May 25-27, 2008 Mustique

May 25, 2008

Friendship Bay, Bequia to Britannia Bay, Mustique

 

Mileage:  8 miles

Time:  1 hour 32 minutes

Average SOG:  5kts

 

10:05:50 AM                          2.2 nm            0:30:13           4 kt      170° mag       N12 59 21.9 W61 14 03.8

10:36:03 AM                          3.1 nm            0:30:10           6 kt      167° mag       N12 57 09.9 W61 13 41.1

11:06:13 AM                          2.1 nm            0:30:03           4 kt      131° mag       N12 54 06.3 W61 12 57.8

11:36:16 AM                          17 ft                 0:01:39           0.1 kt   305° mag       N12 52 43.6 W61 11 21.8

11:37:55 AM                                                                                                              N12 52 43.7 W61 11 22.0

 

It was an uneventful sail to Mustique renowned vacation home of the rich and famous…the really rich and famous. (Think Princess Margaret, Rod Stewart…)  A shot day for me, Steve went ashore to explore the village and quench his thirst with a few beers.  Later, we dined at Basil’s Bar, rated by Newsweek as one of the top 10 beach bars in the Caribbean. 

 

From the water, Basil’s appears to be a jumble of mismatched pyramid-style, galvanized aluminum roofs, architecturally what you would expect from a traditional Caribbean “beach bar.”  However, entering the establishment, you are surprised to find the interior of the roofs decorated with intricately carved wood lace work from Bali.  At night, softly lit, the effect is stunning…and the food is good, to boot!

 

May 26, 2008

The island drips “exclusivity”, manicured roadsides, no one on foot, spectacular homes.  Alone and walking along the roadside, Steve was twice stopped by security to identify his intentions, make sure he had no camera (yes, his backpack was searched), but was also offered a ride back to the village.  It was terribly disappointing to learn cameras are barred…At least they cannot stop me from taking pictures of the shore from our boat J 

 

Bob/Lynn, LEAP OF FAITH, joined us today.  We hope to dine at the Cotton House, a refurbished plantation, reputed to have excellent fare.

 

May 27, 2008

It all makes sense now…no cameras, security searches of backpacks…Prince William is on the island. Consequently, the usual hour-long tour shrank considerably, access to all parts of the island was restricted and, of course, no photos allowed.  Even though we could not take pictures, it was still a treat to see the grounds of the Cotton House Resort, pass Princess Margaret’s, Rod Stewart’s, Bryan Adams’, Tommy Hilfiger’s and LaCoste’s homes…just to name a few.  Amazingly, we even saw a property recently purchased for thirty-three million dollars!   We definitely must return to Mustique so we can photograph some of the stunning homes, resorts and beaches. 

 

The Mustique Corporation, the membership of which is the island landowners, persons like those mentioned above, governs Mustique.  Their stewardship resembles a benevolent fiefdom in that the Corporation provides housing for workers, churches, schools and library.  It is required every adult on the island have a purpose…no vagrants or beggars here.  Unemployment is punishable by expulsion, as is thievery, fighting or otherwise disturbing the peace.  The roadsides are regularly raked; no refuse litters the landscape, roads painstakingly maintained.  If it were not for the terrible drought and the extremely parched lawns, you might believe you were in Camelot  J  a very expensive Camelot.

 

You can rent the homes, the tour driver pointed out one available as a one-week rental priced at $125,000…but, hey, with that home you get nine bedrooms, a private beach and staff.  Perhaps you fancy a room at the Cotton House, a mere $1,700-$3,200 per night; or the Firefly, beginning at $1900 per night.  Did I already say, “Mustique drips exclusivity?”

 

On the other hand, we do have to admit the snorkeling is some of the best we have seen, and better yet…free.   Swimming through the thousands of one-inch translucent, shimmering silversides backlit by an afternoon sun was like swimming through confetti.  Abundant coral of several varieties created an underwater marine park.  The masses of sergeant majors, permits, damselfish, trunkfish, grunts, jacks, red-lipped blenny, tangs and blue heads, as well as the occasional Angelfish, Spanish hogfish, trumpet and puffer enhanced the magical surroundings.  

 

Sundowners aboard LEAP OF FAITH, an opportunity to sit petting Bob and Lynn’s dog, Molly, were a lovely way to bring the day to a close.  Even our return to the SEAMAN’S ELIXIR was special, the darkened water occasionally lit with pulsating phosphorescent webs of undulating jellyfish. 

 

Sigh…isn’t boating just grand.