Planning ahead

[Scillypete]

Just been given the go ahead by SWMBO to plan for a trip to the Caribbean for next winter, at long last, but now have some serious work to do on the budget for the trip. For the most part I shall be singlehanding and she will be joining me a couple of times along the way plus I plan to scoot back home for Chrimbo before continuing the trip.
A few questions to ask you helpful lot:
1. Anyone got any tips on somewhere in the windward isles to leave the boat for three to four weeks over chrimbo period, and a rough idea of how much its likely to cost?

2. does anyone know where or if any secondhand satelite phones might come up for sale. I'm sure those Atlantic rowers must have a few that may be surplus to requirements.

3. how up to date are the local pilots for the windward isles which would be the best to buy?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[Sans Bateau]

This any help?

Windward Islands

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[TigaWave]

I do know of people who have left their boats at anchor whilst they were away for a few weeks, and had someone local to keep an eyte on the boat. That was in Prickly bay, Grendada. There are often live aboards you will meet who are there for a long stay and could help with this.

Trinidad sailing club might be an answer, with good security and reasonable flights, not Chaguramus.

We found we could pick up one year old Doyles guides (they are by far the best) for nothing from the book swaps. Got our guides on arrival in Prickly Bay. I'd bought Streets guides new that winter and they were already well out of date for many places we visited, so not much help at all!

Good luck hope you have a good trip.

 

[Oliveoyl]

many of the atlantic rowers lost a lot of gear when they capsized, aven the ones that carried on. Popeye is currently in mourning for an EPIRB and his fetish (almost useless) first GPS lent to a rower and now rusting at the bottom of the atlantic!
Good luck anyway

 

[Porthandbuoy]

There's lots of satellite phones for sale on ebay. A friend of mine who takes kids on field trips to Alaska bought a Thuraya off ebay last year. First time out with this in his backpack he had to call for help when one of the kids had a series of epileptic fits. A US Black Hawk helicopter arrived within two hours and airlifted the kid to Fairfax. Turned out the kid was feeling so good in the wilderness he stopped taking his medication.

 

[Sui Generis]

For local knowledge PM Bajansailor who is local to that area and very helpful.

I've friends who've left boats in Bequia; if you want more info let me know.

I'm only slightly envious . . . Grrrr

 

[snowleopard]

For locations to leave a boat - unless you find someone to look after it at anchor you'll have to go for a marina but bear in mind it's peak season out there. Likely spots are:

Rodney Bay - St Lucia
Marin - Martinique
Point a Pitre - Guadeloupe
Jolly Harbour - Antigua
Simpsons Bay - St Maarten
NOT Basseterre St Kitts

Doyles guides are the mutts nuts. Also 'Caribbean Yachting Chart' folios. We bought ours in the Canaries but also widely available in chandleries out there.