Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Sail and Bail




 
 Jim calls it the Sail and Bail.
It's better known as the Grenada Work Boat Regatta, held each February off Grand Anse Beach.



 We arrive early in the day so we can rent beach chairs and get our favorite spot in the shade of a huge almond tree.  We are in the perfect spot to view the start, finish and all the action in between.  We are also in strolling distance to great local food and cold beer.

 
It's a lot of work getting these beauties ready to sail.
 




 
The start is amazing!
The crew holds the boat in the swell at the edge of the beach. 
One crew member must wait on shore for the starting gun and then run down the beach and jump in the boat.  Everyone scrambles in and they're off.
We love these races!
 






 
The wind died right as this boat was coming past the marker at the finish.
I think these guys willed their boat through.  They were so tense!
They just managed to drift through on the right side of the mark!

 

 Bigger wind in the afternoon combined with rain showers, 
adding some challenges on the first day of racing.


 The Grenada Coast Guard was close by,
 cruising in one of three boats gifted to them by the United States.


 
Caribbean Work Boats.
What a Beast, I mean Blast!