Deshaies, Guadeloupe

Serafina
Rob & Sarah Bell
Thu 2 Jan 2014 12:17

16:18.4N 61:47.8W

 

Tuesday 31st Dec

 

Another bright and early start and again it was done under grey skies and rain.  We slipped away from the Saintes and had a fantastic crossing over to Guadeloupe in  less than forecast, 20 knot winds and much flatter seas than we have been experiencing this winter. With 8 knots all the way we were soon across the gap and sailing up the west coast of the island and as with all of these Leeward islands, now subjected to fluky, gusting downdrafts. So with the cutter rig set, we alternated between sailing at 10 knots and 4 knots which was frustrating, but pretty standard here.  There were a number of squalls with heavy rain and some wind in them, but these mostly seemed to miss us which was a nice change.

 

By midday we were nosing our way into the usually packed anchorage at Deshaies and were surprised to find it very empty indeed.  We got a nice big space and set the anchor first time – always a bonus here in Deshaies as the holding is a bit iffy and the wind howls through the moorings later in the day – every day.  In fact early in the afternoon, two yachts began to drag and neither had anyone on board. Ruffian had arrived by then and they unfortunately had to re-anchor as one of the runaway boats was heading straight for them! Temporarily the boat was tethered to a catamaran nearby until the crew returned, which was lucky as we were next in line and they managed to re-anchor the boat OK.

 

Endless rain squalls came through all pm and night and we are just wondering when this is all going to change for the better.

 

Last minute change of plan meant that we went to Ruffian for dinner, but I was in poor form and feel fast asleep far too early to see in the New Year!