Finally, A Full Update @ Fri 15 Jan

THE BLOG!.....
Here is the blog of the good ship ‘Tara Maria’ a 46ft Beneateu Oceanis 46 chartered by the West Cork Sailing and Powerboat Centre as a Mile building Yachmaster training voyage, cruise, trip... call it whatever you like!
I believe that there may already be some musings from the ocean depths posted which were hastily sent off when we barely touched ‘terra firma’ for a quick tot of rum on the 13th at St Pierre in Martinique...... But this is the real blog!...
Damn..... ‘Tara’ ...we call her ‘Tara’ we have dropped the ‘Maria’....just leapt a wave... and ‘chef’ nearly dropped all the dishes.
(So to bring us up to today...... it ‘sunset’ 1753 local Caribbean time... 2153 Zulu GMT, UTC or Irish time for all you uninitiated..... 13 January 2010 and we are in the Martinique - St Lucia Channel beating to windward ...destination Barbados.... [ thinks to himself.... Why ..oh Why!]
A little about the author..... though not completing the actual Yachmasters Course I have some sailing experience and I am along for a jolly... so if seems I do little else than type blog posts and complain about the fact we always seem to be going to windward.... please forgive me!
If I appear in any photos... and I hope I do not... I am the old cranky one with his reading glasses over his Sunglasses and I am also likely to be well cover against the sun. I will not be seen partaking of any alcohol or engaged in any joyous youthful activities!....unless someone has retouched images in Photoshop!)
Its Wednesday... but this Epic Journey began on Friday the 8th as each one of us made our different ways to Gatwick Airport amid the Snow of the Century. One by One... we met up and checked in to the Yotel ... if you ever need to stay in Gatwick... it’s worth it! As we were able to check in and get rid of our bags in for the Antigua flight from 4pm the day before we traipsed back and forth from Terminal 1 to 2 with each arrivee such that in the end the British Airways staff... especially the pretty blonde with the pink shiny lipstick... got to know us by name!.... [Though I never got the upgrade to Club Class]
After a good night’s sleep for most, Saturday the 8th began and the apprehension regarding travel continued until finally at 1100am BA2157 a Boeing 777 rolled down runway 08R in Gatwick. The snow all over the South of England look gorgeous and even at Lands Ends there was Snow!
8 hours and 10 minutes later..... After lunch and ‘Afternoon Tea’... [typically British], we came in over the top of Jolly Harbour and into Antigua. Discussions on what to write on the Immigration forms and the heat was tiring us out, but eventually we got through the usual arrival formalities and found ourselves a Taxi. The Boss... or Consultant, Niall, that is, was still not in relax mode... we had still to make it to the Marina and he had to get to Customs to do even more ‘formalities’ so we could start sailing on the morrow. Anyway we arrived at the Marina and met up with Francois, who had delivered Tara to Antigua. Niall completed the ‘formalities’ as we settled in. After that a quick trip to a local supermarket had us stocked up... [no wine or spirits.... what kind of a cruise is this going to be!]
Some people, suffering from IA, (Internet Addiction, for the rest of you) started what has now become the ‘Arrival Wi-Fi Hunt’. It really is funny to see them gather up there bits and pieces and stand on the stern to be guided into the dinghy. Once ashore they start to run this way and that, to find a place they can call home! I was expecting it would be Hot Showers and proper Lavatorial Facilities that would be first on people’s minds! Nope some of this lot have IA really really bad!
Anyway the first night continued and next morning it would appear that I had caused all the crew a sleepless night. Only trying to be courteous to Francois when he arrived back at about midnight, I had engaged him in ‘gentle’ conversation.... for what I believed to be a short period of time. Granted his knowledge of the Rum’s of the Caribbean, for which I would suspect he has some experience, was immense and perhaps it did take a while for me to obtain all the relevant information. Anyway... as a result of my lapse in concentration I have been banished to sleep on deck!
Sunday the 10th we had intended leaving early but one of the 3 ‘separate officials’ Niall had to visit to clear out of Antigua was delayed an hour and a half, however it allowed the time to acquaint ourselves with a resident of the Marina from our own pleasant land, and known to a member of the crew.
Finally after all the fuss and bother, we left. As you can see from the photos, the relief on Niall’s face was quite noticeable. Never mind the fact that the Marina entrance quite shallow! But soon we were on our way South. True to expectations the wind appeared right where it should for any self respecting Irish sailor... on the nose! And we started our ‘tug of war’ with the Caribbean Winds.
