22nd Dec 2008 Position 14:30.09N 61:05.26W

Symatchmaker
Mon 22 Dec 2008 20:06
Full crew of all the Lloyds arrived on Friday
night. Saturday was spent clearing out and getting Matchmaker ready for the
passage to Martinique - about 30 miles to the north. Peter manged to restore the
Watermaker to full working order.
We anchored in Rodney bay for Saturday night and
set out mid-morning on Sunday. The passage was windy with lots of showers. The
entrance to Le Marin was a challenging and we were glad to have on board a
couple of good "Day Skippers!" We anchored just off the main channel -
surrounded by Frenchmen..
Monday morning was spent at the Customs House in Le
Marin, Martinique checking in. A lovely little harbour - very French and very
cultural - in the Market all the Ladies were beautifully dressed - we bought
Yams, Squashes, and Cocunut Punch - ( essentials for the day!).
Late morning we sailed around Diamond rock - which
was inhabited by 20 British sailors for two years from 1798 - they
had 4 Canons and battererd the French Shipping at will as they passed to
enter the Harbour - apparently the frenchies could not dislodge them.... - until
someone had the brainwave of sending 20 barrels of rum to the shores. - the
British sailors then got blind drunk and "surrendered".
We are now anchored in Grande Anse about 10 miles
south of Fort de France. White beaches and palm trees.
It is hot and very breezy. But we are
managing.....
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