Tag Archives: Caicos Sloops

Blue Hills

Posted on by
Reply

Blue Hills with its Caicos sloops is a fun place to explore.

Blue Hills is hands down, the most quaint and colourful part of Providenciales. Take an hour or two and meander along the beach road where you’ll find small eating establishments, many churches and cemeteries right on the ocean.

Blue Hills pier

The pier in Blue Hills is a scenic spot for photographs

 

Caicos Sloops are being built on the shore.

Some say that Blue Hills was the former name for our island of Providenciales and named for the blueish tinge of the hills and ridges as sloops neared the island from the sea. Life centered around the sea, sloop building , fishing and conking. Sloops would sail out towards West Caicos and French Cay to collect conch which would be dried and then traded with neighboring islands for materials and other food products.

Beach has coral formations close to the shore

Blue Hills on Providenciales in theTurks and Caicos Islands

Looking down the beach towards the Blue Hills pier.

 

bloggirlIMG_5081.JPGa

Chasing the birds on the beach in Blue Hills.

 

blogIMG_5049

Beautiful conch shells are sold down on the beach.

 

This handsome pelican was perched on one of the pillars on the pier at Blue Hills

 

blogIMG_4950

Harbour Club Villa guests and others such as this paddleboarder drop in for a conch lunch at one of the eateries in Blue Hills

 

Da Conch Shack is a beautiful ocean side eatery

 

Delicious conch salad, fritters and rum punch too

Our guests at Harbour Club Villas and Marina are often seen having lunch or dinner down in Blue Hills as it is a quaint and charming part of Providenciales not to be missed. The road rambles along the shore line and was the first paved road on the island. Work started on Front Road in 1956 at a time when there was no heavy machinery. Much of the work was done by local residents and by hand and took some ten years to complete.

See you soon enjoying the local flavours, sights and sounds of Blue Hills.

Marta

www.harbourclubvillas.com

The Fool’s Regatta 2014

Posted on by
Reply

blogIMG_2068

The 24th Annual Fools Regatta………what an amazing day out on the water.

The 24th annual Fool’s Regatta was the place to be on Saturday. All our Harbour Club Villas guests were taking in the fun at the beach with a full day of racing ahead, hobie cats, picos, big boats, caicos sloops and man made rafts were all racing. The day was as perfect as it could be, hot and sunny with a breeze blowing and lots of refreshments and food.

blogIMG_2113

Waiting for the races to begin at the Bight Children’s Park

blogIMG_2145

The wind was steady and the seas were calm.

blogIMG_2150

Neck and neck as the sailors took to the race course.

blogIMG_2363

The start of the big boats race………….there’s Capt Tim and Beluga who have been in every race for several years.

blogIMG_2417

Some of the youngsters from the Provo Sailing Association getting ready for their heat.

blogIMG_2469

Lovely shot of the kids skimming along over the water.

blogIMG_2525

Time for a break and to cool off in the water.

blogIMG_2547

Ready for the raft race with the Turks and Caicos flag.

blogIMG_2595

Let the raft race begin………….and off they go.

blogIMG_2613

Paddling for home and all the rafts stayed afloat! Well done everyone.

blogIMG_2614

Looks like they are taking on water but everyone finished the race.

Another successful Fool’s Regatta and the revival of the Great Raft Race. Mark your calendars for next year especially if you decide to come to the Turks and Caicos in June. We let all our guests at Harbour Club Villas know that this is a “must see and do” event. I look forward to it every year as it is filled with excitement and racing entertainment. Well done to all the volunteers and participants. Can’t wait to see you again next year.

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Fool’s Regatta 2013

Posted on by
Reply

Picos ready and waiting to start the racing at the Fool's Regatta on Saturday.

The 2013 Fool’s Regatta at the Children’s Park in the Bight was held on Saturday. Saturday was as perfect as perfect gets even though it had a dubious and a bit ominous start weather wise. I arrived at about 1 pm in the afternoon and the kids races were underway. Tents were set up selling drinks and burgers, the water was warm and inviting (yeah for summer time when I can actually get into the water). Yes, I know what you are thinking but when you live on Provo, you tend to be pretty selective water warmth wise before swimming. Here’s some of the photos from the day.

The colourful Beluga was showing off for the crowds watching the racing.

The kids of the Provo Sailing Club were having a blast sailing and competing on the Picos

 

The kids (little and one big) were happily playing and building castles in the sand.

These two little seven year olds were away to the races.

Lil' Tinkerbell was sporting her pink bikini.......she's a potcake rescue chihuahua that's found her forever home.

 

Big boats and Caicos Sloops were also racing just off shore.

 

The talented youngsters of Provo Primary Steel Band entertained the crowds.

 

Most of the kids learn to sail with the Provo Sailing Club.