‘Tara’ is well capable and though perhaps not totally comfortable for upwind work. She is a safe and well found vessel. All the gear is well up to standard and she even has an ‘Autopilot’.
So what did we do.. Well for 6 or so hours... or was it 8 we sailed to windward to reach Deshaies on the Island of Guadaloupe... First swims were had by all and finally after dinner all retired to an early night as we were reminded that this was not a ‘jolly’! [ I am not joking! ]
Monday 11th Deshaies to Prince Rupert Bay, NW Dominica
The photographs cannot properly convey the beauty of the islands. Most are green and get enough rain to keep them so. Others have Volcanoes, such as Monserrat , which even from a distance of 30 miles looks pretty amazing. But today we half motored/ half sailed down the West and sheltered side of Dominica, until we cleared out into the channel and found the ‘SE’rly’ breeze and once again found ourselves doing all to keep up on the Rhumb line. I wonder did the mistakenly add the odd letter and the term Rhumb line might come from something of an alcoholical nature. Not that sheltered guarantees light winds, on the odd occasion a strong gust of wind can blow down off the mountains giving us an exciting sail and a welcomed cooling affect.
We found a trolling line in one of the lockers and as Noel has received instructions on how to fish he was designated as official fisherman. Quickly showing his skill he caught a Mackerel type fish which was quickly prepared and sent down to the freezer department.
Later we were to have it for dinner. Chef claims that it was the first fish he had cooked since college other than the odd Salmon Steak. Perhaps his aversion to fresh fish may be on the wane.
Tuesday12th Prince Rupert Bay to St Pierre, NW Martinique
Still getting into the swing of things, we upped anchor and headed out down along the coast. Once again the wind shadow causes us to do an early bit of motoring but soon we were flying along and we were joined by our first pod of Dolphins which stayed with us for a few minutes.
Again the Channel crossing gave us the proper sail of the day.
The pattern here seems to be....
As you approach the end of the Island the wind strengthens and start to head us due to been forced around any high land at the ends. Once out into the Channel proper the wind settles back to its normal direction and drops a Force. I have not come to grips with the tidal effects here yet and the current situation is not plotted as at home but a general set to the NW with it being a little stronger in the Channels. This tends to push us to the west of our required track if not monitored. The wind tends to increase again as we approach the island until dying off again once a few miles down the lee side of the island.
Generally we are seeing 20-25 Kts Apparent Wind in the channels, however, so far we have had a SE’rly on all passages. We are making a good 6 to 7 knots through the water, so the true wind is in the 15 to 20 Knot range.
Once again, according with the similar pattern of previous days, we anchored in St Pierre shortly before sunset giving all the time for a swim. When watered and fed and under the cover of darkness, we went ashore to see what was what. A few ‘scoops’ in a friendly looking hostelry completed our foray and we returned to ‘Tara’ for another night at anchor.
13th Januart 2010 St Pierre, Martinique
Went ashore and completed the checking ‘in and out’ formalities in anticipation of our departure later today for Barbados. There is a small Internet Cafe in St Pierre, which provides computer facilities and acts as the customs office. A quick browse of the Internet and weather and we returned to Tara for a early afternoon departure.
Hugh has completed all the planning for this leg and at 1300 local we headed out and down the leeward side of Martinique, and after a choppy ride around the SW trip hardened up to head out through the channel and on to the SE. As evening fell the lights of Martinique to the North and St Lucia to the South gave us some comfort and as of 6pm we went onto our watch system. Other crews retired to their bunks in anticipation of the calls to duty later in the evening.
14 January 2010 0900 Local / 1300 UTC / Position 13°16’N 60°06’W
After a quick Salt water wash on the foredeck, the ‘Consultant’ found some ‘fresh water’ courtesy of overnight squalls hidden in the stack pack.... the rinse did him good and made him human again and all of a sudden this sailing to windward has ceased. On went the engine and in came the Geny and we have finally given into this never ending SE wind. Amazing how a bit of fresh water can affect some people! Anyway it will be a while yet.... maybe another 6 hours straight into the wind and waves to make to port.
We ran a four hour watch system last night, our first night sail since we arrived here. Most of the watches are back in there bunks. I think it’s probably in anticipation of tonight’s onshore activities rather than any fatigue from last night’s effort.
15 January 2010 0900 Local / 1300 UTC / Position 13°15’N 59°39’W At anchor off Speightstown Barbados
We arrived at Port St Charles around 1430 local time yesterday and it took a while to clear through customs. Not that it was too long a set of formalities. Just that the Barbadian way is to let time pass and that they did. While Niall went off to complete the formalities we water and fuelled ‘Tara’.
