Sunriser

En route to the southern Caribbean islands to leave the hurricane belt, the last of the eastern islands we visit are Mayreau and Union island, which form part of the Grenadines.

In Mayreau we anchored at Salt Whistle bay in front of a narrow strip of land and so close to the beach that we can see the Atlantic Ocean at the other side.

In both islands there is a lot to see underwater. Unfortunately our gopro is about 10 years old and we had to throw away most pictures. Something for the wishlist…

Union island is a short sail from Mayreau. We have the choice of two anchorages: Chatham bay and Clifton, and each has its advantages and disadvantages: Chatham bay is really beautiful with a shallow reef by the shore where you can look at the fishes almost like in an aquarium; however, there are no shops or facilities of any kind and no office for clearing out of the country.

Clifton, on the other hand, is a rather unattractive place but has all the facilities we need. 

After debating among the three boats (Sunriser, Britt and Abayomi) we decide to first enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Chatham bay and see later how we solve the practical questions.

On the way to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) we have decided to pass by the islands in the coast of Venezuela. Many sailors skip this area for fear of the political situation and criminality, which is a pity as they are among the most beautiful and unspoiled in the southern Caribbean. We have hired an agent to help us with the formalities and practicalities and he has assured us that we will be totally safe. We need however to stock on food as we will be for sometime in very remote places, and this can only be done in Clifton.

Captain Eric, graciously, offered to take us all aboard Abayomi to Clifton, and so we found ourselves again sailing on a monohull, and not just any monohull! Abayomi is a beautiful Amel Super Maramou, an iconic yacht, and the Sunriser crew enjoyed themselves enourmously and even felt a little bit jealous. Thank you Eric!

Back home at Sunriser we did appreciate again the spaciousness and comforts of our own boat and with all the shopping tucked away, Sunriser, Abayomi and Britt set sail to the unknown waters of Venezuela, where our friends of Adventure will join a day later.

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4 July: We now know that hurricane Beryl has swept all houses in Clifton on Union Island, and Ashton even worse. It will take years to rebuilt the island.