Gaudaloupe and onwards
Cat-man-do
Sat 26 Apr 2008 23:38
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After a night in a rather strange night in the not
the nicest of anchorages in Guadaloupe we were up with another couple of yachts
at half 4 in the morning, waiting for the swing bridge to open, allowing for
access to the river which runs right through the midle of Gaudaloupe. What
the guide books don't tell you (well the one we have!) is that the bridge is
quite narrow and has a maximum recommended beam of 7 metres. We are 6. To say I
breathed in as we went through is probably a bit of an understatement. Then into
the river that runs through the Mangrove swamp as the sun came up. It would have
been lovely had it not been for the huge amounts of flying things about.
Watching the couple on the yacht in front waving their arms about and swatting
at things the same as us was quite comical. Out the other side of Gaudaloupe and
through a very winding channel and back out into the Caribbean. Big Genoa out
and a romping sail between 6 and 7.5 knots followed up to Antigua. It was one of
those days that was just about perfect. Arrival at Falmouth harbour Antigua and
sails down as we motored into the harbour. The sight that greeted us was the
equivelant of sailing pornography. Some absolutley awesome baots around,
including Valsheda and Ranger, two of the stunning J class boats.
We managed to anchor next to the marina that
"Gertha" is moored in right at the top end of the harbour. We'd made such good
time coming across that it was only 3 by the time we were anchored up and
settled for the night.
We've had a brilliant few days and Mark, Andrew,
Simon and David are now here (the crew for race week on Gertha)
Last night was a beach party thrown by Mount Gay
Rum. We were all somewhat bemused to be paddling in the Caribbean drinking large
amounts of Rum (FREE!!!) listening to a rather good band as the smell of the
barbeques wafted across. All this as the sun set over the hills. What more could
one want for....
Needless to say we had an awesome night, dancing
like drunken wobbly things until the early hours....
Today we've been out for a sail on Gertha to give
her a shake down for the racing which starts tomorrow.
We've lost one of the gang as Mary's had to head
off back to the UK.
All the best everyone, no doubt more to follow in
time...
Brian
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