Mayreau looking towards the Tobago Cays

MAYREAU – by Theresa

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After departing Bequia, we continued our journey south to our next Grenadines island destination, Mayreau. From Bequia, the run to Mayreau is only 23 nautical miles. Our passage was smooth with 3-6 ft. seas.  When we arrived in Salt Whistle Bay, we picked up one of the newly installed Marine Park’s mooring balls.  After diving the mooring ball, the boys went kayaking and then swam ashore. There were several other “kid boats” in the bay, so there was plenty of “boat kid” activities over the next couple of days, including one boat kid birthday party on the beach.

Boat kid (Cole's) birthday party, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

Boat kid birthday party, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

Playing on the beach, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Playing on the beach, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
The kids getting pulled behind the dinghy, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

At 1.5 square miles, Mayreau is a much smaller island than Bequia. You can walk from one side of the island to the other in approximately fifteen (15) minutes. The hike is uphill in both directions, but well worth it in terms of both scenery and exercise. Behind the church at the top of the hill there is an excellent vantage point for looking out towards the Tobago Cays, Canouan, and Union Island.

Mayreau looking towards the Tobago Cays

Mayreau looking towards the Tobago Cays

We continued down the only paved road on the island to Saline Bay, which is where cruise ships drop off their passengers during the busy cruise ship season. Since we were there in the “off” season, we had the entire beach and bay to ourselves.

Saline Bay, Mayreau

Saline Bay, Mayreau (with Union Island in the background)

Saline Bay, Mayreau

Saline Bay, Mayreau

There is a large Salt Pond located directly behind Saline Bay. Its pretty pink hues made up for the attendant sulfurous odor!

Saline Bay, & Salt Ponds, Mayreau

Saline Bay, & Salt Ponds, Mayreau

Salt Ponds, Mayreau

Salt Ponds, Mayreau

Salt Ponds, Mayreau

Salt Ponds, Mayreau

After exploring the island we settled back onto the boat to enjoy the sunset from the bow.

Theresa & Randy enjoying sundowners and the sunset on the bow, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

Theresa & Randy enjoying sundowners and the sunset on the bow, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

After enjoying all that Mayreau  had to offer for a few days, we set off for our next Grenadine’s island destination, the Tobago Cays (pictures to follow in our next post).

Touring Bequia's beautiful bays - Industry Bay

BEQUIA – by Theresa

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Ryan and Randy getting ready to dive the mooring ball in Bequia

Ryan and Randy getting ready to dive the mooring ball in Bequia

It has been a while since our last post about Learning to Scuba in St. Lucia, by Ryan, June 05, 2016. Opportunely, we have put those newly acquired scuba skills to good use diving mooring balls and the bottom of our boat! After departing St. Lucia, we set a course south for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Having spent time on the main island of St. Vincent on previous visits (St. Vincent and the Grenadines, January 05, 2016) we decided to explore some of the smaller islands in the Grenadines. Our first stop was Bequia, a beautiful small island with pristine palm tree lined beaches and well protected deep water bays. We had heard that some of the mooring balls in Bequia might not be well maintained so when we arrived in Admiralty Bay our newly certified scuba gurus immediately went to work making sure our vessel was secure.

Ryan stepping in to dive the boat with Randy, Bequia

Ryan stepping in to dive the boat with Randy, Bequia

On a friend’s recommendation, we secured a mooring ball just off the Frangipanni restaurant dock. After diving the mooring ball 40 feet below, the men confirmed that our vessel was firmly secured. Since they were in the water and all suited up, appropriate boat cleaning tools were dispensed and they got busy diving and cleaning the bottom of the boat!

Ryan diving the boat in Bequia!
Randy putting those scuba lessons to work, diving the boat in Bequia

Once we felt comfortable that the boat was secured, we scheduled an island tour with “Gideon” on his open air safari bus (784-458-3760 or gideontaxi@vincysurf.com). While the island of Bequia is only 7 square miles, and can be toured in a couple of hours, there are plenty of magnificent sites to see. Gideon is very knowledgeable about the island’s history, present affairs, and future works in progress.

