18 Dec 2003 16:07 GMT
Set out on the lawn in the marina under a gazebo and fanned by a cooling breeze, Chris Doyle, author of many books focussing on sailing in the Caribbean, gave a talk yesterday on what to expect while cruising the Caribbean islands. First up were the different types of fresh foods that can be found on the islands and suggestions on where to buy them and what not to buy, and on how to prepare them. Foods included breadfruit, plantain, green fig (small green bananas), passion fruit, oranges (that are green!), christophine, papaya, and dasheen. He also warned against foods that were not safe to eat. ‘Boat Vendors’ or 'Boat Boys' was a topic that most people knew very little or nothing about, as it is not a common practice in European ports. Boat boys will paddle out to your boat on anything that floats, offering to go and buy goods for you. Unfortunately a lot of these characters are of dubious character and after taking your money usually don’t return with the goods, or return with goods that are far from the quality promised!
He then covered the typical Caribbean weather patterns, which seems to be pretty much the same day in and day out from now until June, with the exception of the odd squall. A bigger danger when going out sailing is not the wind, but rather the big swells that comes through from time to time, especially if you are anchored in a shallow bay. This lead to the topic of mooring and how important it is to dive on your mooring to check how sound it is. As most of the moorings are not ‘official’ or regulated, they are also not well indextained. Anchoring is very important as there are not many marinas, and Chris went on to explain which anchors are best for different types of bottom. He advised diving on your anchor too, to make sure it is firmly embedded.
Cellular telephones are part and parcel of everyday life now and the intricacies of using them between the islands was explained. The floor was opened to questions and everything from currents to currency was discussed. Overall it was a good, informative talk, that was well attended and appreciated.
Last night saw a new event for the ARC programme in St. Lucia, a Caribbean Party at the national landmark of St. Lucia, Pigeon Island. The setting was stunning, amongst the almond trees lit up with fairy lights and the stage set in the ruined buildings with top level lighting and a large canopy (in case of rain). Fortunately, the weather was fair and the evening had the air of a summer outdoor festival. From 8pm until 11pm a succession of acts entertained participants, including a local fire-eating troupe, several dance groups, drummers, steel bands and a ‘winding’ competition which involved several local girls wiggling at incredible speeds (no ARC participants entered, I wonder why?). Local charities and organisations had a number of chattle houses selling local barbequed meats and fish, candy floss and flashing trinkets for the children(although purchased indexly by the adults it seemed).
Three more yachts have arrived overnight with poor Norweigan yacht Let Go having a terrible five hours just miles from St. Lucia when they became entangled in fishing nets. After a wonderful, event free crossing, Let Go found themselves surrounded by fishing nets at 11.45 last night. Immediately the engine was started to try and get free which resulted in a thudding sound as the nets became entangled in the propellor. At the same time their VHF went down so father Arild Kaasa telephoned the ARC office about their predicament, concerned that they were drifting onto a lee shore. The Coastguard were raised and went to assist, standing by until 0330 when thankfully the nets must have worked their way loose and Leg Go came free from the nets of her own accord. With 2 small children on board, parents Arild and Cecilie were concerned about the situation however relieved to finally be free and able to motor the rest of the way; “An angel was watching over us! When we eventually broke free, everything was fine, but it's more dangerous sailing close to land than being out at sea – it was a terrifying experience!”
Yesterday morning's arrival, Des Agnes II, had an interesting unexpected passenger during their crossing. The ARC office in Cowes were first alerted by email when Des Agnes enquired if we knew anything about racing pigeons. “Google” was consulted and an edited version of the American Racing Pigeon Association's Identification page was sent to Des Agnes. It appeared that their visitor was in fact a Spanish racing pigeon who had by this time enjoyed a lift for 24 hours in the wrong direction!
Today sees some lighter entertainment after several days of parties, with a skittles and darts night at the Captain's Cellar on Pigeon Island, a great pub set in the old buildings with an archaic skittles ally and a great atmosphere. Ingera Jazz is back again to play at the Bread Basket for sundown tonight, a suitably mellow sound for an evening of relaxation, much needed before Saturday's Diamond International Prize-Giving at Gaiety nightclub.
Bruce Gaynham
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