Piet and Jenni's visit
Published on Saturday, 22 March 2014 03:46 | | 
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| Hits: 6691
| | Hits: 6691Piet and Jenni’s visit on Vagabund
2nd March to 9th March 2014
Grenada
We waited for Piet en Jenni to arrive in Prickly Bay in Grenada.
Shade Man came to pick us up at 19h30 in his taxi. After a delightful few hours of catching up we settled back in just before midnight for their first night on the water. (The excuse to stay awake as long as possible was to minimize Jet Lag. We were hungry for news from South Africa and this was the best opportunity to catch up). The Monday morning was taken slow but we managed to kayak around the bay while our visitors woke up. Zack went up the mast to tension the spreaders before we left for Carriacou.
A light breeze between 12 to 15 knots blowing close to the bow and was channeled over the surface of the sails. Together with one motor Vagabund was pushing along a choppy sea to ensure the minimum 6,5 knots for trawling lures.
Some birds diving distracted us from our set course and we ended up chasing birds and casting lures for some time before setting course again to Carriacou.
Carriacou
Shortly before sunset we dropped anchor in Tyrrel Bay and only managed to settle in for the evening after having a few chases from some kingfish on the fly. The next day we explored the island.
We visited Hillsborough using a local bus to watch the carnaval.
After a lunch at a local restaurant we roamed the streets waiting for the carnaval to start. Piet and Jenni tried the local specialty of Lambi fritters.
At the tourist information center we found some Afrikaans “Welkom” on a bench. How special!!!!
The scheduled start was ignored by the participants as apparently it was still to hot. On enquiry on when the carnival will start the most accurate response was “soon”. Island time had a strong resemblance for some activities back home. It feels like back home where Caribbean time is like Africa time.
We cleared customs and immigration from Grenada and set sail for Union Island that is in the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVAG).
Mayreau
After clearing in at the Airport of Union Island we head further North for a few miles to the island of Mayreau. Saline Bay is well protected from the prevailing trade winds and sea. Piet still managed to get a few chases from kingfish and managed to catch one on his fly rod before sunset.
The morning we decided to explore the island on foot.
On the beach we met a cute little island boy that just wanted to make friends.
Walking up the steep hills of Station Hill is very strenuous. Halfway we stopped for ice cream.
The restaurants along the road were beautifully decorated and everyone is keen for doing business. Most of them gave us a personal invitation. They are all geared up for the cruising ships dropping anchor and transporting hundreds of passengers to shore for the day.
At the top of Station Hill we came to the picturesque stone Catholic Church from the 1930's. The views from the back of the church overlooked the Tobago Cays and they were stunning. For miles you could see turquoise water speckled with coral reefs.
Looking down the other side of the hill we managed to catch a glimpse over Salt Whistle Bay.
After having had a good hill climbing exercise we grasped the opportunity once back on Vagabund to cool down in the water. We snorkeled at the Southern rocky edge of the bay. The visibility was not as great due to a lot of turbulence in the water caused by the cold front passing over. Fish life was in abundance and we still managed to have an enjoyable snorkeling experience.
After lunch we moved over to Salt Whistle Bay the next bay just North of Saline Bay. Dazzling beauty, crystal clear water, and a stunning beach with dreamy white sand and coconut trees.
Tobago Cays
Late afternoon we motor sailed to Tobaco Cays. For some reason nature came together in the Cays and decided to use all the natural resources to produce crystal clear water. We sailed into a breathtaking blue lagoon. Five deserted islands set behind a horseshoe reef in one of the most magnificent settings. The five cays include the following islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Petit Tabac, Jamesby and Baradal.
We anchored between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau. Rays were swimming underneath Vagabund. Late afternoon was spent on the beach at Petit Bateau.
Next morning we moved Vagabund to a buoy in front of Baradel Island. We had a perfect day with not much wind and clouds. Swimming with the turtles, exploring the coral reefs around the island and exploring the island itself.
We walked up the hill of Baradel where Inguanas still roamed the island.
From the hill the white of the sand seems to enhance the blue of the water. It is like a post card picture just more beautiful. Photoshop cannot enhance anything like this, only God could create a place like this using an abundance of blue.
Fortunately the Tobaco Cays is declared a Wildlife Reserve and Marine Park. We could just enjoy the pristine beauty of the marine park. It is definitely one of the jewels of the Caribbean.
That afternoon we also managed to snorkel on the inside of the horse shoe reef. Frisky parrotfish darted around. Reef fish fed on the floor bed. It was an amazing day to see the various species created for our pleasure to watch.
