Martinique
'Sarf & West mate, Sarf & West'
Pete Bernfeld
Thu 5 Mar 2009 00:10
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14:44.404N 61:10.697W
We cast off at 0700 this morning from Rodney Bay
marina (at long last) & had sails set by 0730, passing Pigeon Island (two
reefs in the main, two reefs in the working gib). The forcast was for easterly
20kts, which was what we got most of the time (F5 -6) and a 2 metre NE swell
between the islands.
Greg (Mary Madeleine) got up to shout
'cheerio' from the pontoon and we passed close to 'Mud Skipper' in the
anchorage. Pete appeared in the hatch and waved (I think it was Pete, sorry Ruth
if it was you, you were directly into sun).
We had to motor the last 2 miles into St Pierre,
but apart from that sailed the whole way and averaged just under 6kts. I was
deliberately undercanvassed and so we had a comfortable trip. Mind you, just to
remind me that it's 'not all a bed of roses' the anchor windlass 'down' switch
refused to work (wiring had corroded - replaced- but maybe the swith is 'dodgy'
as well) and last night I couldn't unlock the outboard from the dingy ... so
that's secure then :)
Anyway, plans are made to be changed. We were going
to press on tomorrow first thing to Dominica, but it seems pleasant here so we
may stay a couple of days and have a look around St Pierre. It depends on
whether I can check in tomorrow or if there is any 'shouting and yelling'
onshore tonight. It appears that the strike was only really nasty in Fort de
France, the rest of the island has been peaceful.
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