Turks and Caicos

Long before Christopher Columbus ever set foot on the island of Grand Turk, Taino and Lucayan Indians inhabited the TCI island chain as the sole residents for over 700 years. Thier Arawak language named the islands – “Turks” is a reference to the indigenous Turk’s head cactus and “Caicos” is from the Lucayan term for “Caya hico” meaning string of islands. Throughout the early 1700s the French, Spanish and British each claimed possession of the islands before it became part of the Bahamas colony in 1766. When the Bahamas gained independence in 1973, the TCIs (Turk and Caicos Islands) received their own governor and now remain a British Overseas Territory. Today the TCIs are noted as an ultimate dive destination for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts looking for clear ocean and thriving marine life.

On May 11th, Queen’s Dream arrived in the TCIs from a 2-day passage out of the Bahamas. The dense coral terrain of the Grace Bay area in Providenciales is evident on the navigation charts. As the crew studied the upcoming entry into the desired anchorage marina, the thoughts of battlefield troops carefully navigating a dense landmine field came to mind. Word was received that many of the navigation markers noted on the charts were no longer present or had shifted. With the increased risk of grounding the hulls on reefs, the QD crew requested a “pilot boat” from the marina to come out and guide them through the battlefield. The marina was quick to respond and playing the simple game of “follow the leader”, QD arrived safely at the docks at Turtle Cove Marina.

QD rested well for 4 days as the crew explored what the island had to offer and consumed the local culture and unique atmosphere. The beaches are magnificent in their purity, water clarity and evident sea life. A signature moment – sitting at a quaint beachfront restaurant (da Conch Shack) and observing a local in the water 20-30 yards out in the ocean going under water and quickly coming up to load a kayak full of fresh conch. When full, the kayak was pulled back upon the beach providing a wheelbarrow full of fresh conch that was wheeled into the door on the side. Seafood at its freshest!

On the 5th day, QD undertook a brutally challenging overnight passage to Grand Turk. Increased winds and a confused sea state shook her hulls as she pounded and crashed into the thundering waves throughout the night. Her resolve was firm, and her hulls fared well as they were built to do. By daybreak, the exhausted crew was relieved to be on anchor and relax for a final day in the TCIs. Grand Turk would serve as the staging point for the upcoming 4-day/3-night passage to Puerto Rico. QD bids farewell to the pristine TCSIs and continues her journey through the infamous “Thorny Path”.