 

Wishing he could be out there sailing!

Every June the Fool’s Regatta gets underway so come down to the beach the next time you are here and especially during Regatta time.

 

 

Happy Sailing!!

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Fools Regatta 2012

Posted on by
Reply

The kids on their Pico's are dwarfed by the fast sailing Minx as she heads out racing to Pine Cay and back.

The first Fools Regatta was held in 1990 and the Minx was part of that first race so many years ago along with the Beluga. This year’s event brought out crowds of people even though the weather was cloudy and a tropical storm made for an exciting day in more ways than one. This year the sailing club introduced the kids to 12 Laser Picos and these have been ideal for training the islands’ younger sailors.

The Caicos Sloops were all in competition for the Tom Lightbourne trophy

Young Provo Sailing Club member watches the races.

 

These three little sisters were having a blast playing in the water.

 

Even some of our four legged friends got in on the water fun

 

Provo Primary Steel Band provided some lively music...those kids are amazing!

 

Storm clouds moving in, the water turned choppy and the winds kicked in.

 

The Beluga and a native Caicos Sloop racing through the waters

 

Awards ceremony with the lovely young presenter receiving the "fools" cap

Winners in the Caicos Sloop A Class category.....Congratulations!

Capt. Tim of the Beluga wins the Bent Prop award for his mad, heart pounding, wind forced dash towards the beach!

Another Regatta is over and this one will be remembered for it’s hurricane like abrupt end. Nonetheless, we all had a great time. Lots of sailing and racing, fun, laughter and seeing and enjoying friends. Well done everyone and the volunteer effort always amazes me. You are all stars in my book!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR.

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

 

Fools Regatta 2010

Posted on by
Reply

Fun day at this year's Regatta held on the beach at the Bight park

Fun day at this year's Regatta held on the beach at the Bight park

Tents, music, hotdogs and hamburgers, beer, rum and sodas, Hobie Cat races, Caicos Sloop races, raft races, tug o’ war events…….I’ve never seen as many people enjoying themselves as we did today. The annual Fool’s Regatta was a huge success and lots of fun.

Those Hobie Cats skimmed over the water at such a fast pace even though there was a brisk wind and white caps on the ocean

Those Hobie Cats skimmed over the water at such a fast pace even though there was a brisk wind and white caps on the ocean

The Caicos Sloops sailed past.........I was late getting down to the beach and didn't get to see them race.

The Caicos Sloops sailed past.........I was late getting down to the beach and didn't get to see them race.

These kids and their Dad had a blast doing the tug o' war

These kids and their Dad had a blast doing the tug o' war

There were adult teams and kid's teams as they tugged and pulled against each other often collapsing in a large heap on the sand

There were adult teams and kid's teams as they tugged and pulled against each other often collapsing in a large heap on the sand

The Turks and Caicos Islands flag flew proudly ontop of one of the rafts while a Caicos Sloop lay at anchor just off the shore

The Turks and Caicos Islands flag flew proudly ontop of one of the rafts while a Caicos Sloop lay at anchor just off the shore

The Fool’s Regatta used to be held on April Fool’s day and was a chance for everyone to get together, sail and have a good time at the beach. The highlight of the afternoon is always the Great Raft Race where hand made, unique watercraft powered only by paddles,  race and try to get across the finish line with craft intact and in one piece and with all crew on board. Tomorrow’s blog will show you some of these great imaginative rafts.

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Half Moon Bay

Posted on by
Reply

Two pelicans were on the sand bar in Leeward Channel as we motored past.

Two pelicans were on the sand bar in Leeward Channel as we motored past.

We were invited out on a friend’s boat but this time on the north side. It was the first time in quite a while and an opportunity to see the huge changes……….empty docks at Leeward Marina, Nikki Beach resort (recently closed) from the water, the remnants of Star Island and the build up of sand at Emerald Point. We were lucky to see two pelicans on the sand bar on our way through the channel and then on to Half Moon Bay.

Local boats were out in full force as the Minx pulled in and thunderclouds rolled in.

Local boats were out in full force as the Minx pulled in and thunderclouds rolled in.

Half Moon Bay is a heavenly spot with its distinctive out cropping of rocks with tall Silver Palms. It’s a favourite place to sail to for weddings and fun gatherings for locals and visitors alike. I spotted a couple of Caicos Sloops out for a sail and the Beluga anchored off the beach as they snorkeled with JoJo the dolphin. I missed seeing JoJo but some of our friends saw him. The Minx was there too and even the dogs had fun today.

Silver Palms on top of the rocks made for a great photo taken from the water.

Silver Palms on top of the rocks made for a great photo taken from the water.

As the clouds rolled in, we heard thunder and saw lightning………..rain too. The Minx and Beluga sailed off before the rain but we stayed and sure enough it cleared off a little.