Ryan on Gideon's open air bus tour, Bequia

Ryan on Gideon’s open air safari bus tour, Bequia

Touring Bequia's beautiful bays - Industry Bay

Touring Bequia’s beautiful bays – Industry Bay

Randy and Patton on Gideon's open air bus tour, Bequia

Randy and Patton on Gideon’s open air safari bus tour, Bequia

Touring Bequia with Gideon, Fort Alexander

Touring Bequia with Gideon, Fort Alexander

Looking north over Admiralty Bay, Bequia, north (Spot Pilots' Discretion)

Looking north over Admiralty Bay, Bequia, (Spot Pilots’ Discretion)

Admiralty Bay looking south from Fort Hamilton, Bequia (Spot Pilots’ Discretion)
Rum factory ruins, Bequia
Industry Bay, Bequia

OLD HEGG TURTLE SANCTUARY

One of our favorite stops was at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary where they are raising and then releasing endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles. We got to observe, learn about, feed, and hold the turtles.

Baby Hawksbill Turtle at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia
Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia
Baby Hawksbill Turtle at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary in Bequia

The sanctuary is also home to older, as well as other species of turtles, including Green Turtles.

Ronan and Ryan learning about the endangered Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia

Ronan and Ryan learning about the endangered Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia

 

Ryan and Ronan holding a baby Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia
Ronan holding a baby Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia
Ronan touching a Hawksbill Turtle shell, Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Ronan touching a Hawksbill Turtle shell, Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Ryan admiring a 17 year old Hawksbill Turtle at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Ryan admiring a 17 year old Hawksbill Turtle at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Ryan feeling a Hawksbill Turtle shell at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Ryan feeling a Hawksbill Turtle shell at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Theresa holding a Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia

Theresa holding a young Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia

HawksbillTurtle, Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Hawksbill Turtle, Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Patton also enjoyed visiting the turtle sanctuary!

Patton watching the Hawksbill turtles in Bequia
Baby Hawksbill turtles in Bequia
Patton watching the Hawksbill turtles in Bequia

After the turtle sanctuary Gideon drove us to Mt. Pleasant, the highest point on the island, where we looked out upon the neighboring islands that we would soon be visiting.

Bequia, looking out over Mustique, Petit Mustique and Cariacou Island
Bequia, looking south towards Cariacou

The vibrant colors of the flora we passed along the way was as spectacular as the views of the sea.

Colorful flora, Bequia
Colorful flora, Bequia
Colorful flora, Bequia
Colorful flora, Bequia

As we descended from Mt. Pleasant, we saw friends of ours, M/V Seamantha, entering Admiralty Bay. When we got back to our boat we took our dinghy over for a quick hello.

M/V Seamantha arriving in Admiralty Bay, Bequia

M/V Seamantha arriving in Admiralty Bay, Bequia

In addition to beautiful land and seascapes, Bequia has great hiking and snorkeling. We spent the next couple of days catching up with our friends in Bequia and enjoying both!

Ryan and Ronan hiking along the waterfront in Bequia

Ryan and Ronan hiking along the waterfront in Bequia

Popcorn aboard M/V Seamantha

Popcorn aboard M/V Seamantha

Ryan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Ronan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Ryan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Ronan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Ronan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Ronan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Elkhorn coral, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Hamming it up for the underwater camera, Bequia

Our next stop after Bequia was Mayreau. To be continued in another post . . .

Dive flag, St. Lucia

Learning to Scuba Dive in St. Lucia – by Ryan

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Dive St. Lucia logo

Dive St. Lucia

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to breathe underwater? Well, I did. That is why, after having it highly recommended to us by some of our friends, my family and I signed up for the PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) Open Water Dive course at Dive Saint Lucia. Dive Saint Lucia, in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, was the nicest dive shop we have ever seen. All of the facilities were designed and built specifically with scuba diving training in mind. The dive boats are brand new and all of the equipment is first rate. As a result, we were looking forward to starting the dive course.

After completing the online Open Water Diver PADI course and final exam, we showed up at the dive shop ready to go. Our instructor (Julia) helped us pick out the equipment we would be using for the duration of the course.

Learning about the scuba equipment, St. Lucia

Learning about the scuba equipment, St. Lucia

Ronan only took the trial course in the pool so he will have an idea of what it will be like when he and our Mom get certified when we come back next year. Everyone in our group learned how to set up all of the equipment which would prove to be an essential skill during the course of our training.

Ronan learning about the gear, Dive St. Lucia

Ronan learning about the gear, Dive St. Lucia

To demonstrate that we were strong enough swimmers to dive, we had to swim 15 laps in the pool and tread water or float for 10 minutes.

