Day 6 - Bequia (the Promised Land)

From early on in the trip, when the wind was blowing 30+ and the sailors were holding on and we were wearing rain gear in the dinghies, we kept hearing a report or two pop up at every meeting describing the wonders of Bequia as an historic sailors and whalers paradise.  And so, to provide inspiration to the troops, Bequia was given the nick name of the Promised Land.  Meet me in the Promised Land, it will be worth it.

One by one, the boats arrived, taking moorings as close to town as possible.  Marlon, a waiter at one of the hotels, already had wind of the large group and was calling on the VHF to welcome and greet us.  Sitting on shore, you could order all types of food.  The water was calm and the harbor excellent for rest and relaxation.

The experienced skippers convened and decided on a plan of action.  Soon the Plantation House was rocking.  Elvis, the steel drum king of the Grenadines was brought in to help elevate the mood.  Drinks flowed over the crowd and the spirit was high.  At midnight, it was time to end and certain skippers took it upon themselves to jump into the hotel pool.  But since the manager had said not to use the pool because he did not wish to clean it later, the skippers obliged by taking off all their clothes so as not to make the pool dirty.  We're not sure whether that extended the length of the party or shortened it.  Anyway, from their, the sailors still awake headed off to Mark's boat for more late night revelry.  Other sailors went home with a smile and thank you for such a beautiful ending to the first Grenadines Regatta.

 

(c) Manhattan Sailing School 2008