Our younger members of the crew are very capable and their abilities stand out such that one was offered a job here at the Fuel Dock in the Marina. We quickly consider the idea and decided against it, but on leaving while ‘Tara’ was attempting to pirouette herself around to Starboard in the narrow channel the aforesaid crew member attempted to slip quietly off the stern and head back to start a new life.
As Niall had only explained to us the onerous responsibilities placed on him, regarding our behaviour while in Barbados, a successful attempt was completed to recover said crew member. Many jeers and shouts came from on looking vessels waiting to enter the Marina. I am sure they were directed toward the crew members failed bid for freedom.
Motoring a mile or so south we sent a few divers over the side to find a location for our hook. We are permitted to anchor along the coast, but we must ensure that we only anchor in sand, to protect the coral reef system which extends along the coastline. Once snubbed it was all hands over the side and we snorkelled amid the wildlife until sunset... another beautiful sunset! [That should make them envious of us....]
We felt that Chef should be given a night off and so ensuring everyone was correctly attired the first ferry run to the pier was completed. During the loading of Dingy for the second run a large, what may have been a Cruise Ship, passed astern of the dinghy causing a huge wash. Well you can understand what happened. The second ferry run needed to be delayed while the ‘Galloping Granny’ [she insists I refer to her as this, so that interested parties should know of her exploits ] recomposed herself and took the opportunity to change her attire, of course as ladies are off known to do.
Climbing astride the Pier was no easy matter as a random swell pattern causes a good amount of surf.
Fortunately the first landing party had come into close contact with the enemy and had engaged in a short battle successfully capturing two. After using our normal interrogation techniques they guided us deep into their own territory. We found a store of their fish which we quickly consumed along with some local beverages and then carried out a further reconnoitre in anticipation of tomorrow’s full blown attack. It is amazing what end’s people will go to avoid detection when on patrol. ‘Galloping Granny’ was even operating without footwear padding gently through the undergrowth and along the beach as we checked out further possible targets. Once again our captured guides came up trumps and despite the size of the Toads, which were as large as the Kettle on ‘Tara’ we again ‘dug in’. Luckily for us a local store of beverage was found and to ensure the enemy were discombobulated we disposed of the beverages in an ‘ecological’ manner. The prisoners provided us with some local entertainment.
While recovering onto Tara once again we had an exciting time with the surf, and as the younger members continued to discuss the short foray, your correspondent retired quietly to his bunk.
All have slept well and to sit here in the cabin as they go through all the morning operations of preparing themselves for the day is fun. The boat has a bit of a roll with the swell and they wander from bunk to head, to bunk to cockpit in various states mental included. It takes a while to get going.
Plans are being made to go ‘underground’, as Barbados has a Cave System close by. Others are planning to see if they can obtain any local materials and knick knack’s which may be of use to us.
Your correspondent will attempt to get this message through. I have just been advised that earlier attempts to get photographs through WCS HQ failed. So it looks like I will be spending a bit of time reloading and resizing images to send back.
Saturday 16th January 2010 0800 Local / 1200 UTC. Position 13°16’N 60°06’W
This is the report on yesterday’s skirmishes let it be said that all our Celtic Raiding party returned safely to the comfort of ‘Tara’ and all is well. Fionnula is sitting at the chart table working on her passage plan to St Lucia, which will be a night sail this evening and which she will Skipper.
Yesterday a group of 5 (the younger 5) headed out in a Taxi around the island to visit a few sights. Caves in the North of the Island, Zip lining in Jack ‘n the Box Gully and finishing it off with a trip to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Only the males of the team completed the daring, tree top to tree top zips... 7 in all, at heights of at least 120 feet... or was 1200 ft. [fools had to pay $85US a head.... for the privilege, and seemed to think it was a bit expensive] After recovering the ‘maidens’ the finished the day off with a visit to the ‘impressive’ Barbados Wildlife Reserve. All felt this was the high point of the daytrip. On another note..... To those intending to take a taxi for a day.... agree on a price in advance... ‘Nuff said.
The elder 3, repaired to Speightstown for some cultural activities. Lunch was a refined affair under the canopy of coconut trees by the beach in ’Cassareep Cafe on the Beach’. The food was really nice, and the chocolate cake was the high point.... Aaah to be able to put on a few calories as you get older!
A