For sundowners we met up with our New Zealand sailor friends Brian and Sue at the beach of Petit Bateau.
Just before dark we inspected the water edge for stingrays. The stingrays came into the shallows at sunset looking for the spoils of the beach "braai".
Some appear gliding silently out of the deeper water while others settled in the shallow water.
The duration of Piet and Jenny`s visit are short therefore the next morning before breakfast we headed down South again to Union Island to clear out from customs and immigration. Sailing from Union island to Carriacou we decided to sail around Carriacou on the windward side. We stopped at Mopion island. It is a small piece of flat sand with an umbrella in the middle of nowhere. A deserted island surrounded by a reef and clear water.
We hoisted the screecher to utilize the light breeze to a maximum.
At Saline Island we anchored for the night to Piet’s delight.
This created extra fishing time. Late at night he caught a 9 kg King Fish.
Early the next morning we cleared customs and immigration at Tyrrel Bay before setting sails for Grenada. With all the fishing lines out as well as the teasers and applying all the different techniques of attracting the big fish. Zack and Piet each even gave their own version of the billfish-calling dance. Unfortunately we still ended up empty handed for the day. The only conciliation price was a 3kg barracuda.
The week days ran out like sand in an hour glass. It was too short ……..will miss all the laughter and fun exploring the islands together. Special thanks to Piet and Jenni for traveling halfway around the world to come and enjoy Vagabund with us.
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Trinidad 2014
Published on Thursday, 24 April 2014 13:27 | | | | Hits: 16939
| | Hits: 16939Trinidad 2014
10th March to 26th March 2014
On Tuesday we cleared Customs in Grenada at Prickly Bay. We filed our Grenada/Trinidad float plan with the Coastguard prior to our departure (They need to know;
- Boat name
- No. of persons on board
- Brief description i.e. mono hull /catamaran /colour/size
- Estimated departure date & time
- Estimated arrival date & time as a security precaution.
(Trinidad Coastguard - by phone on +1 868 634 1476 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ,Grenada Coastguard - visit the coastguard in Prickly Bay, or call them on +1 473 444 1931/2)”
Wednesday morning at 3h30 we lifted our anchor. The wind was only a light breeze and with the help of the currents it was a pleasant motor sail.
Along the way dolphins came to greet us and swam in the bow wave for a while.
As we were approaching the Northern Shoreline of Trinidad we encountered the ferry from Tobago to Trinidad swooping past us at 30 knots.
Late the afternoon we passed through the narrow sea opening at the “Boca” Rip currents, standing waves and even vortexes formed as a huge amount of water had to pass through a narrow opening. After crawling slowly against the current in the Boca we welcomed the calm water in Scotland Bay where we anchored for the night. It is beautiful bays surrounded by steep hills overgrown with tropical forest. Just after sunset the bats swept over the water of the bay in hundreds looking for insects close to the water surface.
Thursday 13th March we cleared Customs into Trinidad at Chaguaramas and could take down our yellow flag. We made an appointment with Power boats to see Donald the next morning. After inspecting the support mechanism of the Power Boats trailer and getting a much more competitive hauling out price we decided to haul Vagabund out at Power Boats. There trailer support system puts a lot less stress on Vagabund’s hull during the haul and the price is more than R3000 pm less than Peaks Marina.
Friday afternoon we departed from Chaguaramas and set sail back to Scotland Bay to spend our last weekend on the water with Vagabund for 2014. We enjoyed the view of the hills and forest filled with ample bird life. The swallows came and rested on our handrails. We saw pairs of parrots flying by. We could hear the monkeys in the trees. At dusk the fruit bats started flying again.
The quietness of the evening was disturbed by the powerboats coming in for an evening cruise playing loud music. The Saturday and Sunday the bay was filled with weekend visitors.
We make the most of our last days with Vagabund on the water.
Every morning we kayaked to where the Boco opened into the open sea. Zack tried every lure to see what the different fishes chased.
The Saturday afternoon we were able to talk to Zack’s mother with the satellite phone.
Sunday evening a disco boat arrived with even disco lights. They were the last to leave at about nine that night. The silence was back with only the voices of nature to be heard.
Monday 17th March we left at 15h00 for Power Boats. With the fish finder marked as well as the skids it was easy for the trailer to take Vagabund out of the water. She was supported under each hull and under her belly. She was on dry ground between a lot of other boats.
The rest of the week was spending to prepare Vagabund to be alone on dry ground. The genoa was taken down, washing, engine, climbing up the mast …..
The dingy got his turn as well. Zack prevented ants climbing up.
