We have spent the last 4 days anchored in St Barts, firstly in the main town of Gustavia, then moving around to a quiet anchorage of Anse de Colombier to the North.

 

This week is the St Barts sailing week, and we had a grandstand view of the first day of racing. The boats ranged from daysailors to mega-yachts, racing on the same course, with handicaps. Unfortunately the winds became very light, and we watched some drifting backwards from the finish line. It was truly spectacular to watch.

 

 

 

Rambler won its class, with the super yachts weighing 5 times more trying to keep up.

 

The anchorage was rather rolly, and there was a large swell entering right into the harbour. We had a lovely time ashore. The shops and boutiques are very “chique”. We had the opportunity, if we chose to, of buying new “throws” for the beds made of Cashmere – for a mere 690 euros, Tee-shirts for 90 euros, duvet and pillowcase for 2400 euros. We had heard it was rather upmarket, and we really enjoyed it, though most things were beyond our price range. The supermarket was well stocked with truffles and champagne!

 

   

 

In Columbier we were surrounded by a number of boats significantly larger than ours – all needing a crew to sail them.

 

We are off to Sint Maarten later.