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