Mayreau
The tiny Grenadine island of Mayreau must surely rank as one of the undiscovered gems of the Caribbean. Having said that, we awoke to find that we were being approached at our anchorage by the original Sea Cloud under sail, paying her sister ship a courtesy call and affording us an exceptional photo opportunity as this elegant vessel with her squat funnel amidships glided past.
We had two morning options: a beach party was landed for swimming and an exploration of the small village community with its hilltop church that offered wonderful views out over the Tobago Cays. For the second option, guests transferred to a local catamaran that sailed to the Cays for fine snorkeling and swimming from the vessel's swim platform. Both options provided a relaxing finale to the voyage in an extraordinary locale.
There was more sailing in the afternoon in a good breeze, with the crew going aloft towards the end of lunch. One new member of the crew, a young lady from Poland, reached the 'royal' for the first time - under supervision - and beamed with pride when back on deck. She would go up to the 'sky sail' before her contract ended, she explained, with just a hint of trepidation.
It has been extraordinary to watch and learn from officers and crew throughout the week and to share their passion for sailing this remarkable vessel. At his Farewell Dinner, the Captain expressed his hope that he would sail with us again aboard Sea Cloud II - few needed much persuasion that they would avail themselves of that opportunity if they possibly could.
The tiny Grenadine island of Mayreau must surely rank as one of the undiscovered gems of the Caribbean. Having said that, we awoke to find that we were being approached at our anchorage by the original Sea Cloud under sail, paying her sister ship a courtesy call and affording us an exceptional photo opportunity as this elegant vessel with her squat funnel amidships glided past.
We had two morning options: a beach party was landed for swimming and an exploration of the small village community with its hilltop church that offered wonderful views out over the Tobago Cays. For the second option, guests transferred to a local catamaran that sailed to the Cays for fine snorkeling and swimming from the vessel's swim platform. Both options provided a relaxing finale to the voyage in an extraordinary locale.
There was more sailing in the afternoon in a good breeze, with the crew going aloft towards the end of lunch. One new member of the crew, a young lady from Poland, reached the 'royal' for the first time - under supervision - and beamed with pride when back on deck. She would go up to the 'sky sail' before her contract ended, she explained, with just a hint of trepidation.
It has been extraordinary to watch and learn from officers and crew throughout the week and to share their passion for sailing this remarkable vessel. At his Farewell Dinner, the Captain expressed his hope that he would sail with us again aboard Sea Cloud II - few needed much persuasion that they would avail themselves of that opportunity if they possibly could.
