Sailing trip Caribbean 2024, 2nd week

Saturday, March 9th, 2024, half time

We are sailing under engine around the Mount Louis peninsula into the harbor of Argyle, we need water and some food. Afterwards we sail a little further south, past White Island with its mushroom-shaped granite hill, where many fritbirds live, sailing elegantly in the wind and fetching small fish from the sea to Saline Island. The plan to snorkel in the northern bay. This is not possible due to the strong current between the island and the offshore reef. We have now reached the southernmost point of our trip.

In the early afternoon we set sail for Chatham Bay on Union Island. Shortly before dusk we reach our anchorage. For dinner there is lamb with spaetzle and red cabbage, perfectly prepared by Stefan as always.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

This morning I'm going snorkeling before breakfast (could become my new passion). Stefan puts on his diving equipment and takes some photos for us with his underwater camera. The pictures show a slightly different perspective, but we also see that when snorkeling.

The Sea Clipper enters the bay around 12 p.m. We are driven to the Sunset Cove Bar, where a steel band is playing. We listen to the music, eat lobster and enjoy the view of the beach and the bay. We are back on board at 3:30 p.m., we want or have to go further today and reach Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau two hours later.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Today is another great sailing day, with enough wind from the right direction. The only downer is that it is inexorably declining. We had already reached our destination today, Admiralty Bay on Bequia, on our southerly course. In the afternoon we catch another baracuda. When we arrive in the bay we are assigned a mooring, we don't have to anchor.

Then we swim to the shore, land near Mac's Restaurant and walk along the small beach. Then a boardwalk, the Princess Margaret Trail, takes us about 10 m above sea level to Pricess Margaret Beach. At the end of this beach we have to get into the water and swim around a cliff to reach the last beach, Lower Bay Beach. Below us an extensive coral reef. We walk to the end before turning back. On the way back there is refreshment at a beach bar. There is rum punch, beer and coconut water. The coconut is opened in front of our eyes for drinking and then cracked open completely. The coconut fluff is very soft and can be removed with a spoon and eaten. Then we swim back to the ship.

For dinner there is rice risotto with barakuda. Later we go to Frangipani for a nightcap.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

If you think there's nothing new coming out, you're wrong. We sail north to Saint Vincent. Our first snorkel stop Byahaut Point. I don't like this spot so much, poor visibility, little life in the water, but some cnidarians that poke me. The second spot, in front of the town of Barrouallie, looks much better. Then we go to our destination today, Cumberland Beach, a wonderful bay with palm trees and colorful houses. We moor backwards, with bow anchor and a stern line on land.

A motorboat appears in the bay with four Mercury outboards with an incredible 400 hp per engine, a total of 1,600 hp, and messes around in the bay with lines. A short time later, the associated motor yacht comes in and also tries to dock backwards. The maneuver appears unprofessional and takes almost an hour. Afterwards, the swanky box blocks our beautiful view of the bay.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

We leave Cumberland Beach with destination Soufriere on Saint Lucia. When there is land cover, the engine moves forward with almost no wind. That changes when we reach the Staint Vincence Channel. The wind picks up to force 6. We're running close to the wind at up to 9.9 knots (over 18 km/h), the sea is hitting the forecastle, it's great fun.

In the afternoon we reach Soufriere and moor to a buoy. We have to check in and take the dinghy to the harbor. It's very hot, so let's have a beer first. Afterwards we look at the place. Shortly before sunset we return to the ship.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

We continue driving north under motor and make a short detour into Marigot Bay, a very beautiful bay but also very touristy with two large hotels right on the water. The film Dr. Doolittle filmed with Eddie Murphy. The first hotel is on the port side and, how could it be otherwise, is named after the film. The second hotel a little further into the bay and on the starboard side is called Hurricane Hole.

After we have passed Saint Lucia and are out of the land cover we have good wind again and sail to Martinique. We drop our anchor near Sainte Anne.

Friday, March 15, 2024

The plan was to take the defective genoa (headsail) to the sailmaker. The appointment was canceled so we have a “free” day. We want to spend it on the beach and have someone take us to Sainte Anne. We stroll through the small town, buy a few souvenirs to take home and then go to the Municipale de Sainte-Anne and the Bao Beach beach bar. Since it's not particularly crowded, we're allowed to sit in the shade under the palm umbrella after eating. We spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing. In the evening we go to La Dunette, a restaurant built on stilts in the water and enjoy the sunset and the food.

Saturday, March 16, 2024 departure

We have to get out early, at 7:30 a.m. we are already at the gas station, which opens at 8:00 a.m. to beat the many charter boats. We leave the ship at 8:30 a.m. and take a taxi to Fort de France.

At this point I would like to thank Gabi, Udo and Andi again for welcoming me into their group; we had two unforgettable weeks together.