Saint Martin
Starcross Fair Log
Ross Wilson
Sun 3 Apr 2011 20:34
Sunday 3/04/11
Position 18:04.2N 63:05.3W
Intention: to sail overnight Monday to Virgin Gorda in British Virgin
Islands, eta Tuesday morning.
The anchor was raised in English Harbour Antigua on the morning of Thursday
31st March, after many fond farewells had been exchanged that morning and the
previous night. Whilst it was time to move on, it was also rather sad to
leave such a pleasant spot with cheerful and friendly company,
well demonstrated by the sing-song and recitals of the Laughing
Policeman, Albert at the Zoo and other hardy annuals as we ate at an
open-air restaurant in the old dockyard. We sailed round to Jolly
Harbour on the west of the island to complete preparations for the return
passages including clean and stow the dinghy, final victualling at a
well-stocked (and rather expensive) supermarket, boost of shore power, and
equipment checks. Coincidentally we met up with Julian Berney who
was completing maintenance and preparing his yacht Houdalinqua II for their
return to UK in May - a pleasant encounter with an ARC colleague.
After supper taken at anchor in Jolly Bay, we sailed off into the night
under No 1 Genoa on a broad reach in a steady easterly which continued all the
way to Saint Martin, securing in Fort Louis Marina in the early afternoon (the
fort is on a knoll guarding the harbour and the island's French capital).
The only significant incident was catching a flying fish which managed to
fly into the heads through its open window. Whilst we appreciated the
French standard of service, the toilets reminded us that we are in overseas
France although the cold shower was greatly appreciated (air
temperature 35 Centigrade and sea 27 Centigrade). We dined
ashore in a fine French restaurant, enjoying its excellent cuisine and
hospitality. We plan to visit the Dutch, southern, part of the island
this evening to see what it has to offer.
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