BEQUIA RENDEZVOUS

Written by Bill Woodroffe, Kalunamoo

We happened to be here when the Salty Dawg Sailing Association scheduled a rendezvous over the Easter Holiday. As “old members” we were asked to help host the rendezvous and with the help of Barbara and Ted on RAVEN we did. This was going to be a more informal gathering, something that cruisers find themselves in when wind, currents and schedule conspire to merge them into one harbor. 

We gathered the boats that arrived (KALUNAMOO, RAVEN, SEA PEARL, MOMENTUM 42, GLITTRA, ADIONA, GOLLYFOX, LOGOS and RALLY POINT) as some were heading north and some heading south. The official dates were March 29 to April 1. Unfortunately, the local Bequia Easter Regatta was again cancelled this year, the last one was pre-covid. They have reported that the Bequia Sailing Club is reorganizing and intends to resume the Regatta in 2025. Mark it on your calendar!

There were other activities held for the locals which included a triathlon, Gospel Concert, Coconut and Gumboat races, Egg Hunt, and Easter Sunday Family Day at the beach. Meanwhile we held sundowners, cocktail gatherings, dinghy drift, snorkel trips, scuba dives, hikes, jam session, tours and lunches.

Our schedule actually started on the 27^th at 17:00 at the Cocktail Lab with DJ music.  On the 28th was the Mac Pizza and Gospel Concert under the Almond Tree.  On the 29^th, we held a Snorkel at Devils Table and 17:00 Dinghy Drift.  The 30th was Lunch at Firefly Estate and tour of the gardens.  EASTER SUNDAY saw a 10AM breakfast/Brunch at Fig Tree with live violin music.  The following week included visits to the Maritime Museum and the Heritage Museum, a Music Jam on Momentum 42, Scuba Diving, Happy Hour at the Cocktail Lab; and on the final day, Cocktails and dinner at the Bequia Plantation Hotel. And it continued as other Salty Dawgs boats came and went.

The weather was beautiful, the water very warm, and we all enjoyed the company of our fellow Salty Dawgs. With or without a rendezvous Bequia is a must stop if you are in the Eastern Caribbean. The Salty Dawgs make it even better!