We finally extracted ourselves from Bequia yesterday, hard as it was, and enjoyed a fine ten-mile sail over to the south end of St Vincent, threading our way over the reef into Blue Lagoon. We have historically avoided the island but this year have heard many good things from people who have visited, so thought we would have a visit before we leave these parts. St Vincent is instantly growing on us. People are incredibly friendly and very helpful and there are some good bays on the west to visit.

We organised ourselves a tour today to take us up the west side of the island, taking in another film set from Pirates of the Caribbean, a water fall swim, botanical gardens and many small villages and bays. It is a scenic island – very lush and hilly – the usual brightly coloured houses covering the hillsides. We had the company of a lovely Anglo/Dutch family who invited us back afterwards to their paradise island holiday getaway for a drink (look up ‘Young Island’). Note to self – if giving up sailing then take up having holidays in places like Young Island! (btw – wife agrees!)

And so 2019 draws to a close and we’re ready to reset the clock for another year in a few hours. In the meantime, here’s wishing all our family and friends a very Happy and Healthy New Year when the time comes.