Boat swap

2012 September 3
by Mike

Today is the big day, the day where we (temporarily) swap our trusty ZTC for the Leopard 4600, our “ride” for the next 4 days. Rather than leave our baby at anchor unattended, we’ve booked her a slip at Port Louis Marina where we know she’ll be watched over and safe.

The initial challenge is getting her secure in her berth which I’ve been told is going to require us to med-moor alongside some behemoth catamarans. It seriously should look funny with our 32′ cat tied up alongside a 72′ cat, don’t you think? For those not familiar with med-mooring, we need to bring our boat to a stop by a couple of mooring balls and then pass two lines down from our bow to one of the marina staff in a tender who will affix them to the balls. Once they are secure we need to back the boat straight up until she is stern-to the dock where we will again affix more lines. Sound easy? Well, we’ll see. Did I mention we’ll be backing up right beside the multi-million dollar cat?

After all of that is completed, the process of dragging our provisions and supplies from ZTC to the Leopard will begin which fortunately is not too far away from the spot they have chosen for us. We’ll of course need to have one of the Moorings people give us a run down of the boat’s operation but once that’s completed, we’ll be on our way. Destination? North. More specifically, if all goes well and we get away without too many delays, I think our first stop will be Sandy Island near Carriacou. This picturesque little spit of sand is a nice spot to stop in settled weather, which hopefully will be accompanying us for the entire week.

The one thing which will not be joining us on the Leopard though is our trusty WirieAP Wi-Fi antenna so unfortunately there are no guarantees that we’ll have internet access each day we’re out. If you don’t see us posting do not assume that we’ve run away on the big boat and won’t be returning. Although we may be tempted to do so, we promise we’ll come back. :)

Our new “ride.”

18 Responses leave one →
  1. September 3, 2012

    Those dam charter credit carders who think they know how to sail!!! Have fun….Remember, the grass is not always greener on the other side…..Everything bigger costs more!!!! Have fun and look forward to your updates about the Leopard in quality, design and layout…….

    • September 4, 2012

      the grass is not always greener on the other side….

      Your sure?

  2. September 3, 2012

    I recommend you also go to the aptly named ‘Paradise beach’ opposite Sandy Island. One of my favourite beaches in the Caribbean!
    Mikey

    • September 4, 2012

      We bypassed that, Mike. Can you actually anchor there?

  3. September 3, 2012

    Sandy Island is a great choice. Nice and quiet anchorage with some nice snorkeling. If you make it to Bequia, Mac’s Pizza is a must. Lobster is in season, and their lobster pizza is the bomb.

  4. Cookie Johnson permalink
    September 3, 2012

    Have fun!! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!!

  5. Mike Bruce permalink
    September 3, 2012

    What about the ship’s cat?

    Is she coming too?

    Mike

  6. Jennifer permalink
    September 3, 2012

    Can’t wait to read the updates – even if they may be after the fact. We’re still deciding on size, (and living vicariously for the moment) and your comparisons would be much appreciated. Enjoy!

    • September 4, 2012

      Look at the cat we parked our boat beside in the marina.

  7. Steven permalink
    September 3, 2012

    Long time lurker, first time poster! 

    Interesting how things come full circle, we used your blog to learn about Grenada and the islands for a trip there. And if that is the Finish Line, then that is that the boat we charted in February. Spread out and have fun, there is more than enough room on it!

    • September 4, 2012

      That boat is so big I lost my companions for several hours today. ;)

  8. September 4, 2012

    Let us know if the withdrawals from wifi is as bad as the withdrawals from alcohol:-)

  9. perron frencis permalink
    September 6, 2012

    nice to see that you visited my homeland….Petite Martinique…..i;m in brooklyn new york….loved the angle of the picture….!!…hope yr stay was enjoyable….

    • September 8, 2012

      We’ll definitely be looking to visit there again.

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