It was so beautiful in this spot amongst the rocks.

It was so beautiful in this spot amongst the rocks.

This is a great spot for a barbeque, lots of swimming and snorkeling too.

This is a great place for a barbeque, lots of swimming and snorkeling too.

 

You can see why this is such a favourite beach to sail to.

You can see why this is such a favourite beach to sail to.

If you’re looking to have a wedding here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, keep this jewel of a beach in mind. There are boat charters that can sail right up to the beach for a special wedding ceremony.

 

We had such a lovely day and hope that you too will be able to enjoy Half Moon Bay and beach on your visit to Providenciales.

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Chalk Sound

Posted on by
Reply

My favourite photo of Chalk Sound taken from the road infront of this private home with its' own Juliet balcony

My favourite photo of Chalk Sound taken from the road infront of this private home with its' own Juliet balcony

Many peoples introduction to Chalk Sound is from the air coming into the airport. It has the most spectacular turquoise colourations dotted with mini cays or islands. For those of you familiar with our second home in Banff, Alberta, Canada…..we have Peyto Lake which has similar turquoise colour that is due to glacial rock particles that are suspended in the water.

We were lunching at Las Brisas Restaurant one day and I happened to catch some photos of this gentleman going for a swim

We were lunching at Las Brisas Restaurant one day and I happened to catch some photos of this gentleman going for a swim

Chalk Sound is variously referred to as a large lake, a land locked lagoon, a large natural creek , a bay or sound as well as an inland waterway. Take your pick. It is shallow and silty and you can see the clouds of fine sand particles kicked up by the above swimmer. That’s what gives the water its stunning turquoise colour.

View of the water looking towards Silly Creek and the residential area of beautiful private homes

View of the water looking towards Silly Creek and the residential area of beautiful private homes

Chalk Sound is a national park and is approximately three miles long (5 km) and lies in the south west part of Providenciales. At one time in the early 1900’s it was leased for raising and canning turtles, lobster and shellfish. Mr George Silly ( a part of Chalk Sound called Silly Creek still retains his name ) lived on a barren bluff between the two entrances to Chalk Sound in a thatched roofed cottage and he had a small shop and a cannery there.

Clouds reflecting in the turquoise waters of Chalk Sound

Clouds reflecting in the turquoise waters of Chalk Sound

The history of Chalk Sound revolves around various commercial enterprises such as mentioned above. George Silly also leased Chalk Sound and tried to rejuvenate the sponge industry. He had 250,000 cuttings of reef sponges sown. He continued this experiment of planting sponge beds but the operation died out after his death in 1917 and was abandonned after the war.

Chalk Sound private home with a million dollar view

Chalk Sound private home with a million dollar view

Today Chalk Sound is lined with spectacular homes but you can rent kayaks from Las Brisas Restaurant or perhaps be lucky enough to see the kids learning how to sail a Caicos Sloop. Stop in at Las Brisas Restaurant for a delicious lunch or dinner with one of the best views on Provo. Their Paella is really good………Pina Coladas too!!

An Old Man Cactus stands tall against the panoramic blue turquoise background of Chalk Sound

An Old Man Cactus stands tall against the panoramic blue turquoise background of Chalk Sound

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Fool’s Regatta 2009

Posted on by
Reply

The kids had such fun racing handmade rafts down at the new Bight Park

The kids had such fun racing handmade rafts down at the new Bight Park

Barry and I headed down after three to take in the festivities at the annual Fool’s Regatta on Saturday. It is always such fun and this year the emphasis was on the kids. Food and drinks along with boat races, tug o’ war, hobie wave racing and a couple of beautiful caicos sloops.

Exhausted after paddling hard in the raft race to get to the finish!

Exhausted after paddling hard in the raft race to get to the finish!

The proceeds from this year’s Regatta went to the Volunteer Fire Fighters and the new National Sailing Centre.

Guess what this little fellow is going to be when he grows up?

Guess what this little fellow is going to be when he grows up?

We watched the exciting Hobie Waves racing and each one had to have a child on board.

We watched the exciting Hobie Waves racing and each one had to have a child on board.

The fire fighters team in the tug o' war............the rope broke three times until someone went and found a less weather beaten rope

The fire fighters team in the tug o' war............the rope broke three times until someone went and found a less weather beaten rope

North Caicos was well represented by this beutiful Caicos Sloop called Messenger II

North Caicos was well represented by this beautiful Caicos Sloop called Messenger II

Such a fun day………lots of sunshine, great events to watch and best of all we ran into people we hadn’t seen in a while. A time to relax with friends and just enjoy a great day at the beach. We’ll be sure to see you at the Fool’s Regatta in June of next year.

See you then!

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com