9Y4 Trindad and Tobago

I've made several thousand QSO's from aboard the Q-4000 and on the dock at Crews Inn Marina in Chagaramis Bay, Trinidad. I wasn't ready for the quick pileup that started when I began operating CW. I even got to work the CQWW phone contest for several hours after my work schedule was over. I must go back and do it again. What a BLAST!

VY or 9Y?

A shot from atop the Q-4000 bridge as she sails into the Gulf of Paria between Trinidad and Venezuela. Do I sign VY or 9Y?

The View

This is the typical view offshore. Beautiful blue water and NOTHING ELSE!

Rio de Janeiro

The scenery as the Q-4000 sails into Rio de Janeiro.

Trinidad Oil Rig

It is a common sight to see oil rigs in the Gulf of Paria just off Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Q-Crew Members in Rio

Electrician Dave from Canada, Mototman Garbi from Ghana, Wellops Supr Billy from Scottland, and two Texans... AB Greg and myself (ETO).

Ipanema Beach

Sunset on Chag

Chagauramas Bay at sunset.

Sailboat Heaven

There were literally hundreds of sailboats moored in Chagaramas Bay, Trinidad.

Padre Island

A brand new Q-4000 sails out to sea trials passing Padre Island on the way.

Dock at Crews Inn Marina

This is the dock where I did most of my operating in Trinidad. I made hundreds of QSO's from a folding card table on the dock!

Crews Inn Marina

(Viewed from the ship) The Marina and Motel at Chagaramas Bay, Trinidad.

Trinidad

Jet skiers in the distance.

Jamaica

A view from 7 miles offshore. We never stopped.

Aliens?

A shot of some costumed revelers in Rio de Janeiro.

Helo on the deck

I noticed that the helicopters in Trinidad had a tail number begininng with "9Y".

Basket Transfer

This is the usual mode of transferring from ship to ship. It can be really fun in rollings seas!

Sailboat Sunset

The view from the Q-4000 helicopter deck at sunset in Charauramas Bay, Trinidad.

Goodbye Q

Leaving the Q-4000 in Rio via a small wooden boat.

Tax-Man Island

Tax-Man Island in the bay at Rio de Janeiro.