Although arriving in Grenada marked the end of our circumnavigation, it was not the end of the Rally. We still had to travel back to St Lucia where it had all begun in February 2023. Not an official leg, boats took their time to make the passage and we decided to use the four weeks as an opportunity to revisit some of our favourite places. (Check out our posts from 2021-2022 when we first discovered these spots)
First on the list was Carriacou; Grenada´s little sister island. Although it was only a passage of 40nm, the winds were from the NE meaning we were head to wind the whole way. Not pleasant and not fast, so we stopped overnight in Halifax Bay to rest, before heading off again the next morning.
Our visit to Carriacou coincided with strong winds and a rolling sea state, so we didn’t stay long. Just a quick stop at Hillsborough, so we could return to Tim´s Sunset Beach Bar and Restaurant. This was our third time here, having first visited for New Year´s Eve in December 2021. We were so pleased to see that he had rebuilt after the 2024 Hurricane Beryl had wiped out his bar. The experience was amazing, as usual.
Checking out of Tyrell Bay, Carriacou, we continued north to the islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines. We knew that these had been particularly hard hit by Hurricane Beryl and we had heard that several places were still struggling to recover.
Union Island was one of these places and other cruisers had reported that the main town of Clifton was still ´devastated´. We sailed around to the west coast to anchor overnight at the beautiful Chatham Bay. Even here, in this more sheltered bay, things had changed dramatically. Where once a dozen small business had lined the beach, there was now only three and even these were operating from under makeshift tents.
Chatham Bay was to be our meeting point for catching up with our Atlantic Rally friends Stefan and Barbara on Nova. We had not seen them for over two years, but as usual with our cruising friends, it was like we had never been apart. A pleasant evening was spent sharing stories of our sailing adventures.
From Chatham Bay, we sailed the short distance of 8nm to Canuaon. The wind was Force 5 (17-21 knots) from the east and we had a lovely, albeit short sail.
Our destination in Canouan was the Sandy Lane Marina, luxury berthing for the rich and famous. This must be true as, while we were there, they were filming for the TV series ´Below Decks´. We didn´t have any luck photobombing, but we did get the boat, Katina, in the background of one of our photos.
Sandy Lane Marina was a meeting up of the Rally fleet for not one, but two surprise birthdays – Happy birthday Heej and Johnny. As is often the case with the Rally get togethers, a pleasant evening was had sipping beer and rum punch on the beach.
Next stop was back south, 5nm miles to Saline Bay in Mayreau. Here we walked up through the small town, again seeing the impact of Hurricane Beryl. Unlike Union Island, the residents have been more proactive and it was great to see many of the small business showing early signs of recovery.
One of these was Ranch Escapade on the east coast. The owners have carried out a beautiful rebuild and still serve delicious food.
While visiting Mayreau, we walked up to see Righteous Bob, the Rastafarian drummer. He had been fortunate to get help from a few of the many cruisers who visit him and his bar is looking good as new. He still has his ´VIP lounge´overlooking the bay and continues to entertain his guests with his drumming. Now, keen to carry on the family tradition, he is joined by his grandchildren.
Continuing north to Bequia we had a passage of 26 nm miles, stopping overnight in Charlestown Bay, Canouan on route. The good wind continued with an easterly of 10 knots and Escapade loved the beam reach making speeds of up to 6 knots. The only problem we had was the front furler stopped working. Martin discovered a worn drive belt. With no spare on board (we had been told our model did not have a belt) the only way to wind the genoa in and out was with a battery powered drill.
Arrivng in Bequia, we anchored in Admiralty Bay just of Princes Margret Beach and we spent a few days chilling there.
It had been a while since we had been able to dive, so joined by Tam Lin, we set off for Devil’s Point. A rocky, underwater outcrop covered in colourful tube sponges of red, orange, green and purple. Along with large brown barrel sponges and delicate lilac vases, these formed the perfect home for more fish than we could count. We had forgotten how beautiful diving in the Caribbean is.
While in Bequia, another return visit was to the Fire Fly Plantation. Ezra was still conducting his garden tour, showing off the many fruits and flowers growing on the plantation and talking about how they are used in the preparation of the restaurant´s meals. Of course, sampling was essential along with some superb cocktails.
It was soon time to leave St Vincent and the Grenadines to make our way to St Lucia. This was a passage of mixed conditions as is usual in the Caribbean. Between the islands the wind was easterly at up to Force 5 (17-21 knots), but then it dropped to Force 1 (1-3 knots) in the lee of the islands. This meant a variable passage of sailing beam reach and motoring.
Our check in destination on St Lucia would be Marigot Bay, but it seemed a shame not to anchor overnight in the shadow of the stunning Pitons.
After a beautiful night at anchor, we motored the last 10nm to Marigot Bay.
Marigot Bay Resort and Marina was the next meeting point of the Rally fleet and the World Cruising Club had organised a stunning catamaran cruise with a glorious sunset and more beer and rum punch.
Approaching the end of the Rally, we knew that we were coming to a point where we would be saying farewell to many of the friends we had made along the way. Some of these friends had been with us since leaving St Lucia in February 2023 and were more like family to us. We could not let this momentous occasion slip by and Kalli, Brainwave, Seaside, Tam Lin and Escapade all met together on Seaside to share in one final Brainwave cheese fondue. Many thanks to all for making the evening so special ……as Nicholas from Brainwave is famous for saying …….”aaaaaaaaa Sante”
Saturday 19th April 2025 was a busy day with the Parade of Sails up to Rodney Bay. Fifteen boats decked with signal flags made up the convey heading the final 12nm north. Unfortunately, it was into wind, so there was no sailing, but even so the motoring boats made a spectacular sight.
On arrival at Rodney Bay Marina, the day continued with drinks on the dock and our final presentation dinner. It was an emotional evening with many people sharing the highs and lows of their journeys, both physical and emotional. Many thanks to SWade and Andrew, our yellowshirts, for their superb presentation, including messages from people we have met on the way who could not be with us in person .
And that was it….
World Arc Pacific 2023 – 2024 and World Arc 2024 – 2025. A circumnavigation of over 27,000nm taking us 2 years, 2 months and 1 day. We had visited 19 countries and met hundreds of wonderful people. Thank you so much to all who had made this possible, especially to the World Cruising Club and their many staff at home and on route.
The Rally was over, but the journeys of Escapade and her crew were not. We hope you will continue to travel with us as we prepare for our next adventures.
What an adventure
Photos beautiful
Karen has been so colourful with descriptions of the voyage.
Captain Martin must be so proud with engineering you both through many difficult
tasks with repairs. Sailing
with No1 Karen a lady of many
Skills as well
Look forward to more adventures lol xx
Congratulations! What an achievement. Will look forward to seeing where you travel to next!
So amazing! I’m in awe of your achievements. I’m looking forward to hearing about your next adventures. XX
You’ve only gone and done it!!!! All the years of planning, how absolutely fabulous, what an adventure you’ve both had xx. Seems a world away from the conversations at Oak Farm Paddock xx
Fantastic and congratulations 🥂. Loved reading about the places we have also visited. Glad the Robert Righteous and the bar have recovered.