Ten laps to get started

Fifteen laps to get started

After that, our group, plus the instructor and training instructor, did scuba exercises at the bottom of the pool. Our first breaths underwater were amazing!

Time to get in the pool, Dive St. Lucia

Time to get in the pool, Dive St. Lucia

Ryan & Randy's first breaths under the water

Ryan & Randy’s first breaths under the water

Ronan's first breaths under the water, Dive St. Lucia

Ronan’s first breaths under the water, Dive St. Lucia

We did exercises underwater like fill and clear your mask of water, surface with your buddy breathing from your octopus (alternate air source), and inflating and deflating our Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD). At the end of the first confined (in the pool) water dives we felt like we understood the material that was taught and were ready for the open water (ocean) dives the next day.

Lessons in the pool, Dive St. Lucia

Lessons in the pool, Dive St. Lucia

Lessons in the pool, Dive St. Lucia

Lessons in the pool, Dive St. Lucia

In the morning of the second day we had to do some drills in the pool before getting on the boat. We practiced the long step into the water which was the technique we would be using to get off the dive boat into the ocean.

Ryan stepping into the pool, St. Lucia

Ryan stepping into the pool, St. Lucia

After that we took a boat ride to the south side of the island to the dive site.

Ryan on the dive boat, St. Lucia

Ryan on the dive boat, St. Lucia

Ryan getting ready to dive, St. Lucia
Retrieving the dive tank from the rack, St. Lucia
Ready to dive, St. Lucia

We were one bay north of the Pitons. Once we were there we were already geared up so we got into the water.

Long step into the water, diving in St. Lucia
Dive St. Lucia boat

We descended onto a sandy bottom and practiced some of the drills that we did in the pool in the ocean. Then, when we were done with the exercises, we swam underwater around the surrounding reef.

Open water dive, St. Lucia
Open water dive, St. Lucia

It was very cool! We saw moray eels, sea snakes, and sea spiders!

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Sea Snake, open water Dive St. Lucia photo
Dive St. Lucia photo

The deepest we went on our first open water dive was 12 meters (40 feet). That is the maximum that I am allowed to dive because I am still not old enough to be allowed to go the depth of an older (over 14) PADI open water diver, which is 20 meters (60 feet).

The second dive site was a ten minute boat ride north. We used the same procedure and got our gear ready before we got there so we could just get right in. When we jumped in we descended almost right after. Once we got to the bottom we did more scuba drill exercises. After completing those we did a big circle around the reef. We saw similar sea life to what we saw on the first dive. Later when we ascended we practiced the tired diver tow on the surface. Randy towed me a quarter mile back to the boat! The first two open water dives were amazing and we were excited that we had two more dives the next day.

Dive instructor "Julia" showing chart of dive site

Dive instructor “Julia” showing chart of Anse Cochon North dive site

The next day, when we got to the dive shop, we did not have to jump in the pool or set up gear. It was just straight to the boat after getting briefed on how to use an underwater compass. The dive sites on the second day were not as far but we did have to stop in Marigot Bay again to pick up some people. The first dive site was Anse Cochon north. Once we got off the boat and descended we practiced taking off our masks completely and putting them back on underwater and navigating underwater with a compass. Then, like the other dives, after doing the work we got to play by checking out the reef. On this dive we saw aquatic life like shrimp, jaw fish, and coral. After making our safety stop and ascending to the surface we did a drill where we swim staying on an assigned heading with the compass. The boat came and picked us up and brought us to the second dive site which was Anse Cochon south. The boat dropped a few people off in one spot, some other people off in another spot, and then finally we got to hop in. This was our last dive for the PADI Open Water Diver course. There were no drills or exercises on our last dive. We explored the huge reef along the coast line. In my opinion our last dive was the most fun and the coolest out of all the dives. We saw underwater plants that look like trees, flounder, and even lionfish!

Open water Dive St. Lucia photo
Lion Fish, Dive St. Lucia photo
Open water Dive St. Lucia photo
Sea Caterpillar, St. Lucia

When we surfaced we were happy because we were now PADI certified open water divers!

Randy & Ryan after completing their open water scuba certification dive, St. Lucia

Randy & Ryan after completing their open water scuba certification dive, St. Lucia

Learning to dive is an excellent accomplishment and we cannot wait to extend our knowledge and experience in the diving community!

