Yacht sailing on the Thames

Just another sailing picture you might think, of a yacht heading downwind close to shore. But no, it was actually taken on the Thames, upriver near Putney, where there are mud banks and bridges, low bridges.

I've seen the boat motor by a few times as the mast can be lowered to go down river, but this is the first time I've seen her out sailing.

Single handed too by the looks of it.... impressive.

Some Whitstable Photos

I like Whitstable a lot. Indeed, what is there not to like: its got loads of character, history, a beach, beach huts, great food, famous oysters, easy access to London and of course sailing.

I've just checked the Wikipedia entry and found to my amazement that it's Regatta dates all the way back to 1792 when there were three divisions and 26 entries. A reporter noted that "Much nautical skill was displayed in the maneuvering of the various squadrons. Every hoy, smack, wherry etc. in the vicinity of Whitstable was crowded with company and formed quite a fair upon the ocean"

Well that makes the America's Cup a bit of a brash newcomer!

Anyway, here's a collection of photos from the weekend.

What makes a good beach BBQ?

1. Location

Or as estate agents (trans: realtors) put it: location, location, location. You need obviously a beach, but it doesn't have to be sand. On Saturday we were in Whitstable which is pebble and mud but still very authentically English seaside. Find a free spot and look out at the sea.

As you can see the tide has gone out a bit and anyone wanting a dip would have to go for a walk first. But tide and weather are two out-of-your-control variables. I managed to get a swim in before the waters disappeared off towards the horizon.

2. Company

This was another brother and family production, so here was definitely Uncle JP, above entertaining a nephew with a lesson in how to take that all important feet with shoes on beach shot.

3. Food

Ok obviously there was a BBQ and big thanks to A - or should I say Professor A now - for his stirling work feeding the hords.

My contribution was the Chocolate Tart above - or maybe, given it was from a French shop, Tarte au Chocolat. Doesn't really matter whether you call it Tarte or Tart as it disappeared quicker than you could name it.

4. Decide what sort of party it is

What, you might be saying, about going for a sail? We were at Whitstable, which is a cracking place for a sail, as can be seen from the picture above. And Professor A has a cat, which in previous years has gone for out for a blast out to sea. So why not this time?

Well, many there had small children, including Professor A, who as noted above was also hard at work at the BBQ. This was a children's party, with kites and silver plastic balls (as per previous photo), and there wasn't time or energy to add sailing (or kayaking, though other parties on the beach had a number of sea kayaks).

In years gone the party goers were twenty something, events went on long into the night, included skinny dipping and gossip for the next day.

In years to come the children will have grown up to either crew the boats or (preferably) the BBQ.

In the mean time, you can still enjoy the beach, the company and the food.

Cayman Summer Splash is back for 2010!

Summer Splash is back in the Cayman Islands for 2010! Rates start at $349/per night for travel now until September 6, 2010. 

Summer Splash Package Includes: 

Overnight Accommodations in a Garden View, Resort View, or Ocean View Guest Room.

Book 5 Nights, Pay for 4

A trip for two to Stingray City with Blue Tip Watersports aboard a luxurious Intrepid Motor Yacht.

Sea School with SpongeBob Square Pants offered weekly on a glass bottom boat.

Kids Meal Plans available for only $45/per day! 

Sound like fun? Get in touch and will send a quick & easy quote! 

info@caribbeanjourney.com

866-236-1924

Finding a gun up Beverley Brook

It wasn't really a case of "I couldn't believe my eyes". Rather the brain was having trouble processing what the eyes could see. Those circuits that beaver away without us noticing it, matching things in the world with its database of objects, were confused.

It's just a bar of metal the neurons would fire; no, says others, it's a gun. But there can't be a gun here in this pastoral scene in Putney on a fine summers day, so it must be a metal bar. But it does look awfully like a gun....

For a brief moment the two images, the two interpretations, flickered in my head. Then there could be no doubt: it was a gun. I had found a gun, in Beverley Brook of all places.

It was another of the Thames 21 projects to clean up the waterways of London. I'd volunteered for a similar event earlier this year one weekday on the Thames slightly up river just beyond Hammersmith Bridge. This was smaller scale but a constructive way to spend Sunday morning.

At first it went as expected. We got our waders, gloves and plastic bags, had our safety briefing and then went down to the river. And from the start it was a good haul: the previous Thames had been rather boring junk to be honest, mostly plastic bags and fragments of a carpet.

We found long metal bars, a child's bike and (sorry to say) a used condom. We're were just about to move on further up river when I saw it.

I called the Thames 21 organiser, Judith, who called the police. She's German (do not mention the game) so at first couldn't remember what British emergency services number to call. But then she got through to the police and they promised to send someone along.

So while the rest of the team went off with their plastic bags and wheel barrows full of junk we waited for the bill to turn up, which after a short wait they did. Four in total, including an expert with all the collection gear. One problem was the gun was on other side of the Brook from the path and the river is very muddy, deep thick and clinging mud, the sort that means that welly boots are not enough, you need full leg length waders.

