Back in Europe

Martinique

So here we are, not really back in Europe, but it feels like it. We are shopping using Euros and the cafes have smokers in them, well some of them anyway. We are in the French island of Martinique. As nice as being in St.Lucia was, we needed a change of scene. 

We were recommended a rigger to provide a check over for peace of mind, so headed for Le Marin for our appointment. It felt like every yacht in the Caribbean had found its way here. Space was certainly at a premium. We called the marina whilst heading up the approach to enquire if we could take up a mooring buoy, as this would be ideal for the rigger to come to. A curt voice shouted "Not Now!" so we carried on, and eventually found a spot to anchor. The yachts are so tightly packed together, we shudder to think what would happen if a big squall came through. It was almost impossible to find any location to anchor to let out a normal scope.

 

We noticed a very unusual sight on our walk along the promenade. A giant inflatable ball had been placed and inflated under a catamaran, just like a jack would be used to change a wheel. It turned out the Cat had caught a rope in the propeller, and it had damaged a seal. This was the most cost effective way to replace it without having to go to the expense of a haul out, very ingenious!

 

Anyway, the rig check was really only a formality, and all was well.

We also took the opportunity to catch up with Gerry, his wife, and visitors from Northern Sky, Simon and Jenny on the beautifully repainted Fenicia, and Bernd and Birgit on Rebell.

Of course another motivation for coming to a French island was the shopping. What we really wanted was to restock our long term provisions via tinned foods. In St.Lucia this would have meant baked beans and hot dogs, here the choice was vast. It took two trips, and we may have to go back for a third. Thank goodness we raised the waterline in Trinidad!

 

 

We are still awaiting the parts for the Duogen, so will hang around here until they arrive in St.Lucia. Why not, after all does anyone not like a fresh baguette, some stinky cheese and pate?

We have moved around the corner to Sainte Anne, and opted to anchor near the edge of the anchorage rather than in the heard. We have never seen this place so busy either. Both sides of the dinghy dock are full.

 

 

Going to nip to the nearby market, and then back to the yacht for what may turn out to be one of the first lazy days we have had in a long time. Must go for a long walk tomorrow.