Bequia
Our morning began dramatically as a sudden squall disrupted our Zodiac operation that was temporarily suspended as torrential rain passed through. As so often in the Caribbean, conditions changed rapidly and it was not long before we were enjoying sun and scenery from open vans on an island tour.
Politically part of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the small island community of Bequia, some 6,000 strong, nevertheless enjoys a separate identity. Mainly for reasons of soil and climate, the island never developed plantation monocultures, specializing instead in maritime pursuits. The island has a tradition of boat building, chandlery and a historic whaling industry that serves today to make the island a desirable destination for the sailing fraternity. There are specialist bookshops and famous model-boat builders as well as bars, internet cafes and boutiques all concentrated around the safe anchorage of Port Elizabeth.
Our destination on the island tour was 'Brother' King's Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Founded in 1995 by local fisherman Orton King, the sanctuary aims to increase survival rates of the local Hawksbill turtle hatchlings by raising them in captivity during their vulnerable early years. When we returned to the pier at Port Elizabeth, a Zodiac shuttle took those who wanted a preprandial swim to Princess Margaret Beach where Jack's Bar was conveniently open.
In the afternoon we made good use of the brisk conditions for more sailing. The Captain informed us at his Farewell Dinner that a full third of our trip had been completed under sail. For many, the sailing had been the highlight of the voyage, one in which the ship itself had been as much the destination as the many delightful island communities we had savored in the course of a memorable week.
Our morning began dramatically as a sudden squall disrupted our Zodiac operation that was temporarily suspended as torrential rain passed through. As so often in the Caribbean, conditions changed rapidly and it was not long before we were enjoying sun and scenery from open vans on an island tour.
Politically part of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the small island community of Bequia, some 6,000 strong, nevertheless enjoys a separate identity. Mainly for reasons of soil and climate, the island never developed plantation monocultures, specializing instead in maritime pursuits. The island has a tradition of boat building, chandlery and a historic whaling industry that serves today to make the island a desirable destination for the sailing fraternity. There are specialist bookshops and famous model-boat builders as well as bars, internet cafes and boutiques all concentrated around the safe anchorage of Port Elizabeth.
Our destination on the island tour was 'Brother' King's Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Founded in 1995 by local fisherman Orton King, the sanctuary aims to increase survival rates of the local Hawksbill turtle hatchlings by raising them in captivity during their vulnerable early years. When we returned to the pier at Port Elizabeth, a Zodiac shuttle took those who wanted a preprandial swim to Princess Margaret Beach where Jack's Bar was conveniently open.
In the afternoon we made good use of the brisk conditions for more sailing. The Captain informed us at his Farewell Dinner that a full third of our trip had been completed under sail. For many, the sailing had been the highlight of the voyage, one in which the ship itself had been as much the destination as the many delightful island communities we had savored in the course of a memorable week.
