Sailing on Beauty, Petit St Vincent

 The Grenadines are a famous sailing destination, so a day trip on Beauty was a must.  We headed out mid-morning, joining another couple along with our captain, Jeff, and first mate, Simba.

For someone who had only ever sailed on catamarans (ahem, me), it was a surprise when the ship got truly underway and began leaning farther… and farther… and farther over until I felt as if we’d all spill out over the rail and into the sea.

Turns out this is normal – Google tells me it’s called “heeling” – but it took some getting used to and I spent much of the trip holding on for dear life.

After an hour’s sail, we arrived at Tobago Cays Marine Park, a series of islands and reefs that form a shallow, protected playground for fish and turtles and all sorts of other sea creatures.

Once we dropped anchor in a sheltered cove, we clambered into the dinghy and motored out to the reef for some snorkeling.  So many fish!  Then we went to one of the small islands, across the sandy beach and up the hill in search of iguanas and an amazing view.

Sailing and snorkeling works up an appetite, and back at Beauty, lunch was on the grill.  The lobster, served with seasoned butter and lime, was one of the best meals we had during our trip!

After fresh pineapple and plenty of rum punch, we got underway.  The trade winds sped the ship across the water and back to the comforts of PSV.