Here are some views of the saloon. I don’t think we’ve ever seen another Grand Banks for sale that we didn’t both cringe at the couch cushion fabric selection. Happy with this one, and with the fact that it’s in perfect condition. The two chairs are Grand Banks originals, and we very nearly got rid of them early on, in order to free up more floor space. In the end we’re really glad we didn’t do that. Woodwork is pristine. There is just one little bit of water damage by the aft fridge, but otherwise clean as can be imagined for a 32 year old boat.
Dishes and dancing, a nighttime routine.
We crossed from South Caicos to Grand Turk in marginal weather, but it was only three hours and seemed worth a bit of a beat in order to get somewhere more interesting.
I found three of these big pots in the water. Also found a 10-foot tattoo-style anchor on the bottom that our chain tangled up in. I was going to ask at the museum if any of it was of any interest (which I didn’t think likely since there are snorkelers all over the place, and I couldn’t have been the first to spot any of this), but we ended up being chased away by weather before we could get there. The kids got to spend a couple days diving and bringing up dead coral for their “garden.”
Fifty miles away on the big island of Provo are grocery stores that rival those in the States. None of the other islands get in on that action, though.
We had weeks of southeast winds predicted, which made this a perfectly good anchorage. But then all at once a big swell rolled in from the northwest and turned this into a nerve-wracking place to be. With a reef behind us the swell was suddenly rising up into breaking waves, and if there is one place I never want to be on a boat it is between breaking waves and a beach. After a little more investigation we found out that a potential pre-season named storm was on the way. Time to get out of here.
32 Comments on “Grand Turk”
Did you clean up before those pictures were taken? Looks like an ad to sell the boat!
I thought the same! Man, she keeps a neat house š
The ‘living area’ looks like this most of the time, unless we are using the table for games, crafts, or eating. I didn’t put anything away for the photos. I keep a mighty-fine ship/bus/airstream/home. We don’t have excess ‘stuff’, and everything has a place. I know I would drive a ton of people crazy. š
You wouldn’t drive me crazy – you can move in here anytime! š
I was thinking the same thing.
Yes, I was also admiring how clean and tidy the boat is inside & out.
When on the move and without many stores, “tidy” is pretty easy. I’ll admit I might be a little bit OCD about it though…
The boat has a beautiful interior. All that wood looks like new. What a find.
We agree. We have some work/upgrades we would like to do this off-cruising season. It is a good home.
Thank you for the interiors. You have a well maintained gorgeous vessel. Doubt you sell any time soon, you’re rightfully proud. Cruise On!
For sure. With a few maintenance/work/upgrades this off-season, we should be set for a couple of years of cruising. Of course, we change our plans sometimes. š
The wood interior is … stunning. And the floor!
The dining table chairs are from Scan Design (in case you were wondering). Have two in my office.
Ali wins hands down for keeping your traveling homes in ship shape. How does she get Pat and the kids to comply with her āthereās a place for everythingā rules. Iād like to know her secret. š
Both Ouest and Lowe are “my” kids, following in my footsteps. Pat just doesn’t have a lot to get him in trouble.
We donāt have much in common as I am a very contented homebody who could never live in the confines of a boat/traveall etc. But on this we are totally alligned. No excess stuff. A place for everything. Everything in its place. Oh and my favorite expression: āPaper is the enemy of Cleanā.
When kids are raised like that it just seems so natural to them.
FYI. I read this blog because I think itās important to understand the lives of people with a different mindset than ones own!
Hi Annie! And glad you commented. Funny what different lives we can live, but still come together as well. My kids love paper and cardboard (even toilet paper rolls) – but they are short lived and I toss them usually by the end of the day without much fuss. Their room (and ours too) is filled with colorful pictures that they have made. Paper doesn’t bother my usual OCD-ism. Weird.
Hi Patrick , great post, good reading and great photos. I have one of those questions for you now that your very seasoned mariners , how are you viewing the sail vs power boat debate, are you swayed in your preference now youāve done both. Also do the twin engines let you sleep better at night! Wishing you smooth sailing , cheers , Bob
Heads up. First two minutes are relevant.
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Curios what’s the deal with real estate prices in Caribe. I know you only shoot interesting places, but most houses seem decrepit, like all owners left or dont care to maintain them. Does the place seem deserted and only cruisers roaming? Did you notice an impact from the latest hurricane hit?
No idea about Caribe. And not sure if the damage/decrepit buildings was new or old hurricane damage. Grand Turks seems to have loads of expats and cruise ship tourists around.
Man, what an inviting interior space. Love it but why in the world do they put all that beautiful wood in there only to put that brown faux wood formica laminate down in places??? Same thing on my sailboat, beautiful teak everywhere then doo doo brown formica on the nav station… Kills me! I’ll update it someday. Maybe. Probably not actually.
I think they do the “fake” wood in the high sun exposure areas as teak wouldn’t handle it well. It bothered me at first but now I kind of get it – and at least it is all the same (matching).
Those interior pictures look suspiciously like For Sale photos!
Nope, not yet. We are happy with our current home.
So where are you heading for Hurricane season?
Still working it out…
Your GB is amazingly clean. Good one Pat and Ali.
Thanks, Edan.
How are you guys doing with that single fridge in the galley? Do you run out of space with it? Thx
We have two fridges (one could be used as a freezer if we wanted to run the generator more often or were at the docks for a long period). The one in the galley holds the fruit/vegetables/condiments and the other one drinks/meat. It is a good set up.
I’m amazed I was able to use a college-style fridge for so long in the Travco for a family of four. I’m spoiled now!
Ok thanks Ali. Helpful intel.