Riding the swell toward Anguilla
Regina
Espen Aalstad
Mon 24 Mar 2008 15:57
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Tintamarre 18:07.1N 62:59.6
Finally, the sea conditions are more
favorable and we can head north toward Anguilla. The swell is still
significant enough for us to roll like mid Atlantic.
 We try - and have to pass -
peaceful Ile de Fouchur with its nice snorkling. The swell makes the water
merky close to shore. We instead roll on and motorsaill along the west
coast of St. Martin surfing into Orient Bay. The Doyle pilot says to turn
around if you have less than 28 feet under keel, and 6 kids track the depth and
scream when we go below! We continue as turning is not an option in the surf. A
nervous few seconds and then it gets deeper!
We tuck in behind Ile Pinel, a Robinson
Crusoe island according to our pilot. Instead, we find hundreds of day
tourists, and one of our most tricky anchorages. Yet, between reefs and a few
boats in heavy wind, Espen is as calm as always. He enjoys
this!
Small Tintamarre the next day is finally a glorious day for our visitors. Snorkling behind a horseshoe reef : the water is not clear yet from
the swell. Atlantic trades is blowing frisk: where is the calmer period usually
starting in March?
 We also find a special and free island 'spa'
for skin treatment: supposedly old dinasaur droppings. The skin really does get
soft from this special poo.
  A wonderful downwind sail to Anguilla. Regina's
first since the Atlantic! While Regi makes pizza, the gas run out...but Elin is
by now a safe skipper too.
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