Dominica Security, Martinique, St Lucia, Bequia
Eowyn
Mon 24 Apr 2006 19:51
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Well - you know all about plans - they are made
to be changed!
On Sunday we waited for the duty free fuel dock
to open at Point-a-Pitre and were reminded that the French do not queue,
eventually getting under way abot 1000. We intended to overnight in Saintes, but
as conditions were so good, we decided whilst underway, to alter course
for Dominica. There have been a number of security problems here, particularly
in Prince Rupert Bay, so we decided to anchor at Castaways, a more remote and
(we thought) secure place. As we approached we were called by New Zealand Yacht
"Moonshadow". Apparently, the previous night they had been boarded by a cat
burglar. He entered the yacht via the forehatch whilst they were asleep in the
cockpit and stole cash from wallets in the saloon. Needless to say, we were
unhappy at this and after a quick check on the chart, I altered course to the
South of Roseau, where local rasta Pancho has some moorings for hire. We arrived
at dusk and picked up a mooring. Pancho lives right by his moorings and is well
known locally. I figured he would not be target for the local tieves. However,
he said that recently he had aprehended another burglar who he found wet and
cash rich on the shore. It was not till the next morning that the crime was
reported, but by then the culprit was already in clink!
Dominica is the most delightful place for nature
lovers and for the most part the local people are honest and extremely friendly,
but as the crime increases, it is inevitable that yachties will stay away and
visit safer places. Shame!!!!!
 Dominica from the
North
At dawn, we set sail for Martinique and
eventually dropped hook in Fort de France. Clearance is now very easy as it is
handled here by the chandler "Sea Services" A moderately good meal was had at
"Crew" on the front and shopping "French Style" included certain items to
enhance our personal security in the light of the Dominica experience.
 Buzzed by the French
Customs Plane
Again off at first light to Rodney bay St Lucia
where I hoped to catch up with the maintenance schedule, but needless to say the
Tohatsu outboard steadfastly refused to select gear. To save time, the engine
was given to Roger at the boatyard, who fixed it overnight - but boy does he
know how to charge!!! In the meantime, the fuel leak, faulty gas tap and other
small jobs were completed and a dedicated inverter socket installed for the
breadmaker.
After 2 nights at anchor in the lagoon, we set
off for the Pitons, but decided instead to visit Anse Couchon to do some diving
on the "Lesleen M" and a local reef. The dive setup and restaurant are great but
are spoiled by the lack of a dinghy dock, so we decided not to land at night and
ate onboard. Another dawn start on Sunday to arrive at Bequia, one of our
favourite Islands. We have enrolled for a 10 dive package at Bequia Dive
Adventures, so this should take up most of the next week!
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