Improvise, adapt and overcome! (by Randy)

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Vessel Vanguard

Vessel Vanguard

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

We have been utilizing our boat as our floating home for over a year now. In addition to living aboard her, we have travelled approximately 3600 nautical miles since we left Florida. One of the constant and ongoing requirements for an active vessel at sea is a rigorous maintenance program. We have been utilizing the Vessel Vanguard program to track our ongoing maintenance and it has proven very helpful. We have access to an interactive website that follows all of the routine maintenance schedules for the Pilots’ Discretion. It provides us alerts to upcoming maintenance as well as maintaining a parts inventory and equipment utilization records for all of the various systems aboard. We have tried to be very proactive in anticipating the potential for equipment failure and it’s implications for our operational readiness.

Despite our diligent attention to the Pilots’ Discretion maintenance, occasionally we are confronted with an unanticipated requirement for technical support. Usually, it turns out that we need to find a part in an out of the way spot or get a second opinion on some minor equipment malfunction. A couple of days later we are on our way with the offending system back on line.

DINGHY ISSUES

During our passage from St. Kitts to Antigua, we encountered a potentially catastrophic failure with our dinghy. We took the dinghy to shore in Majors Bay, St. Kitts for Patton’s morning walk and I noticed that the fuel gauge moved very quickly from full to nearly empty in the course of 20 minutes (we had just fueled the dinghy). In addition, the smell of gasoline was extremely strong and upon inspection, the bilge had two inches of raw gasoline floating in it. Anyone with any boating experience knows that gasoline in the bilge creates a very hazardous and potentially explosive situation. I checked all of the fuel lines throughout the boat and motor and could find no leaks. We elected to drain the bilge, clean it out as best we could and bring the dinghy aboard, not to be run again until we found some competent help to track down and repair our mysterious fuel leak.

Ryan, Randy & Patton securing the dinghy in Majors Bay, St. Kitts

Ryan, Randy & Patton securing the dinghy in Majors Bay, St. Kitts

We communicated with our cruising friends,  John and Paulette Lee aboard M/V Seamantha (via our Delorme satellite communications system) and they volunteered to do some online research regarding options for us for our arrival in Antigua. Before we had Antigua on the radar,  John had gotten back to us with the recommendation that we contact the folks at Seagull Inflatables (www.seagullinflatables.com) in Falmouth Harbor, Antigua.

 

Seagull Inflatables, Falmouth Harbor, Antigua

Seagull Inflatables, Falmouth Harbor, Antigua

As soon as we had the Pilots’ Discretion safely secured at Nelson’s Dockyard, I reached out to Seagull Inflatables owner, Mr. Dino Bruschi, and explained our issue. Dino told me he would be at our boat within an hour to evaluate and advise. True to his word, Dino was onboard Pilots’ Discretion and hard at work evaluating our fuel leak within the hour. The bad news was that he felt the integral aluminum fuel tank had failed. Ordinarily, that would not be a big deal but the engineering drawings of our dinghy showed that the tank had been put in place with no access points for maintenance. In fact, the tank had been installed and then fiber glassed in place. The net result to us was that the only way to access the tank was to literally cut it out of the boat. This was going to be major surgery for our dinghy with it’s still shiny new 40hp Yamaha outboard. I was having visions of the entire thing ending up on a scrap heap in Antigua. To his credit, Dino was not quite as pessimistic as I was. He assured me that he had a first rate shop and could complete the repair in a fashion that would meet our requirements and our budget.

The gas tank was sealed beneath the fiber glass & had to be cut out

The gas tank was sealed beneath the fiber glass & had to be cut out

Once the suspect fuel tank was removed, we found the source of our mysterious fuel leak. The fuel tank had been part of the boats electrical bonding system (a robust bonding system prevents a condition known as galvanic corrosion, a form of corrosion of metals that can present itself in the marine environment anytime salt water and electrical current are present) Somewhere along the way, the bonding strap that was attached to the fuel tank broke off.

The bonding strap on the fuel tank was missing which caused galvanic corrosion to occur

The bonding strap on the fuel tank was missing which caused galvanic corrosion to occur

Once that occurred, it was just a matter of time before galvanic corrosion would take its toll on the aluminum tank.

A tiny little hole in your gas tank can really ruin your day!

A tiny little hole in your gas tank can really ruin your day!