With much laughter one of the policeman put on the Thames 21 gear, leaving behind his official jacket in case he slipped and waded across. Gingerly he picked it up and making sure it was pointed down brought it over and then put it carefully in what looked like a picnic bag. But this was not your average M&S bag: apparently in there it could go off quite happily and not trouble us. It was in fact made with thicker kevlar than the police's vests.

It was a Colt, he thought, it felt heavy, most likely real and loaded. Names were taken and pictures too, as I think the picture of the policeman in those long plastic waders will be on display at the station.

And I learnt that you can indeed find a gun on the pastoral banks of the Beverley Brook on a fine summers morning.

Jacala Beach Restaurant, Anguilla

On my recent Anguilla Vacation, I had the pleasure of dining at Jacala Beach Restaurant for lunch. Above is the view and below is the breezy interior...

Above is the Marinated Tuna Salad & below is the Lobster Club served on whole wheat with field greens - such great ideas to keep the dish healthy. Both were perfection and would be reason enough to visit the island again. Yes, Jacala is THAT good. 

Join their Facebook page to learn more! Right here!

Aliens on the beach?

What is this? Has a rather small alien space ship landed on a north Kent coast beach?

More to come....

Sandals Select Promotion!

Are you a Sandals Select Member? To join, you must have stayed at a Sandals Resort in the past. If you have but did not sign up for the program, I'd be happy to help! 

I am a huge fan of any hotel loyalty program because as you know, there are many choices in travel and it is nice to be rewarded for your decisions.

Sandals Select Program is offering the current promotion:

Members who redeem their current Sandals Select points for a vacation anytime between August 15 and November 15, will earn an additional 50% in points! For example, if you have 2000 points, Sandals will give you 1000 extra points. Hurry - you must book by July 15, 2010! 

The offer is valid on reservations made in concierge accommodations or higher only and for stays of 6 nights or longer. 

Good news! This offer is combinable with Sandals Resort specials including savings of up to 65% off at select resorts.

Promo Code is SSFALL10

Final Score: iPhone4 0: Kayaking 1

I was going to buy a certain phone today, but the there were long long queues on the shops that had stock and while a technophile am not a true Apple fanboy.

But all was not lost as went kayaking after work. So saved money (a lot) and had an eco friendly pleasant time on the river enjoying a lovely evening, plus also a good upper body work out.

Result!

Book Palace Resorts & Receive 1500 Vacation Dollars!

Its very simple... book a 5 night stay at ANY of the Palace Resorts in Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic OR Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun and you will receive 1500 VACATION DOLLARS for each room!

The Vacation Dollars may be used towards spa treatments, green fees on some of the region's finest courses, tours & adventures, romantic dining, upgraded wine lists, or even towards on of Palace Resort's Precious Wedding Collection packages.

Can't go for 5 nights? Don't worry, you'll still get $750 Vacation Dollars if you stay 3 or 4 nights!

We've been selling Palace Resorts for over 10 years. We'll help you choose the property that best fits your needs! Please contact us to start planning today:

www.CaribbeanJourney.com

866-236-1924

Book & Travel by December 23, 2011

Admiral of the Port's Challenge

Early this evening I must have presented a strange figure to the spooks of MI6. Just outside the windows of their James Bond style spy HQ they would have seen me wandering around on the mud flats looking towards Westminster, camera in hand.

It was maybe appropriate that I ended up in that spot as it was thanks to the blogger information network that I'd been tipped off that there'd be a host of Thames Waterman Cutter's racing from Westminster to the Westminster Boating Base, just the other side of Vauxhall Bridge, as part of the annual Admiral of the Port's Challenge.

In this case it is luckily not a state secret so can reveal my informant was none other than Chris over at Rowing for Pleasure - many thanks for that top tip!

And it was indeed quite a sight, especially enjoyable in what was a lovely evening with the gulls flying overhead and the waves lapping on the pebbly shore.

Ahoy Friends! Meet the Pyrat....

During my trip to Anguilla, I was happy to try all of the local specialities I could get my hands on and that included Pyrat Rum. While not currently bottled on the island, it has Anguillian roots. The XO Reserve is served straight up, in a brandy snifter. Pyrat Rum is sweet and smooth, this coming from a girl who usually avoids drinking anything without a little tonic stirred in.

If you don't have plans to visit Anguilla soon, then visit Pyrat Rum's website - very cool.

On the subject of Rum, check out RumShopRyan's interview on Uncommon Caribbean!

Round the Isle of Black Race?

If the oil spill had been here in London, then yup, the Round the Island race would be round a rather blacker island, those pristine cliffs of the Needles no longer white.

Not good :(

Every 3rd Night FREE @ Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos

GRACE BAY CLUB, in the Turks & Caicos, is one of those places where you just can't go wrong. You simply will not be disappointed... instead, you'll be pleasantly surprised at every turn. The hotel simply is that impeccable...

Beautiful aesthetics, clean color palates... appointed to compliment the sea beyond. The sea offers endless adventure from simply lying on the beach, to snorkeling, diving... and more....

There's plenty for the kiddies to do too... the hotel has a great KIDS CLUB.

