St.Croix Update [Fri, Sep 12 2025 23:07 EDT]
17 hours ago
Showing posts with label Carlisle Bay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carlisle Bay. Show all posts
Winding down...
Thursday, September 6, 2012
I haven’t made very many blog posts this time around because we haven’t done much except read, work, nap and a few dips into the pool.
Yesterday, we went out on a catamaran, though – the Cool Runnings III.
They picked us up at 8:15 am. We were on time for once, but still the third of 3 couples going from The Crane. We didn’t make any more pickups. WooHoo!
So, we set off from the Careenage. This is an inlet into Bridgetown where several ships, boats and catamarans make berth. The “bridge” in Bridgetown is over the Careenage. There are two bridges now. The original is now a foot bridge with the newer, wider one for vehicles.
On any of these ships, they have an open bar and start off with yummy banana bread for a morning snack. After they clear the Careenage, they put up the sails and we’re off.
Tom on mobile – of course!
Our first stop of the morning was Payne’s Bay where Tom swam with the giant sea turtles. A woman taking pictures was talking kind of snootily to someone that “In Hawaii they gave them flippers…” I barged in and told her that they couldn’t have flippers at this stop because of the turtles but they would have them at the next. ”So?!?” I told her the turtles were an endangered species and didn’t like being kicked in the head with flippers. Sheesh!
Turtle at Payne’s Bay, Barbados
The second stop was Folkstone Marine Park. All these ships stop there because it’s home to a sunken barge. This creates a home for lots of marine life. I’m not very good at recognizing fish but I always know when I see a school of sergeant major fish.
School of fish, taken from the deck of Cool Runnings III
Our last stop was a swimming stop off Alley’s beach. During this stop, we had a typical Bajan tourist lunch. The main dishes in this are flying fish, barbecue chicken, peas’n'rice, green salad, potato salad, a lo-mein sort of dish and rolls. Sometimes a sweet coleslaw, macaroni pie or beef stew is added but not today. Today’s dessert was carrot cake with cream cheese. Just like at home!
I didn’t get in the water this time but that’s ok – I just love being on the boat.
Back home and into the pool.
The next post will be the one where I list what I’ve been reading on this trip. It will be fewer books since I’ve been working more than usual…
Jammin' Cat
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
What a nice - but early! - day. The taxi picked us up at 7:30 am for the Jammin' Cats catamaran. Along the way we picked up a couple young women from Holland, then another from Australia. 
Not long after we got onboard, we started motoring out of the careenage into the Caribbean for thesbille first snorkel site, the one where folks can swim with the hawksbill sea turtles. People coudn't use fins here because the turtles are endangered. Due to Tom's puncture wound, we had decided not to go in the water on this trip but it was fun to see the others swimming with the turtles.
We arrived at the Careenage, paid our bill, took off our shoes and got onboard. We found a nice little place in the shade for a while before leaving the dock.
We countinued along to a snorkel site over a scuttled French ship, the Berwin. The Berwin is a World War I French boat scuttled in 1919 by her own crew. Her captain thought that they were being followed by a German U-Boat and decided to abandon ship first. The Berwyn sits between 7 and 10 feet below the surface depending on the tide. We could see her outline from onboard ship. Because it's so calm in the bay and because the wreck is nearly 100 years old, it is covered in marine life, such as coral, and lots of fish.
When we left the Berwin it was time to hoist the sails and head north to Payne's Beach. In this calm bay we were close to land and it was pretty shallow so people could have fun swimming, floating on mattresses or going into shore. This catamaran also had the luxury of drink delivery to the mattresses and swimmers! Next time, you'll find me relaxing on a floating mattress!
After a bit, it was lunch time. Those of us onboard got to eat while the swimmers were still climbing on board. It was a pretty standard Bajan Tour lunch - peas'n'rice, flying fish, curry chicken, salad, macaroni pie... I'm not complaining at all, though - I love it all :)
After lunch, a bit more swimming, then heading south again.
We disembarked about 2:30 or so and got home about 3:30. It was a beautiful day, no rain, but I was exhausted. I fell asleep and didn't wake up until about 8.
We got a call from the front desk - someone from the Sunday non-catamaran had called. Tom got the number to call back on Tuesday.
One Day: Jan 21/11, One Race: Around Barbados, One Goal: Break Records
Saturday, January 8, 2011
 |
| 'RC01 - The Mount Gay Round Barbados Race' Raphael Grisoni Click Here to view large photo |
The 2011 Caribbean Sailing Calendar just added a unique premium event with the Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race. It will be held on January 21, 2011 and will mark the 75th anniversary of the Round Barbados Race.
This is an unparalleled race with a difference in the Caribbean as it will establish records for various size and categories of sailboats over a fixed course… Barbados!
The continuation of a storied sailing tradition, going back to the 19th century the races history is based on bragging rights for the fastest 'Trading Schooner'. This was a prize worth its weight in gold to captains in an era where prices for cargo arriving ahead of rival ships commanded a massive premium. First on the Calendar and First on every Yachtsman’s must do list, the race will be an open event with no handicapping, split into various overall size categories and open to both Monohull and Multihull competition.