We found the corrosion holes, replaced the tank and installed a more robust bonding attachment to the new tank. After all of this, the magicians at Seagull Inflatables still had to reconstruct our tender in a way that was both cosmetically flawless and resulted in a stronger boat than we had arrived with. Throughout the process, Dino was diligent about communicating with me 3 or 4 times a day to make sure that I had the opportunity to participate fully in the development and implementation of the repair. Our dinghy is once again operational and if I do not show you the improved structure around the fuel tank, you would not be able to tell that there had ever been a problem. We cannot say enough good things about the way the folks at Seagull Inflatables go about their business. Thank you Dino and crew for an outstanding repair on short notice. For any fellow cruisers that require any attention to their tender or safety equipment while in Antigua, we would urge you to contact the folks at Seagull Inflatables. Dino can be reached on his cell at 1 (268) 725-4466. Thanks again Dino for a first rate repair.

Randy polishing the dinghy

Randy polishing the dinghy

Shirley Heights, Antigua

ST. KITTS & NEVIS, and ANTIGUA – by Theresa

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ST. KITTS & NEVIS

Quill volcano, Statia

Quill volcano, Statia

After departing St. Bart, we cruised past the Quill volcano on St. Eustatius and on to Majors Bay in St. Kitts. As the only boat in the harbor, we dropped our anchor in 10 feet of crystal clear water and enjoyed the view of Nuestra Señora del las Nieves (Our Lady of Snow), in Nevis, while enjoying our evening sun downers on our bow. Majors Bay is located just west of the narrows between St. Kitts & Nevis, and is a good place to stage before heading to Antigua. Another sunrise departure and we were on our way!

ANTIGUA

The day we cruised to Antigua was perhaps one of the calmest days in the Caribbean Sea that we have encountered to date with zero to one (0-1) foot seas. The clouds reflecting in the mirror-like water, as the Pilot’s Discretion cruised along slicing the sea like a hot knife through warm butter, was yet another one of those surreal moments that will remain forever etched in our minds.

NELSON’S DOCKYARD

After the calm day at sea, we cruised into English Harbor and tied up at the historic Nelson’s Dockyard Marina. The marina is  situated in the heart of a restored 18th century naval base and is named after Admiral Horatio Nelson who gained notoriety in the battle of Trafalgar. While the old naval vessels are long gone, replaced with private yachts, one cannot help but sense the immense history of this working maritime monument while strolling around the grounds.

The old Officer's Quarters now houses the marina office & other yacht service providers

The old Officer’s Quarters now houses the marina office & other yacht service providers

Ryan & Ronan pushing the replica capstans (used to careen British naval vessels), Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua

Ryan & Ronan pushing the replica capstans (used to careen British naval vessels), Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua

Ryan & Ronan, Nelson’s Dockyard Museum, Antigua
18th Century Sundial, Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua
Customs & Immigration is Housed in the Ruins of Cordage and Clothing Store, Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua
Patton taking Mom for a hike around Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua 🙂
Admiral Nelson, Nelson’s Dockyard Museum, Antigua

FORT BERKELEY

The historical Fort Berkeley is just a short stroll from the restored naval base and is well worth the hike.

Patton taking in the view from his jet pack perch at Fort Berkely, Antigua

Patton taking in the view from his jet pack perch at Fort Berkely, Antigua

CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA

We had the good fortune to have arrived at Nelson’s Dockyard just in time for the 2016 Classic Yacht Regatta. At the conclusion of the regatta, the classic yacht parade sailed right past our boat giving us front row seat viewing to the spectacular vessels from a different era.

Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua

Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua

Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua
Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua
Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua
Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua
Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua

ANTIGUA SAIL WEEK

The Classic Yacht Regatta was followed by Antigua Sail Week with week long festivities that rivalled the Classic Yacht Regatta.

SHIRLEY HEIGHTS

We had been told that no trip to Antigua would be complete without a journey to Shirley Heights. Cruisers and locals gather there every Sunday night to enjoy the the spectacular sunset views, complete with BBQ, and steel drum reggae and calypso. The night that we were there was no exception. Mother nature painted the sky in vibrant colors as we watched the sun set over the horizon with the Pilot’s Discretion in the harbor below.

Shirley Heights, Antigua

Shirley Heights, Sunday night BBQ, with steel band reggae & calypso, Antigua

Shirley Heights, Antigua

Shirley Heights, Antigua

Our next adventures will have us continuing to cruise south, including stops in Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia. We will continue to post as both internet and time allow. In the meantime, wishing a very happy Mother’s Day to the most wonderful and inspirational woman I know, my Mom! We are looking forward to seeing you very soon.