Sailing from Barbados to Dominica, 1/27/2024, Sea Cloud
Aboard the
Sea Cloud
Caribbean
Haul away the sails! With a lovely temperature and constant 20 knots of easterly winds, our first sailing day on board Sea Cloud couldn’t be more perfect. We introduced our guests to the beauty and joy of pulling ropes; we started with the lower top sail, then the upper top sail and the top gallant, and we finished with the main and the jibs. By the time guests realized that the engine was off, we were heading in the right direction with a wonderful 9 knots of speed.
This is what we wanted, to sail across the Caribbean like the old times and feel the breeze in our faces. This is Sea Cloud.
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
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Our adventure in Grenada began with a scenic drive through lush, rolling hills, where spice trees and tropical flowers filled the air with their fragrances. Our first stop was Annandale Falls, a hidden gem nestled within a dense rainforest. A short walk along a shaded trail led us to the cascading waterfall, its crystal-clear waters tumbling into a natural pool. Some guests took a refreshing dip, while others enjoyed watching local divers perform intrepid jumps from the rocky ledges. The vibrant greenery and the sound of rushing water created a peaceful and invigorating atmosphere. Next, we visited a chocolate factory. Grenada’s rich volcanic soil nurtures some of the world’s finest cacao. We learned about the traditional methods of growing, harvesting, and fermenting cacao beans. A tasting session delighted our senses, revealing the deep, complex flavors unique to Grenadian chocolate. We finished the excursion at Frederick Fort, with an incredible view of the bay. It was a day of discovery, indulgence, and appreciation for this Caribbean treasure.
Les Saintes, a jewel of the French Caribbean, offered a day filled with history, natural splendor, and the undeniable pull of the sea. The morning began with a visit to Fort Napoléon, its weathered stone walls standing resolute atop the hill overlooking the vivid blues of the surrounding waters. The fort’s gardens, teeming with native flora, buzzed with life as we wandered through its storied corridors where history seemed to whisper from every corner. By midday, back aboard SV Sea Cloud , the shimmering turquoise water was too inviting to resist. With the sails furled and the ship gently rocking at anchor, we leapt from the side into the warm embrace of the Caribbean. The cool rush of saltwater was exhilarating, a perfect contrast to the tropical heat. Floating beneath the towering masts, we looked up at the billowing sails against a backdrop of brilliant blue sky, a perspective that made the ship feel even more magnificent. By afternoon, we set sail under ideal conditions. The steady trade winds filled the canvas as we carved effortlessly through the glistening sea. With the rhythm of the waves and the vast Caribbean stretching before us, the day ended in a perfect harmony of adventure and tranquility.
Named by Columbus because he landed on a Sunday, Dominica is known as the nature isle. It remains almost unspoiled. We next had an informative one-hour ride to the rain forest atop Morne Diablotin (or to use its Kalinago name Waitukubuli – “she whose body is so long”. The mountain was shrouded in clouds. Once in the forest we saw an endless variety of plants and trees. We returned to Sea Cloud for lunch and for a brief talk by our local guide, Dr. Lennon Honeychurch. Next stop, our snorkeling destination at Purple Turtle Beach, and yes one guest did see a turtle. After our snorkeling adventure, Lennox took us on a guided tour of 18th century British Fort Shirley. He was the principal advocate for the fort’s restoration. The fort is massive and spreads across most of the 200 acres of the Cabrits’ headland. It has only been possible to recover a small part of the original. Strangler vines and jungle cover the rest of the compound as you can see from Rich Reid’s photo of the commandant’s house. Our day ended with a great meal, and tomorrow on to Iles des Saintes.
