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Accommodation
Accommodation is in two doubles forward with adjoining cabins which
can be used as dressing rooms or converted into single or small
double cabins [this leaves little room for storage so leave the
Kitchen sink at home]. There is also a double cabin aft of the navigation
station on the starboard side usually reserved for the skipper.
The saloon seats eight comfortably around a central table and there
is no shortage of space in the cockpit, on deck or in the nets.
There is one large toilet with foot-pump operated shower [water
= weight] port aft and a small but adequate galley forward. The
design of the boat precludes the fitting of internal doors. Curtains
suffice and allow easy passage of air.
About
the Caribbean
Sailing in the Caribbean is a sailors dream. The trades blow steadily
from the east, at 15 to 25 knots, making passages between the islands
worry free and exhilarating. The islands themselves vary enormously
in almost every respect and there are thousands of interesting and
beautiful places to visit from the world-famous Trinidad carnival
to the near-deserted shores of Los Testigos, the palm strewn and
much admired reef islands of the Grenadines or the tropical rain
forests of Grenada and Dominica. The combinations of two week trips
in the Caribbean are endless. [One week is never enough].
We
can arrange to meet you anywhere in the Lesser Antilles, it is up
to you. We can help you plan your route around the Caribbean.
If you don't know much about the area then take a look at the map
and the lonely
planet website to find out what may be suitable for you.
About
Passages
Inexperienced sailors may find the passage from the Canaries to
the West Indies the most suitable as the chances of encountering
bad weather are minimal. This passage is commonly referred to as
the "Milk Run" as it is a two to three week sleigh ride
down the trade winds. Although sometimes strong, the trades blow
consistently from the east varying only by a few degrees. The weather
is warm to begin with becoming hotter as you move into the tropics.
Sightings of whales and dolphins are commonplace and flying fish
are your constant companions. Life aboard quickly evolves into a
pleasant routine of eating, sleeping, reading,fishing and star-gazing
with a bit of sailing if you have time. By the time you reach the
Caribbean you really don't feel like stopping - until you remember
how long it is since your last cold beer. It's well worth the wait!
The passage from the Caribbean to the U.K via the
Azores is a mixture of weather conditions with a fair chance of
a good blow - not always in the right direction. With a stop in
the dramatic and beautiful Azores this trip takes four to six weeks
and is more suited to those with some offshore experience.
Cape
Verde islands - for surf and windsurf charters.
England to the Canaries via various Spanish and Portuguese
ports and Madeira depends on how much time you have to wait for
favourable weather.
'Orinoco' is fast enough to capitalise on weather windows but you
still have to wait. This is real sailing,- sprinting from port to
port, making the most of the conditions. This trip can take as little
as three weeks or as long as you like depending on the conditions
you are prepared to put up with. If you bide your time the prevailing
winds should carry you on a very enjoyable down wind cruise.
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