Letter from the Indies - Sapodilla Bay, Turks and Caicos Islands

by Andrea and Ian Treleaven on 27 Mar 2009 Andrea and Ian Treleaven continue their cruising life around the Caribbean, and spend a week in Turks & Caicos enjoying some of the luxuries of the island and cleaning and maintaining their boat Cape Finnisterre before their journey next week to Cuba.

About Turks & Caicos:
These beautiful islands are situated 575 miles southeast of Miami and 39 miles south east of Mayaguana in the Bahamas. Covering 193 square miles of the Atlantic ocean, they have one of the longest coral reefs in the world, making it a premier diving destination.

One of their most valuable possessions are the white sandy beaches, covering 230 miles and complimented with crystal clear waters. The terrain varies from sand dunes to lush green vegetation.

There are eight major islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales or Provo, where the Treleavens are anchored currently, and West Caicos. East Caicos and West Caicos are uninhabited.

The Tourism industry gives Turks and Caicos its main revenue. In addition to this the islands are also a major offshore financial centre. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout the small country.

On the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk there are international standard hotel accommodations, each one with its own unique set up and surroundings. Native dishes are served along with international cuisine, and the cruising sailor will find plenty of restaurants to sample local fare.

Treleavens continue their tale:

From the north side of Provo we gently sailed out of Grace Bay through Sellars Cut in the reef. On route around the western end of Provo through Malcolm Roads, the luxurious resort Amanyara takes our attention, so we just anchor off and go ashore for a look. Balinese style, thatched roof villas and very beautiful, but as our two cocktails came to $US50 it was a quick visit. The bay is exposed to the north but as its flat calm we decide to stay the night; the water is transparent and it is an ideal times for Ian to clean off the bottom and propeller. This year we painted the prop with Prop speed but it seems to have had the opposite effect to its claims and is absolutely covered in

barnacles, really slowing us down. The antifouling Micron 66 has also attracted a few patches of barnacles; unusual considering the sea water hasn’t been as warm as normal.

Now on the south side of Provo at Sapodilla Bay we spend our days changing oil and evenings being very social with all the cruising yachts passing through. Nothing like a mix of Americans, English and Aussies all discussing politics; arguing about which country has caused all the current financial problems.

Finding a fuel leak to the generator, we move to a half finished marina called the

Annex in Cooper Jack Bight. It is great shelter in the strong winds and has the advantage of no fees. Southside Marina is the next bay to the east, and as we are too deep to go in there they are very helpful in getting this fixed.

Simon and Charlyn manage this very small, friendly and social marina. Nothing like a BBQ covered in local fresh lobster, in fact enough to feed over 20 of us. Simon also runs a cruisers net daily on VHF radio on channel 18 to keep all cruisers up to date with weather and happenings.

Wind. they like to tell us this is unusual, but we are only too

happy not to be going north to the Bahamas. The north wind is persistent and can hold cruisers for up to two weeks in a bay.

Our last day here in the Turks and Caicos and what could be better than a day at Da Conch Shack and Bar. I have finally given in to eating conch, conch fritters and cracked conch straight from the sea….. delicious. The last of the original beach bars and run by Jamaicans, lots of fun people. We will now miss those big white smiles when the word “cricket” comes up.

Tomorrow we sail for Cuba,

245nms south to Santiago de Cuba on the south side. The weather looks perfect with 15 gto 20 knots from just aft of the port beam and following seas.

Geoff and Pip Lavis are joining us for three weeks and we are looking forward very much to sharing this totally difference experience with them. Communication with getting emails away may be difficult so we will do our best and keep you up to date or take you back to the 1960s.