184. Grenadines

Keartons Bay, St. Vincent

I left Marigot Bay and motor sailed down the coast of St. Lucia. Even after I got past the island, the wind was very light and I ended up motoring for a few more hours. Eventually the wind picked up and I sailed. Then it died again and I motored into Wallilabou Bay. Most of the moorings have disappeared, and the two that are left both had boats on them, so I went round to the corner to Keartons Bay and picked up a ball there.

The Tamarind Hotel, Charlestown Bay

I left very early and headed to Admiralty Bay, Bequia. It wasn’t very far and only took a few hours, but the weather was squally with lots of rain. Not much fun. I set off again the next morning and made it to Canouan, and Charlestown Bay; a stunning white sandy beach in a turquoise bay – just what I needed.

My dinghy tied up to the hotel dock

My next stop is Cariacou.

Anchored in Charlestown Bay

183. St. Lucia

I had another very fast smooth sail to St. Lucia, although I nearly missed Pigeon Island. I sailed right into Rodney Bay, then motored into the lagoon, called the marina and picked up a mooring ball. I saw Buffish again already in a slip (they left for Bonaire the next day). The marina had my new mainsail – so excited to finally get that. I also fit the alternator I bought in St. Martin, and it seems to be working fine. Hopefully that will be the end of my fan belt problems (although I did buy another spare just in case).

Dr. Doolittle’s, Marigot Bay

The storm on Friday wasn’t really anything much but I was glad not to be out in the bay. On Sunday I gave my new alternator and mainsail a good test going to Marigot Bay. Tropical storm Don is headed this way, due to hit on Tuesday. Other boats rushed to get to Bequia, but Don actually veered to the south so I’m glad I decided to rest for a couple more days here and wait for it to pass and the seas to calm down. Next stop for me is Wallilabou Bay, St. Vincent.

Overlooking the lagoon, Marigot Bay