Trinidad is considered to be outside the hurricane belt although there was one in 1934. During my earlier stay in Trinidad I took a look at the 3 main yards where I could leave Plane Song during the hurricane season. Basic costs were very much the same but Peak's yard seemed the best organised and so I booked a place and a date for lift out on 21 June.
After a week at the Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association anchorage I moved to the small dock at Peak's yard where I enjoyed having the benefit of the PS's air conditioning and very good showers and toilet facilities.
Weather on lift out day brought difficult conditions due to strong wind from the south which quickly raised a big swell. However, by early afternoon conditions were good enough to enter the lift out dock. Once secured, the team took over and I would say that it was the most caring and efficient lift out I have ever experienced. For example 2 divers were used to ensure the slings were in the right place. Once washed down, PS was transferred to an amazing low loader which moved her to her berth and then deftly set her down on blocks at the chosen place. Very impressive indeed.
Given the rain, the power of the sun and the amount of varnish work on PS's topsides, I decided to have her shrink wrapped. Additionally, I have rented an air conditioning unit which is fitted over the fore hatch. This will reduce the chance of mildew in the high humidity that prevails here. A particular problem here are ants which make determined efforts to set up home on yachts. Not sure if this is a strategy to colonize the world, but it is necessary to take care to foil their efforts to get aboard. The most effective barrier is grease so cables, support stands and blocks all have to have a ring of grease. I have met cruisers who have got ants aboard and had them for years unable to get rid of them.
If I owned a yard like Peak's I would have a large yacht with a private dock and a permanent maintenance crew. This is exactly what Mr Peak enjoys. He was kind enough to let me have a look over his impressive yacht.
I'm pleased I gave myself lots of time to get things organised because although there are very good facilities for yachts, it pays not to be in a hurry. There are quite a few jobs on my list which include canvas work for sun and rain protection, lifting the engine to have a new seals and mounts, as well as some work on the sails. Then there is all that varnish.
I promised a picture of Pelicans which I regret I failed to capture diving. The insect visitor to PS passed away peacefully in the cockpit which was rather less traumatic than had it crashed into me. In a few days I return to the UK. After 9 months aboard, sailing nearly 6000 miles and visiting 9 countries, some adjustment to the change of life style will be necessary. I will continue the diary when I return to Trinidad in the autumn.