And when you've done all you can do, you'll retreat to heavenly rooms....

...with amazingly cozy beds, all with a fantastic view of the sea...

And the best part? The Summer/Fall Promotion:

Enjoy every 3^rd night complimentary on the powdery white sands of Grace Bay Beach
Rates starting at $550 per night and include:

· Full breakfast daily in Grill Rouge
· Personal concierge
· Afternoon tea
· Bottled water
· On–site Kids Town program
· Wireless internet
· International telephone calls from guest rooms
· Non–motorized water sports

Offer must be booked by August 31, 2010 for stays before December 17, 2010.

Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. Offer is available for new bookings only and is subject to availability, 11% tax and 10% service charge. The following blackout dates apply:
June 10 – 11, June 24 – July 3, August 1 – 15, November 10 – 13 and November 20 – 27.

How do you get to the Turks & Caicos? There are many nonstop flights from US East Coast cities, as well as almost daily to/from Miami with flights on American Airlines. 

Ready to go? Contact Us at Caribbean Journey today!

Book Review: Close to the Wind

A confession: I actually read this book earlier this year but some how the time wasn't right to blog. So this review has had time to what we could call settle in my mind (rather than fade).

While an autobiography, authorship is shared between Ben Ainslie and a Nick Townsend and I did wonder what that meant. It does sound like Ben's voice, so I'm guessing he was interviewed by Nick who then transcribed what was said, tidied it up, and generally structured it as a book.

The book certainly works overall, telling Ben's story from lad sailing in an Optimist, through the Olympic years with the Laser and Finn classes, to Sydney to Holberts and the America's Cup.

It is of course an incredibly impressive list of sailing achievements, and there is enough of Ben's character on display to get an understanding of the relentless drive that pushes him to train endlessly and to dig deep even when exhausted and ill to get that vital point. Remarkably at the Beijing Olympics he had a bad case of glandular fever - for which as a past sufferer he has my sympathy.

The first chapter starts with that famous duel when he won the gold at Sydney by pinning Robert Scheidt to ensure he didn't come in the top 21 boats. It was a ruthless display that led to a lot of bad words both on and off the water. It was the sort of professional take no prisoners that is the opposite of the gentlemanly do the right thing of more traditional sailors. But it works, and at that level there is no doubt the opposition won't be pulling their punches.

And you can tell Ben remembers that, whether a protest, insult across the water or sneaky tactic. He certainly remembered how the BBC played a bad trick on him by broadcasting an unflattering clip of him during Sports Personality of the Year (as blogged here).

Reassuringly there are also some grade A cock-ups, including being in the wrong helming the 100 supermaxi Leopard during a start of the America's Cup Jubilee Regatta in 2001 which led to the pranging of the 80 foot Morning Glory owned by SAP billionaire. Even our "greatest Olympic sailor" does sometimes get it wrong, spectacularly wrong.

At the end he repeats that truism that he "will never stop learning" which reminds me of another: that he "has probably forgotten more about sailing that I've ever learnt."

A truly remarkable sailor and a good book to get an insight into sailing at that level.

Amazing Specials @ The Viceroy, Anguilla

I hope you are enjoying reading about and seeing the lovely images from my recent trip to Anguilla! I am excited to announce that the hotel I stayed at, the Viceroy, is offering an amazing summer promotion:

Viceroy Anguilla
Hot Nights, Cool Rates 
Anguilla | Caribbean

	2nd Night Free
	Resort View Room

Bonus Credits for August & September
	$100 Resort Credit for a four night stay
	$200 Resort Credit for a six night stay

4 Nights From $719 Per Person
Save Up To $1428 Per CoupleBook now through 10/27/10 
Travel from 7/1/10 through 10/31/10

Start planning your trip! Laura @caribbeanjourney.com or 866-236-1924. 

Friday Quiz: Why the bale?

Ok a quiz to distract from the England game.

This rather fuzzy photo (must have been water on the lens) from yesterday's Thames paddle is of Barnes bridge and there is a bale of straw hanging underneath: why?

Sensation on the Thames

There was a shock for the paddlers and rowers out enjoying today's lovely evening, and even the squawking geese were momentarily silenced. Yup, JP had finally made it out for a kayak on the river.

To just by a whisker get that in before the year reaches half way is inexcusable so I won't even bother.

Tonight I tried the club's rather elegant sea kayak so was nice and stable when faced with wind against tide. It was very good to be out there again.

Viceroy Resort & Spa, Anguilla by Day

Viceroy Resort & Spa, Anguilla

This is where I stayed on my recent trip to Anguilla. 

The hotel was perfection. Perfect views at every turn...

Smiling happy staff ready to provide perfect service...

Two perfect beaches.... one....

and two...

Amazing artwork. Eclectic... but a perfect match.

3 Swimming pools...

There is so much more perfect at this resort! I'd love to help you plan your trip to the Viceroy Resort in Anguilla... ask me more! laura @caribbeanjourney.com or 866-236-1924.

For more photos of Viceroy Anguilla by Day - visit our flickr stream right here.