However, a number of men and boys from nearby
islands do in fact camp out there during the charter season now and then,
making their living by rowing from boat to boat, selling lobsters, scampi,
ice, bread, fruits, and vegetables. Fresh water is about the only commodity
lacking on this pearl of the Grenadines.
The northern approach to the cays is simple enough. Once
past Glass Hill on Canouan, head a little higher than the easternmost of
Mayero.
Soon the wicked looking Bayline Rocks will be clearly seen. Pass between
these rocks and the end of Horseshoe Reef.
A two flash beacon on the cays will come into line to lead you in.
When approaching the cays from the N, the cautious navigator would do well
to leave Bayline and the unmarked shoal patch to port until the day beacons
are in line.
Make a cautious approach in good light and be prepared to eyeball your way
around.
The southern entrance is more complex, and should be attempted for the first
time only in good light.
From the top of the mast cruising trough the dark-blue water of the channel
is very easy.
The most popular anchorage is in the gut between the two islands. A strong
current sometimes rushes through the channel, and yachts should lie to a
mooring with two anchors off the bow, one to the E and the other to the W.
In summer conditions, the favorite place is just to windward of the little
beach on Jamesby, the southernmost of the group, or as far to the SE of
Baradal as the draft allows you.
In Obsession, drawing 7 feet, we could roam all over the banks inside the
reef.
The top of the mast photo was taken here in 1992.
Snorkeling is of course superb out on the Horseshoe Reef, especially due E
of the northern tip of Baradal, where there is a break in the reef.
Lobsters and conch can be caught with ease on the outermost tip of the reef.
A good place for beginners to practice is of the beach on the SE side of
Petit Bateau, the southernmost of the two main islands.
Outside the Horseshoe in Petit Tabac, in settled or summer weather, an
anchorage can sometimes be found in the Horseshoe's lee. If not, take the
dinghy through the small-boat pass up by Baradal and play Robinson Crusoe
for a bit.
Also in settled weather, eyeball it out to the sprawling World's End Reef,
where you will be absolutely alone, seemingly in the middle of the ocean.
The holding is good, and there's no reason why you shouldn't overnight there
in a calm spell.
It’s a funny feeling, though-there's not a scrap of land between you and
central Africa.
We
can arrange a 2 week crewed charter cruising trough the Eastern Caribbean Islands
onboard the sailboat
Camiguana with capacity for 6 persons including:
Captain and cook and all meals with open bar. The price is $185 per person a
day with a minimum of 4 persons. For more information please contact us:
hunter44@explore-yachts.com