Back in 1936, five trading schooners raced around Barbados, the winner Captain Lou Kennedy's 'Sea Fox' in a time of 10 hours and 20 minutes.
We're delighted share the news that once again Barbados will be treated to the sight of a racing schooner under full sail with the entry of 'Elena' to the Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race 2011. Elena - A Class Racing Schooner, designed by Nathaniel G. Herreshoff, length 55m. Elena, originally built in 1911, was one of the fastest yachts in commission when she was first launched. Commissioned in 1910 by Morton Plant with one simple design brief, 'build me a schooner that can win!' Looking back at her history, reports from The New York Times in 1912 show her racing against our 1936 race winner Sea Fox.
The Race:
Starting at the Barbados Cruising Club, you will sail through the historic Carlisle Bay, pass the deep water harbour to starboard and then begin a 20 mile tight reach in calm water up the platinum coast of Barbados passing the homes and haunts of the very rich and very famous.
After rounding the top of the island you will encounter the full force of the Atlantic with nothing between you and Africa. You will then face a good 7 mile plus beat in tricky currents, windshifts and some big waves. Follow this with a 20 mile fetch, riding those same waves beam on, trying to maximize speed without losing height enough to clear East Point.
Bear away and hoist through the big breaking Atlantic rollers for a fantastic 18 mile downwind slide along the south coast. Drop the kites and skate round the South West corner of the island to the finish!
Stop the clock and see if it’s time to fatten the skipper for the weigh in!
For further information and to register, please visit www.mountgayrumroundbarbadosrace.com
From http://www.sail-world.com/USA/One-Day:-Jan-21/11,-One-Race:-Around-Barbados,-One-Goal:-Break-Records/78899
Folkstone Marine Park
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Posted by Monique in Living in Barbados on April 10th, 2010
Folkestone Marine Park is located on the West coast of Barbados and is home to an artificial reef which has been formed by the sinking of the ship Stavronikita. This ship rests in 120 feet of water, is relatively close to the shore and is an excellent spot for scuba divers and snorkelers alike to explore the reefs and most often have the pleasure of swimming with the turtles.
A bit about this shipwreck by Tropical Welcome:
The Stav is the most popular wreck in Barbados waters. She was a 365 foot Greek freighter built in Denmark in 1956 and originally christened the Ohio. On August 26, 1976, while en route from Ireland to the Caribbean and carrying a cargo of 101,000 bags of cement, the vessel caught fire, killing six crew members and injuring three others.
An explosion that followed the fire destroyed all of the ship’s radio equipment, making it impossible for the stranded crew to call for help. Twenty four crewmen drifted in the open sea for four days before being rescued. The Stavronikita was then towed to Barbados.
A year went by, and the vessel was still anchored off Carlisle Bay, Barbados. On October 24, 1977 , she was purchased at an auction for the sum of $30,000 by the Parks and Beach Commission.
The ship was then stripped of all the machinery and brass that could be salvaged.
She was also cleaned of pollutants, namely the 70,000 gallons of oil being carried in her fuel tanks and towed to a spot just 400 yards offshore on the west coast of the island. On November 21,1978, the U.S. Navy demolition crew set seven charges totaling 200 pounds and blew holes in the ship’s hull, causing her to sink.
This area is also referred to as Church Point and can be a surfer’s dream when the North swells start rolling in onto the West coast.
Also on these grounds is a recreational park and playground, where you will find many local Bajans picnicking on any given Sunday.
From http://blog.barbadospropertylist.com/folkestone-marine-park-in-barbados/
Charles Fort Cannon Walk at the Barbados Hilton
Friday, September 18, 2009
September 18, 2009 by Phil Stilton
Bridgetown, Barbados - Just south of Bridgetown in Barbados, you’ll find one of the nicest stretches of beaches in the Caribbean from Carlisle Bay to Needham Point. Mixed in these beautiful and picturesque beaches, you’ll find Charles Fort on the grounds of the Barbados Hilton.
The fort was built in 1650 by the British Navy to protect the capital of Bridgetown and Carlisle Bay from attack by Pirates, Spaniards and whoever else might have come by to take the Island away from the British.
After years of neglect, the fort has been restored into a historical eco park of sorts. A brick lined walkway was constructed that winds through the ramparts and overlooks of the fort, passing by 24 cannons that have been retrieved from the seas in one of the most picturesque settings you can find in the Caribbean.
Nearby you can also find Anns fort which was built in the early 1700’s to compliment Charlesfort. The fort lies next to the new Barbados Hilton. You can make an entire day out of Charles Fort and Anns Fort by adding a hotel day pass at the Hilton in which you can use their pools, spas and facilities while spending time at the fort.
Hint for parents: If you plan on visiting the forts of Caribbean, bring some pirate attire for the children. A bandana, eyepatch and plastic saber would do the trick and make it an enjoyable exeperience they’ll never forget. Otherwise, they’re just being forced to look at a bunch of old junk with mom and dad.
About Cruise News Network & Tropical Ports
Tropical Ports is home of the world’s only interactive online Cruise Ship Tracking software. Cruise News Network is a family travel blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
