RAISING KWANZA FOR THE HURRICANE SEASON, 2nd June 2016

We had done extensive research to find a suitable storage 'boat yard', and had concluded that Clarks Court was suitable. Although this yard is very new and the facilities are not up to standard we estimated that they were dynamically trying to please their customers in order to get into the market.
The choice of yard was restricted by our insurance to the area south of '15 degrees North of the equator'.
The lift out was on schedule at 10.30 am on the morning of the 2nd June. The travel lift lifted her out and the trailer was used to position her in a selected position on the 'hard'.

The giant travel lift called the 'Hulk'

out she comes from the murky Clarks Court bay water

transferred to the trailer

in position. Yard manager on the left..

that's it .!

PREPARING KWANZA FOR STORAGE AND ENJOYING GRENADA

Before putting Kwanza ashore for the 5 months we had a lot of chores to do. For example the sails had to be inspected and removed. We talked to the local sail shop and arranged a date for the repairs. After the 'crossing' we had a few tears and worn points which needed sewing. The water maker had to be 'pickled'. The running rigging removed and cleaned. All clothes and material items had to be 'bagged' to prevent mould, etc.
However we found time during the week to enjoy a few of the benefits of the area. On one occasion we joined the local Hash House Harriers of Grenada. What a laugh that was. A few photos are following.   http://www.grenadahash.com/home

Ropes were all washed and dried

Sundown at the local beach bar

HAPPY HOUR !

Flame trees

Attending the local Hash House Harrier meeting

The Hash ceremony after the run

Some unfortunates had to suffer punishment in good humour

TYRELL BAY TO SOUTH GRENADA, 22nd May

This was to be our last long distance sail prior to our hurricane season break, so we set out to really enjoy it. As usual we headed South, on a heading to avoid the famous underwater volcano called "Kick em Jenny". Some people don't bother to travel around the zone, and take the risk of sailing right over it. There are lots of warnings related to the area because it is very volcanic and gasses tend to 'leak' from the active 'fumaroles'.
As we skirted around the West side of the volcano exclusion zone, the sea state was quite rough, but thankfully we had the 'rollers' on our port beam so they didn't cause too much discomfort. The wind kept up a steady 15 to 20 knots so we maintained a speed of about 7 to 10 knots. Then as we approached the North coast of Grenada we expected to sail into the wind-shadow but again we were surprised that the wind speed was barely changed. As we passed by the mid point of the island we experienced some quite violent storms or squalls.
Our destination was 'Prickly Bay' on the South West corner of the island, and we dropped anchor after an exciting 6 hours.
The anchorage was quite 'rolly'' but we moved to a quiet mooring the next day.

view towards Grenada, over the volcanic zone

under water view of the 'cone'

This is the location of Kick em Jenny

Prickly Bay in the foreground. (borrowed picture)