Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
This archipelago of well over 30 islands is considered by many to be the most diverse and pristine in the Caribbean. Although an independent member of the British Commonwealth, it still has a strong British heritage. But unlike many of its neighboring islands, the Grenadines never developed a depleting plantation culture, focusing instead on maritime chandlering and shipbuilding.
Bequia (pronounced locally Bek-way) is reachable only by boat and retains many of the old seafaring traditions. While traditional sloops are still constructed, several craftsmen now specialize in expert boat models. It is still a favorite stop for yachts of all sizes. Its lush verdant aspects and unrushed populace make it a welcoming respite. Fruit markets and small harbor-size cafes abound. A well-known bookstore and internet cafes also add a touch of sophistication.
Riding colorful local open jitneys, we made our way across the luxuriant island to a beach-side turtle hatchery. Founded by a former whaler and fisherman, Brother Orton King, the hatchery is a testament to compassion and innovation. Seeing how overfishing had impacted local reefs, King sought a way to offset the rapid destruction of turtle-fishing. Operating on a shoestring budget and lots of passion, King would recover clutches of eggs, hatch them and then rear and care for baby turtles for five or six years until they are large enough to resist many of the dangers and vagaries of life at sea. Although decades are required for them to mature sufficiently until they become parents themselves, Mr. King enthralled us with his determination of bequeathing the endeavor to his children and to the future of the islands.
Later many enjoyed swimming from the palm-fringed beaches, strolling and chatting in Port Elizabeth town and sampling local fruits.
A pearl pink and gray tropical sunset spread out along the horizon off our stern. We hoisted the main square sails and began our last evening tack back towards Barbados.
This archipelago of well over 30 islands is considered by many to be the most diverse and pristine in the Caribbean. Although an independent member of the British Commonwealth, it still has a strong British heritage. But unlike many of its neighboring islands, the Grenadines never developed a depleting plantation culture, focusing instead on maritime chandlering and shipbuilding.
Bequia (pronounced locally Bek-way) is reachable only by boat and retains many of the old seafaring traditions. While traditional sloops are still constructed, several craftsmen now specialize in expert boat models. It is still a favorite stop for yachts of all sizes. Its lush verdant aspects and unrushed populace make it a welcoming respite. Fruit markets and small harbor-size cafes abound. A well-known bookstore and internet cafes also add a touch of sophistication.
Riding colorful local open jitneys, we made our way across the luxuriant island to a beach-side turtle hatchery. Founded by a former whaler and fisherman, Brother Orton King, the hatchery is a testament to compassion and innovation. Seeing how overfishing had impacted local reefs, King sought a way to offset the rapid destruction of turtle-fishing. Operating on a shoestring budget and lots of passion, King would recover clutches of eggs, hatch them and then rear and care for baby turtles for five or six years until they are large enough to resist many of the dangers and vagaries of life at sea. Although decades are required for them to mature sufficiently until they become parents themselves, Mr. King enthralled us with his determination of bequeathing the endeavor to his children and to the future of the islands.
Later many enjoyed swimming from the palm-fringed beaches, strolling and chatting in Port Elizabeth town and sampling local fruits.
A pearl pink and gray tropical sunset spread out along the horizon off our stern. We hoisted the main square sails and began our last evening tack back towards Barbados.
