Cassini blog #117 back in Antigua
Cassini's blog
Simon and Sally, Nigel and Catherine
Sat 20 Apr 2024 15:33
| Back in Antigua Last Sunday we set off for Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe, a 22 mile trip from Iles des Saintes. Another Caribbean downpour meant we all got very wet; at least it's warm, so we dried off pretty quickly. We anchored outside the marina, then took the dinghy in on Monday morning. The water-maker part was collected, we filled up with dinghy fuel, bought groceries and yummy pastries to have with coffee. A 37 mile passage to do to our next stop around Guadeloupe. Once out of the buoyed channel, we put the sails up, the wind increased and got another drenching in another downpour. Apart from a short period, we sailed all day. I learnt afterwards that the gusts had been 30kn briefly, that must have been when the boat lurched, I was down below and was flung across our cabin. I ended up wedged between the stool and cupboard and no one could hear me shout. Luckily not much damage, just a bruised back. We arrived in Boulliant late in the afternoon, anchored, tidied up and enjoyed airfried chicken from the Ninja with salad for dinner. A quiet evening after a busy day. On Tuesday we had a short trip to Deshais, only 10 miles. There wasn't much wind initially, but as we only had a short distance we did manage to get the sails out later and bobbed along at a gentle 4kn with Sally at the helm. Deshais was very quiet. Nigel and I went ashore and yet again Katharine’s bar (of Death in Paradise fame) was closed. Simon successfully fitted and tested the new water marker part, much relief all round. Well done Simon. Wednesday was grocery-stock-up day and the port aft cabin was prepared for the first of the new Atlantic crew members. Romain and Pauline arrived in time for dinner of butternut squash and chip pea curry. They brought with them some delicious ‘home-made’ crepes together with some chestnut spread and rhubarb jam to spread inside - very positive first impressions :-) An early start on Thursday, but first a trip to the bakery. We have had some excellent pastries from the French islands and just couldn't miss this last opportunity. Bye bye Guadeloupe, next stop Antigua, 48 miles. Sadly there was no wind, a flat calm sea, so a day of motoring. Not a great start for the new crew although they had plenty of time to become familiar with the boat. We have not had much luck fishing this week. Soon after we left Deshais, we had success; great, we can have a fish supper we thought! Our excitement was short lived as it was a barracuda so he was returned to the sea. We had veggie chilli instead. We have anchored now in Jolly Harbour, Antigua this time, which we have discovered is much cheaper than Falmouth. Also Falmouth is very busy with the Classic boat regatta this week then Antigua race week starts next week. Romain and Pauline left yesterday morning to explore Antigua. Simon hitched a lift with them and collected the new hatch seals, a job to be done before the Atlantic crossing. We treated ourselves to lunch out which was delicious, I had mahi mahi again - I guess I won't be having that again; don't think I have seen it in Waitrose! Our last evening watching the sunset was scuppered by heavy rain so it was down to the saloon, cocktails, cheese and biscuits, The Archers and Times crossword. And now Sally and I are all packed and leave shortly for the airport. Next blogs will be the trans Atlantic news. Catherine. |
smime.p7s
Description: S/MIME cryptographic signature