17 April – 20 April

In true Caribbean style the dive that Mandy and kemlo had arranged went on from an 08.30am start to “later man”… at last check it was 19.30 and later still had not arrived. There was a tough morning of eating breakfast, deliberating what factor suncream to wear and then flying a kite. This involved a ride over to an almost pearl white beach where the sunshine was soaked up and the two hot girls were ogled at …. No names Andy (pictures to prove) It was today that several of the bigger airport novels got finished off and a few new ones started, it was tough in the Tropics. After a light lunch and several hundred pages later those who were up to it went off for a quick swim and snorkel. A few big fish were sighted and so on return to the boat the intrepid snorkels set out again with hooks line and sinker. And as a result both Staffords managed to get not one, but two fish (between them and illegally) We had fish for dinner but fortunately not the ones caught (a) as they were too small and (b) they were caught illegally amd so thrown back.

Everyone (who wanted) got an exhilarating birds-eye view of the boat and was winched to the top of the 100ft mast.

Ian set off to kite surf in 14knots of wind, but once on the beach and set up, this faded to 10knots! Typical.

After moving the boat (as even in paradise people park right next to you!), we had an amazing roast. We played a few games, including a competitive one involving blowing a ping pong ball with a straw! Late night for a few…

Next morning we awoke to 14knots of wind, so Ian went off to try kite surfing (again). This time he roared away, but as he went to make a jump turn, his line snapped and Nia and Chris had to rescue him… no harm done!

Then we stopped in a picturesque bay for lunch and a quick waterski and some snorkelling. Chris saw an octopus and a nurse shark. Then we headed off for Canoun. Phil and Chris, while taking the rubbish to shore found a bar with Happy Hour, so we all dashed off to join for a few cocktails… turned into a few more and a meal. Guys raced back to put chino’s on and we all went to the island’s casino (at Trump International Hotel- apparently having one of the best golf courses in the World) … can’t say it was busy in the casino that night though! There were winners (Women & Kemlo) and losers (Stafford’s).

We left for Bequia, where upon bringing out the main sail, it gave up the ghost and the in mast furling snapped. After some tinkering on the rig by Ian, we got the sail safely furled away, but not to come out again this holiday!

Went for another game of rugby (this time at sunset) on the beach… Phil and Chris went snorkelling and saw 6 Southern Stingrays. We all went out for a lovely meal on-shore (at Devil’s Table), followed by a traditional Caribbean evening dancing to steel drums – once again Sarah managed to get involved and even got a lesson this time on chords! … Kemlo and I didn’t drink as we had diving booked (Lets hope they don’t cancel!).

20th April – Kemlo and I got up early for our dives (at a different ‘Devil’s Table’)… after Kemlo had his diving lesson we set out. Had a great dive (once Kem managed to get his BCD set with the right level of air!) and saw some lobster, loads of fish, great coral, jaw fish, baracuda etc etc I surfaced 66min’s later, still with 1/3 of my tank to spare! The others meanwhile, fished/had a mini-beach-olympics. Although Andy caught a fish, it bent the hook and escaped! I have never seen anyone so gutted before…..he has still not caught anything this holiday!!

We set off on the 5hour sail back up to St Lucia – we had quite a few rollers, which some went to the front to enjoy (getting rather wet!) – if it wasn’t for another hearty lunch from Nia, I’m not sure we’d have all made it with smiles. Some dolphins came and played in the bow wake.

We are now nestled between the Petons in St Lucia. The wind is blowing at 40knots past the boat and we are considering organising an anchor watch if it doesn’t die before bedtime. Also, as we sit playing cards, a director’s chair collapsed … we’ve decided those might not have been one of the boat’s best purchases!

Mandy and Chris

Fish caught- still 2, even though we are still trying at every chance.
Number of beer drunk- more than a small country would consume!!!
Number of dolphins – 8
Estimated number of hours mincing around – 20!