De Caribbean Regatta 2009
Day 5 - Tobago Cays
There are some places on Earth which are magic in a remote and unspoiled sort of way. Of course, there are more humans than there used to be and probably most great places have already been discovered, photographed and conquered. Still, this is no reason not to look and feel beauty. Such is the case with Tobago Cays. From Mustique, we sailed downwind to this beautiful horseshoe reef which includes a few island outcroppings.
Look off into the distance and see the horizon. If you have sailing in your blood, you will feel the draw of the clouds and the pleasure of the sand on the beach.
Tobago Cays is remote and away from civilization. But it is also such a popular tourist destination that enterprising "boat boys" come by in their boats to sell t-shirts, jewelry and arrange for lobster dinners. Who can blame them? I only wish these entrepreneurs were living in New York City and I could have a piece of all their future business success!
Since our last visit 3 years ago, moorings have been set in the Tobago Cays and an area roped off as a turtle sanctuary. We jumped into the water with snorkels and were amazed at the unique and incredible experience.
You could actually swim right along with the turtles and watch them graze on the plant life along the sandy bottom. This was certainly a "Wow!" experience and next time you visit the Tobago Cays, come ready to spend some time swimming along with these gentle and graceful animals.
The weather was not 100% cooperative this day and in fact, rain fell at times like a monsoon. But you can't expect every day to be perfect. At least it was dry during most of the lobster dinner, cooked for most teams on outdoor picnic table on one of the cays. Then as the dinner ended, the heavens opened again with cleansing water to wash away all the salt from our yachts and our clothes.
Click any of the pictures below to enlarge.
