Motor Yacht 'A'
We have been making our way north calling in at some previously unvisited bays and have now arrived back in Bequia to await Harriet's arrival.
As we were making our way north, anchored off Palm Island was Motor Yacht 'A' - we could hardly believe our eyes but despite the unusual and dramatic lines, Motor Yacht A was bizarrely attractive. Having read a bit more about her, she is owned by Russian billionaire Andrei Melnichenko who spent $300,000,000 having her built a couple of years ago. She has a crew of 42 with a maximum guest capacity of 14! The next day we saw her again but this time she was under engine and despite there being 25 knots winds, she slid through the water without a single tremor or any movement in the waves.
Upon arrival in Bequia we anchored in our usual spot and dropped our dinghy to make our way ashore. Most people use inflatable RIBs with relatively small engines and there is the occasional hard sailing dinghy. Some of the bigger gin-palaces go a bit further and have big powerful tenders but clearly the owner of this Motor Yacht has different means of getting ashore!
One of the joys of returning to Bequia is that we know our way around and really feel at home amongst a number of the local traders who are quick to welcome us back. One being an ex-pat hairdresser by the name of Emma who trained in a London salon but doesn't charge London salon prices! For a mere £10, Jackie can have the same done here as should would pay £50 for at home!
Bequia still retains the right to hunt four whales a year under the international convention. This reflects an activity that has gone on for many hundreds of years as at this time of year whales pass through the local waters. The Bequian fisherman still use their open boats and hand-harpoons adn so their success rate is very low. The last whale caught was two years ago until this week. A few days ago one was caught a taken to the whaling station in Friendship Bay where it was butchered and sold on to people who seem regard it as an honour to have the opportunity.
Once again the water shortage is a topic on everyone's minds as on Bequia they now have to bring water in from the 'mainland'. By 'mainland' the locals are referring to the neighbouring island of St Vincent.
We're hoping to take the ferry to St Vincent this week. It's a one hour journey and will take us into port of Kingstown. We'll let you know how we get on ...