April 9 - TEAM INFINI REPORTS SAFE ARRIVAL IN CHAGAURAMAS, TRINIDAD

I call it repairs with bubble gum and duct tape; kidding of course. We arrived to the north coast of Trinidad during the early afternoon but were too late to attempt the narrow channel into Chagauramas. We chose to anchor under a spit of land that provided protection from the prevailing easterlies, and although rolly, we all got enough sleep and, more important, the engine worked getting into the anchorage which was located behind a reef. At 0600 we departed with light winds, and by late morning were far enough along under sail to start the engine about one mile from the channel entrance. We had contact with several other cruising boats, and arrangements were made for several dinghies to help us get into our slip when the time came. The engine worked fine; the repairs held and we gave thanks for that. Gordon (sv Mantra), Fred (sv Liberty) and James (sv Banshee) came out by dinghy, and the dock hands caught our lines as we maneuvered into a narrow slip at Coral Cove Marina. Customs and Immigration had given us permission beforehand to go directly to our slip rather than tie up to their dock, and it all worked out. By noon we were secured and realized we had sailed 6790 nautical miles from Richards Bay, South Africa to here! We've crossed the Indian and Atlantic Oceans in the last year, and have had an amazing time. At 1300, we cleared in with officials at Immigration, then Customs and were treated very professionally; processing went quickly. After, we went for lunch (very expensive) at the Crews Inn and are now slowly organizing the boat and ourselves. A hot shower...wifi...life is good. Bubble gum and duct tape :)