Not much going on with us.  Arranged to get some help with the Raymarine instruments and perform some rigging work.  The Raymarine navigation equipment issues are that the wind meter provides wind direction about 90 degree off from reality.  Not consistent in its error direction so not just a recalibration issue.  The local technician knew the answer before I showed him the problem  Turns out that the wind instrument we have is notorious for failing just like we experienced.  He said you could recalibrate but it will fail again shortly.  Seems correct to me.  Now what to do?

The Graphical Display that just decided to stop displaying is no longer in production, of course.  The coast to repair the unit is probably more than a new one.  But why replace a display with a out of stock inventory if one can be found.  Simple answer is that Raymarine updated the cables communication system between units and the new SeaTalk NG will not just plug into a SeaTalk 2 system without some additional effort.  Not great marketing to stop supporting systems that are only 5 years old since most boats will keep their existing systems for many more years if they can.  The latest and greatest systems are fine for new boats but no need to get crazy with older boats.  You know I can still go into a Porsche dealer and get parts for my 17 year old car without issue!

Spent some time with the riggers discussing the mainsail furling issues and they were clear that a fractional rig with swept back spreaders is a problem for in mast furling, especially with vertical battens.  But they had some helpful advice which I will try next time out.

A nice thing about the Caribbean islands are that they receive so many European boats that they stock rare parts to handle conversions.  There are two competing chains, Island Warter World and Budget Marine.  Island has many parts in the store but it is hit and miss if the inventory is complete.  This is an issue with shipping through customs, long time to get things and not everything is worth stocking but the catalog has the part.  Budget Marine seems to have better inventory and also carries parts for many of the European original equipment manufacturers.  So strange Beneteau parts are carried, our French Oven parts are there as are the LPG adapters to use a US style propane LPG with Camping Gaz systems.  They also have the nut and bolts bins out on the display floor and not behind a counter like many Caribbean stores.

So we have not really visited the island while I fix thing and get technicians on the boat.  Not so bad as the weather has been frequent rain squalls coming through and strong winds.  None of this in the weather forecast.  Today we visited the town of St George and had a great lunch at BBs on the waterfront.  Seared tuna for me and crab and ribs for Pat.  Lick your fingers good stuff.

Oh the marina is great, little village type set up with great and helpful staff, best so far since Turkey.  This is also the first marina that has a fully functioning blackwater pumpout system and people that know how to use it.  You can see the difference in the marina water quality.

Northern end of the harbor in St George.  Almost like Europe.

The old fort the sits over the harbor entrance.

Lots of restoration along the waterfront to keep improving the place.  Combination of governmental buildings, shipping warehouses and commercial stores.