New Year was destined to be a slow affair for us as we had
been struggling to keep awake beyond 9 pm. We had a great steak meal at the Charthouse restaurant with
Bob and Kathy Glassman from "Bon Accord". We all managed to keep our eyes open
until midnight when the big firework display lit up the skies. A couple of days
later, Kathy cooked for us and Tim & Val from "Valkyrie" on "Bon
Accord"
We then adjourned to Soufriere where we dived with Chester
Nathaniel of "Action Adventure Divers" - a real local experience - as was the
great dinner at "Harmony Beach" where Benny does his very best for yacht crews
including providing a "watcher" who checks the yacht out as you dine!! We also
saw our first green flash of the season but yet again my attempts to photograph
it were unsuccessful.
Chester and the Piton
However in the intervening period, we went back to Marigot.
Chester is a 7th Day Adventist and doesn't dive on Saturdays, so this was an
opportunity to revisit the "Rainforest Hideaway", Jim Verrity's restaurant in
Marigot. If any cruisers are reading this, I cannot tell you how highly we rate
this delightful restaurant. It is in a different class to anything we have
experienced in the Windwards. Try it!!!!
As we had now been using our new Caribe dinghy for a week or so, I
will digress to discuss the agonising decision to buy it.
We had enjoyed the Tinker Tramp for its obvious qualities - great
to row, incredibly easy to stow and the ability to turn it into a sailing
dinghy. The unfortunate truth however, is that it is not very suitable as a
yacht tender in the Caribbean where there may be long dinghy journeys needed
from the anchorage. It was way too small and the low bow led it to be swamped on
more than 1 occasion! When we had some problems with the tubes coming away from
the floor, its days were numbered. We had wanted to retain the portability and
the obvious choice was an Avon 310 with its inflatable floor. This could be
rolled up easily and stowed on our aft deck. However the Avon is expensive in
the Caribbean and once we were given the opportunity by the skipper of "Spray"
to test drive the Caribe L9, we were instantly converted by the solid security
of the rigid floor, the space of the wide design and its performance with out
paltry 3.5 hp outboard. We knew then why 75% of Caribbean cruisers use this RIB
or one similar from AB. We also know that the big compromise would come with the
stowage of a solid RIB. Our first disappointment was it's performance when
towed. The unique shape of the bottom makes it very easy to plane with a small
outboard but also means it is not directionally stable when towed. A towing
bridle is needed but this is an option and Island Water World did not stock the
necessary fittings. However we were delighted the first time we stowed it on the
foredeck. I had thought we would have to deflate it but it fits very well
inflated and causes very little interference with the sailing and handling of
Éowyn. Overall we are delighted, although I must say I am now tempted to buy a
larger outboard to make use of the planing performance of the
Caribe!
Éowyn about to be hoisted - Caribe on foredeck
On our return to Rodney Bay, we managed to spend a
disproportionate time in Cafe Ole drinking the excellent cappuccini and milk
shakes before moving to the Boat Yard for our haulout. Scheduled for 0830,
Island Time saw us finally hauled at 1030, and just as the hoist chugged merrily
to the layup spot, so it broke down wit Éowyn in the slings!!!. It was mended
within the hour and the necessary works were completed without further
drama.
Éowyn in broken
hoist!!!!
St Lucia is undergoing rapid change and development at the moment
so there are plenty of chances to see the old ways living with the
new.
Are
they Goats or Sheep? Email answer to eowyn {CHANGE TO AT} mailasail {DOT} com
