just how many boats were anchored or moored in the area between the small isles of Baradal and Jamesby so, we decided to anchor to the north of Baradal Island, where it was perhaps a bit more rolly but at least we didn’t have to worry about other boats around us. Fortunately the sea calmed down overnight so we had a better nights sleep than we have had for the past few nights.

img_1563There were a surprising number of boats flying either the red or blue ensign here, several of which are also flying the OCC club flag. We introduced ourselves to one such boat to find they had done a circumnavigation in their boat and several trans-Atlantic passages. Interestingly they had already tried to look us up in the OCC directory but couldn’t find us because we are still listed as owing Second Wind (oops). It’s a nice feeling to be part of such a club.

Yesterday, after a swim before breakfast when I saw more rays than I have seen before, we moved to a vacant spot closer to Jamesby Isle. The sun was pretty intense and the sea and wind calm so the water color was just how you imagine it should be in tropical isles.  Later we used the SubWing to explore the waters as they shoal around in a horseshoe shape.  After just a few minutes, Howard let go as there was something he spotted that he wanted to check out.  Would you believe he found two EC$20 notes on one of the many sea urchins!  That reimbursed us the fee for two nights in the marine park!  I think we saw more turtles than we have seen anywhere else in the two days we were there.

This morning we were entertained by many kite surfers (some better than others) who were having a blast in the shallow waters inside the horseshoe reef.  Then we departed through the southern approach to the Cays and headed to Union Island to check out of the Grendaines before heading to Carriacou to meet up with Bids and Nick tomorrow…. yea!