News from home and elsewhere some weeks ago had made it clear that travel would face major disruption, so we had already ruled out a planned trip back to the UK for the last couple of weeks in  March. 

We considered heading North and possibly sailing back to UK this year but ruled this out for a number of reasons. 

So South it is. 

We left Dominica planning to re-fuel at Fort de France, Martinique, which we had confirmed we could do, and then sail on, anchoring-off the islands as we made our way South to Grenada.

But we were suddenly getting more reports that the Caribbean is catching up with Europe, with most of the islands closing their borders, and in some cases imposing draconian restrictions. St Lucia is turning-away all foreign pleasure vessels. St Vincent will impose a 14-day quarantine in a hotel at the visitors’ expense.

The French islands are, however,  subject to French rules and fortunately we are still we entitled to enter, albeit, subject to those rules. So we have decided to “check-in” at Martinique and are currently subject to French-style lockdown. 

Anchored off the pretty town of St Anne we are allowed ashore once each day for up to 1 hour to get essential provisions and for exercise within 1km.  

Everything is closed except a couple of small supermarkets and, of course, the boulangerie which is, presumably, considered an essential service in France!

So, at least we should get good bread everyday.

And the local fishermen are still working and selling their catch on the sea-front. The sound of a conch-horn let’s us know when they have fish.  

Grenada, where we want to get to, has just started a 7-day extreme lockdown with a 24/7 curfew, except for buying food at specified times and getting medical attention. We shall obviously be keeping eye on things there, but for the time being will stay here in Martinique. 

We have food & water, it’s warm and mostly sunny, we can swim off the boat, paddle-board and go for short walks.  So we do appreciate that we are in a pretty good place compared to many others.

Love to all and take care,

Nick & Amanda