Exploring the Caribbean -(part four)

St. Maarten and UK

Click here for a map of the area. More detailed maps are available in the text.

Our stay in Sint Maarten (Click here for a map) was overshadowed by a feeling of urgency to be away before the weather turned against us: as we had sailed north it seemed all other boats were sailing south (American Insurance companies deemed the hurricane season to have started on June 1 whereas our policy gave us until July 1). Our time on the island was largely focused on buying a new dinghy and outboard. We were berthed in Simpson Bay Lagoon, where we enjoyed the company of the only other yachtsman there, together with many pelicans and herons. The wife of the marina manager organised a barbecue one evening and we had delicious American beef steaks, a rare treat. We did make time to go swimming one day on a local beach - clear water and white sand. We also  took a bus to the north (French) side of the island and from there went by ferry to Anguilla. The beach stretched for miles and we had it all to ourselves, again it had white coral sand and clear turquoise water. We had walked through a tourist hotel complex where there had been no signs of life, and on return doubtfully took a seat in the hope of a drink at least. The manager appeared in due course, and we had a wonderful meal in a shady thatched area overlooking the beach, tasty fruit punch to quench our thirst, and lizards scuttling past.

The weather was not ideal for sailing south, but time was running out , so we headed for the internet cafe to let everyone know we were on our way. Alas the cable link was down for the whole island, so we could not communicate with the outside world, nor get cash from the hole in the wall. We left anyway, and mercifully can't remember much about the 4-day windward sail, except that it was very uncomfortable at the beginning and had no redeeming features!

So, on 30 June, Grenada was a very welcome sight. As we neared land we could smell a wonderful mix of flower fragrances. We chose to anchor in picturesque Dragon Bay for a day, to recuperate from the voyage, where we lazed and swam, snorkelling over the corals and array of fish. The next day we moved to Grenada Yacht Club, where we had arranged to leave the boat for a month whilst we flew back to UK.

We spent 4 days cleaning up, buying presents and packing for home. We found time to see a little of  St George's and the local people who seem very friendly and helpful. In particular we were honoured to be visited by "Laddie" MacIntyre, a founder member of the Yacht Club. It was through him, as the local contact for the Cruising Association, that we had made our booking, and he had made a special visit to the club to welcome us.

UK Interlude

The 4 weeks in England and Wales that Mr Branson's ticket allowed us went much too quickly. During our stay the weather and countryside gave of their best, family and friends treated us royally and fed us as though we hadn't been fed for weeks - so it was with reluctance that the process of packing all the new books, tapes, spare parts, etc. to return to Grenada was begun. Here is a selection of photos taken during our mad dash round and about the home country, starting with a memorable stay in Exeter for Cassandra's graduation.