18:02.81N 63:05.82W

We arrived here yesterday the 23rd after sailing from St Barts  to Simpson Bay in time for the bridge opening at 11.30 and anchored with Tuatara and Tactical Directions on the French side of the bay. Sint Maarten/St Martin is half Dutch and half French, apparently instead of fighting over the island they sat down and had a drink of wine and decided to just divide it! Simpson bay is a large lagoon which is also divided, as you have to pay to anchor in the Dutch side its empty and there are a few hundred boats in the French side which is free, it is a good island to stock up as cheaper than the Virgin Island and has a couple of big chandleries. Last nigh we went out with a few of the boats and today (Steve’s birthday) we went to the chandleries we didn't get much, the few things we were after they didn't have and then we shopped before having Alan, Jean (from Tuatara) and Tony round for drinks. We are all heading to the BVI’s next which will be an over night sail to Virgin Gorda probably leaving here on Monday.