Not only work but also some play…
Before we left Vagabund got a plastic home: shrink wrap!!
25th March 2014. Tuesday evening.
Going back home..
27th March 2014
Back in South Africa! Sunshine and barbeque!!!
Home sweet home!!
A new era is awaiting us of being Granny and Grandpa.
On 26th April 2014 our first grandchild Zandré Bronkhorts was born. 3,8 kg and 56 cm.
On 2 weeks
Psalm 139:14-18 New International Version (NIV)
"14: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15: My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16: Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17: How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God! How vast is the sum of them!
18: Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you."
4 weeks old. Very cute. He climbed deep into our hearts.
6 Weeks old: His first smile
We are enjoying every moment…….
…. Thank you for reading our website!!
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Orlando
Published on Saturday, 14 February 2015 16:58 | | | | Hits: 6344
| | Hits: 6344SA to Trinidad via Orlando
7th January to 12th January 2015
On a hot afternoon of the 7th January 2015 we lift off from the Southern African Soil. We were on our way to Trinidad via a few days in Orlando. Our connection flight was at New York.
It was with mixed feelings with holding our grandchild Zandré in our arms on the airport. The biggest highlight being back at home was becoming Grand Parents. The dawn of a new era in our lives.
"Oupa en Ouma is die wind in Zandré se seile"
We wondered at the last moment if we could not take him with. Will he be missed??? We have taken him around the corner!! Oh no “Mum and Dad have found him!!”
On Our way to New York. The first time flying in luxury for me.
The American soil greeted us with a -12C chill. Evidence of fresh snow pushed of the runway could be seen. We were glad our stay was short and only to get a connection flight South to Orlando.
View from our room over Universal studios from our hotel room in Crown Plaza.
Universal studios was high on our priority list to visit. It gave a chance to overcome our fear of being upside down at speed. Just being kids again and off coarse we had to inspect and made sure everything worked well before we can bring our grand children.
At the end of a fun day I even tried the rollercoaster Hulk.
Orlando Sea World
A awesome day combined with marine shows and rollercoaster rides.
At the end of the first ride we were soaking wet. A dryer @ 10USD to help getting your hair and denim a little bit dryer.
The Roller coaster Kraken. This ride is named after the famous classical sea monster - and those who were on it know why. It's a hanging coaster, meaning: you are sitting upright with no floor underneath.
Seven inversions and a top speed of over 100km/h. Who says this is just for kids?
The next rollercoaster was named Manta! Lying on your stomach, you are gliding through the air!! I screemed and screemed!!!....
You lay on your tummy with the track on your back. You get elevated to 140ft (43m) above the park before you drop head down first and as you hit the first corner at 56 mph (90 km/h) your face turned rapidly from a pale face to a swollen red one as blood is forced again to your head. Once you overcome this everything is rapid and unexpected and before you know it you were inverted four times from your tummy onto your back at crazy G’s and just as your blood pressure drops from abnormal to high you ended up with enjoy your day…. Please move off to the left. With shaky legs you look at each other with smiles “Awesome! Where is the next one?”
The Dolphin show was the best we have experienced ever. This show combines fascinating acrobats with the swimming and jumping skills of the dolphins. The story of this show leads you into a world of fantasy and sound.
Show of the Killer whales. This orca show is one of SeaWorld Orlando's highlights. The killer whales might be huge animals, but they are also elegant and acrobatic swimmers. Warning! If you choose one of the front seats, you might have the best view on the show, but you also have a good chance of getting soaked. And soaked means SOAKED! We did not chosen to be wet again, so we sit higher up.
That evening Zack found the fisherman’s Disney World.
Monday the 12th January we departed to Trinidad to start a new season of sailing.
Back in Trinidad 2015
Published on Saturday, 14 February 2015 16:59 | | | | Hits: 5352
| | Hits: 5352Trinidad 2015 (back)
12th January 2015 – 28th January 2015
A week of hard work is finished on Vagabund. Every day closer to putting her back in the water
Our new bench. I still have to make slipcovers and scatter cushions
Our new D400 wind-generator .No more struggling with not enough electricity.
The 2 cracked windows was replaced
The antifouling was done as well with waxing and polishing.
The canvass was washed. Now the puzzle to get every piece back where it belongs.
Vagabund was taken back to the water where she belongs.Navigating between the boats.
Can see that it was not the first time he was doing this.
On the fuel dock. We fill Vagubund’s stomach full of water. One tank for drinking water and the other for every day use. The water maker will in future be used for extra water.
Next was customs.
Lying ahead was a new season of sailing. We were looking forward to see old friends again and to explore new destinations.