Prickly Pear Cay, Anguilla
We slept to the ship’s gentle rocking motion as Sea Cloud II traveled to the northwest, and by first light we were north of Anguilla. The island is long and narrow, and its name means ‘eel,’ a reference to its shape. It is low-lying, composed of uplifted corals, and surrounded by numerous white sand beaches. Beyond it we saw St. Martin, a hilly island of volcanic origin.
In the early morning we came close to the Prickly Pear Cays to evaluate conditions as frigatebirds and brown boobies soared above the islets. We then visited Road Bay at Anguilla for customs and immigration clearance. As the purser handled those formalities, we went through the abandon ship drill, and Zodiac and snorkel briefings. We returned to Prickly Pear Cay, and went ashore on the north side of the small island. Some of us relaxed on the white sand, while others strolled on the beautiful beach, swam, or snorkeled to the reef. The reef here is mostly coral rubble covered with algae, a result of hurricane damage, extensive coral bleaching, and several diseases of corals and urchins over the last 25 years. In spite of this, there are still many fishes, mostly algae and plankton eaters. We saw large schools of blue tangs grazing on algae, territorial damselfishes guarding their algae ‘gardens,’ and large, colorful parrotfishes munching loudly on dead corals. Their digestive systems extract bits of algae from the crevices of the coral structures. As they do so, they transform dead reef into fine white sand.
After lunch on the Lido deck, we sailed off the anchor, and Captain Karlsson explained the setting of sails. As additional sails were set, Second Officer Aleksandra’s voice came over the Captain’s radio reporting our increasing speed, ‘3.8 knots,’ and then ‘4.3 knots,’ then, ‘We’re now at 5.3 knots.’ Our fuel is wind, and the sails are our engines.
After tea time, Lennox Honychurch gave an overview of the origins and geology of the Caribbean. Prior to nightfall, some of the highest sails were taken in. The low angle of the sun on the sails made for beautiful lighting. As it darkened, the crescent moon was visible above the masts.
We enjoyed cocktails in the Lounge, as Peter played tunes on the grand piano - a Steinway. We moved outside for a buffet deck dinner, and just before dinner commenced, Captain Karlsson introduced many of his officers and crew. As the phrased it, the very international crew communicated with ‘some form of English.’ Colorful flags made for a very festive setting on the Lido deck. We enjoyed pleasant tropical breezes, and feasted on freshly grilled tuna and other delicious foods.
We slept to the ship’s gentle rocking motion as Sea Cloud II traveled to the northwest, and by first light we were north of Anguilla. The island is long and narrow, and its name means ‘eel,’ a reference to its shape. It is low-lying, composed of uplifted corals, and surrounded by numerous white sand beaches. Beyond it we saw St. Martin, a hilly island of volcanic origin.
In the early morning we came close to the Prickly Pear Cays to evaluate conditions as frigatebirds and brown boobies soared above the islets. We then visited Road Bay at Anguilla for customs and immigration clearance. As the purser handled those formalities, we went through the abandon ship drill, and Zodiac and snorkel briefings. We returned to Prickly Pear Cay, and went ashore on the north side of the small island. Some of us relaxed on the white sand, while others strolled on the beautiful beach, swam, or snorkeled to the reef. The reef here is mostly coral rubble covered with algae, a result of hurricane damage, extensive coral bleaching, and several diseases of corals and urchins over the last 25 years. In spite of this, there are still many fishes, mostly algae and plankton eaters. We saw large schools of blue tangs grazing on algae, territorial damselfishes guarding their algae ‘gardens,’ and large, colorful parrotfishes munching loudly on dead corals. Their digestive systems extract bits of algae from the crevices of the coral structures. As they do so, they transform dead reef into fine white sand.
After lunch on the Lido deck, we sailed off the anchor, and Captain Karlsson explained the setting of sails. As additional sails were set, Second Officer Aleksandra’s voice came over the Captain’s radio reporting our increasing speed, ‘3.8 knots,’ and then ‘4.3 knots,’ then, ‘We’re now at 5.3 knots.’ Our fuel is wind, and the sails are our engines.
After tea time, Lennox Honychurch gave an overview of the origins and geology of the Caribbean. Prior to nightfall, some of the highest sails were taken in. The low angle of the sun on the sails made for beautiful lighting. As it darkened, the crescent moon was visible above the masts.
We enjoyed cocktails in the Lounge, as Peter played tunes on the grand piano - a Steinway. We moved outside for a buffet deck dinner, and just before dinner commenced, Captain Karlsson introduced many of his officers and crew. As the phrased it, the very international crew communicated with ‘some form of English.’ Colorful flags made for a very festive setting on the Lido deck. We enjoyed pleasant tropical breezes, and feasted on freshly grilled tuna and other delicious foods.
