15:52.17N 61:35.05W
Iles des Saintes,  11 March
The passage from Portsmouth up to the Saintes was a close reach all the way and only took about four hours, the crew looked more settled this time (always nice when you can see you destination when you set off).  We came through the narrow Passe des Dames, around the corner past Pain de Sucre and into the bay to anchor off Bourg des Saintes on the island of Terre de Haut.  It all had a very pleasant South of France feel about it, or perhaps South Brittany when the sun shines.  Pete, Ben and Charlie went on a run ashore and came back quite impressed – all very clean, small enough to walk around and some super views from the hills above the village.  A pleasant night at anchor and a trip ashore for everyone in the morning, we all went to different beaches and swam, did some internet work and saw quite a lot of the island.  This would be a good place to stay for a few days, but alas we need to continue North to meet our flight deadlines.

We left around midday with Guadeloupe only a stones throw away, but we were heading for Deshais, way up in the North to anchor for the night before the long crossing to Antigua.  The winds were fine early on but headed us late in the day, so it was just after dusk by the time we arrived.  Fortunately there was reasonable space amongst the anchored yachts and we soon found a spot.  Pete ventured ashore in the dinghy, in the dark, in search of wine I think.  It rained heavily just after he had departed.  Eventually he returned with some booty and we feasted before crashing yet again, exhausted.  I’m beginning to think this is not the way to cruise the Caribbean.

Paula and I opted for the long row ashore in the morning for a look around and bought some bread and vegetables.  We still managed to set off at 08.30h and as Windguru predicted the winds were a pleasant ENE 15 knots, perfect for a comfortable but slightly long passage to the South of Antigua – we were there by 15.30h. 

Pics:  The crew settling in to passage-making.  Pain de Sucre, some interesting geology.

Our achorage in the Saintes.  Flowers on every grave and some even decorated with conch shells.