Union Island

The southern Caribbean is great sailing. Not only is the water beautiful, the islands are close together so sailing from one island to the next is easily done in a day.

The navigation may be easy but knowing what islands belong to what countries can be a bit tricky. You can't just come and go as you please, you must check into a new country and check out before you depart. We checked out of Carriacou at the island's main town of Hillsbourgh and sailed a short 10 miles to Union Island, St. Vincent. The wind was howling and the seas were nasty. So much for easy sailing. There was salt all over the boat and all over us.

A quick shower for the boat and the crew and then off to check in to another country. Afterwards, being weary and thirsty, we hiked up 50 steps to the Pelican Bar to enjoy a cold beer and good company.

Enjoying the local beer "Piton" with Peter and Eileen.

Hanging out in the bars you can always hear some good stories. Michael, in yellow, moved down from New York to run the bar here. He has a lease on the property and lives in a cute little bungalow next door. What's not to like about that?After a few days of rain and wind we moved around to Chatham Bay, still in Union Island. No need to hurry. We found a great spot right next to the beach.
And then we were of to another great hike with Peter and Eileen.

The winds here come over the hills and howl down into the anchorage. We recorded winds up to 33 knots one evening. See the wind come across the bay? See Fine Line?

The view from the top of the island is great. Almost 360 degrees of beauty.

Crystal clear water and spectacular reefs makes this small group of islands very popular with snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

The east side of Union Island

The south east looking toward Palm Island

And Mayreau to the north east with Tobago Cays in the distance.

While we were gone this beautiful cruise ship dropped anchor. They are on a 7 day cruise with 200 passengers. Looks like fun.

A little R & R at the end of the day. Cheers.
Leaving Union Island we stopped for a few days in Bequia and then headed further north to St. Vincent. St. Vincent is green, lush and beautiful. It is, however, not a favorite stop for boaters. When you stop here, expect to get hustled. Here we are getting hustled by Garfield. "Just like the cat" he told us. He also claims to be 60 years old have five kids, the youngest is 4. I know you are thinking he looks pretty good for a 60 year old man but so would you if you made your living rowing around on a paddle board selling produce out of a small bag.
You have to buy something because he does not leave until you do. Once you buy something, usually a not-so-good grapefruit or a few over-the -hill mangoes, the next guy comes over. And so it goes until you hurry up and leave the next day. Adios. So why do we come here?? We got hustled here last year. Aint got no good answer for dat mon.

Next stop is St. Lucia. See you there.

Anne and Steve

S/V Fine Line