30 May - 5 June

30 May 2012
Position 14:00 UTC -3 10 07.980N 059 24.012W Still motoring. Wind
variable, but current against us. We picked up the counter current, looks
like we should have been closer inshore. Another rain squall, which lasted
much longer than the others.
Supper Bully beef stew and mash
31 May 2012
Position 14:00 UTC - 3 10 47.176N 061 31.977W Shore line lights of Tobago
off to starboard from about 0300. Through Galleon's Passage by 0700 and
started down the east coast of Trinidad for Bocas del Dragon. We haven't
seen too many ships all the way across and as we exited Galleon's Passage
there are ships all over the place missing us by 500m and more.
About 13:30 we entered the narrow channel between the mainland Trinidad
and Monos Island. The current comes out flowing north at over 3knots and
was forming a bit of a rip.
Got to Peake's just before 15:00, but were waved away to go to Immigration
and Customs first. Cleared formalities and back at Peake's by 17:00.
Peake's knew about us but had not received a date, so hope fully we will
be out tomorrow. But more important to shower and feel clean once more.
Beer and supper at the Power Boats. Then early to bed.
1/6/2012
In Chaguaramas.
Thought we would go out today, but between Peake's and Gittens there was
no chance. The travel-lift was booked all day - a stream of boats being
hauled out for the hurricane season - and Gittens had not received payment
and the Bank was on strike. So we have a whole weekend to find something to
do I found a Raymarine agent at Crews Inn, where young Durban chap worked.
He very happily came across to the boat and sorted out the wind instrument.
Let's hope he has fixed it really well as we have been sailing - according
to it - with the wind off our port quarter ever since Cape Town.
Rob and I walked over to the TTSA (the local yacht club). Met Roger who
introduced us to Mike. Sunday racing around the five islands. Mike offered
Rob and I a berth on his 30ft boat, which we gladly accepted.
2/6/2012
In Chaguaramas.
Rob went off on a sight seeing trip to Port of Spain and a popular
northern beach. Joyce and George went off to the Yacht club. I spent the
day sorting out the Pacific crossing and looking round the boat yards.
3/6/2012
In Chaguaramas.
Today there is a minor motor boat race. The minor part is only because it
is a qualifier for some major race in August. Now these are mean machines
- crew of four, two monstrous engines that develop over 3000hp and have a
top speed of 150 - 170mph. The crew are encapsulated in a module that if
there is a disaster they are theoretically protected. We watched the
Peake's machine - Monster - being put in the water and set off for the
races. Apparently there is no gearbox - only forward and reverse - so the
engines are started in gear and off they go. We didn't get to see any of
the actual races as we were otherwise occupied else where.
One of the Monster's shore crew gave Rob and I a lift to the Yacht Club.
As a result we arrived a little early ready to sail on Loose Goose, a
thirty footer owned by Mike. We were six on board; Mike, Kurt, Burt, Ray
and Rod & I. Motor sailed out to start near the Five Islands. If you ever
thought our starts were chaotic. Suddenly we see boats heading off on the
race. As a consequence we were last to cross the line and that's the way it
stayed. Still there was a lovely breeze - full main and No 2, but no
spinnaker. The owner doesn't like broaching. The course was about 20nm
long. Windward/leeward then a trough triangle. I think Mike had a thing
about tacking so pinched like crazy and lost out in a big way. Needless to
say we were last across the line. Plenty of beer was consumed both on the
boat and afterwards at the club. I was sun-burnt and exhausted by the time
I got back to Discovery.
4/6/2012
In Chaguaramus.
Bad start to the day when I learnt that the money transfer had not come
through and therefore no sail-drive today. Spent the day chasing up Gittins
to clear the money transfer, with success at 16:00. So tomorrow we come out
the water and hopefully back in a few hours later.
In the late afternoon Rob and walked over to Crews Inn for a beer.
5/6/2012
In Chaguaramas on the hard.
Things looked good to start with. We were lifted out of the water at 09:30
- only a half hour late. But then things started going backwards; The
starboard rudder was split at the bottom. It had been previously repaired,
but not very well. There was no bonding to the main body of the rudder with
the result all the glass that had been applied had come off some where
between here and Cape Town. Then the sail drive only arrived at 16:30.
Complete installation will only be completed tomorrow - I hope. The rudder
will also be finished then. So hoping to get back in the water tomorrow.
Must as Thursday is a holiday.

Frustrated and hot but otherwise OK

Cheers

Chris