The Caribbean

Martinique, St Lucia, and The Grenadines are the islands we have visited thus far. These islands are prolific with green vegetation smothering the tall peaks, all the way down to the valley floor. Bright oranges, reds and pinks from various blooming bushes grow wild along the roadside and inviting sandy beaches with the soothing sparkling sea lap upon the shore. However, with all this beauty, we still manage to prefer some islands over others.

The town of Le Marin on Martinique Island is on the top of our list. Though we lack in speaking French we managed very well. The harbor was busy with boats, but it was still at night which made for a great night’s rest, the grocery stores were full of good foods and the chandler’s were stocked with the parts, Moorea’s Captain needed. It was also a free and easy place for clearing into and a good jumping point to sail down wind to the other islands.

St Lucia had a few gems. The quaint marina and harbor of Marigot Bay is where many charter boats and mega yachts visit to empty their bulging wallets in the boutiques and restaurants but anchoring along the towering cliffs provides protection and a pretty view of the sunset over the sea. A fast downwind sail past the towering Piton mounts, we found anchored in the protective bay was the well known, Maltese Falcon, the largest privately owned square rigged modern day sailing yacht that has 15 sails. Many sailing magazines have written articles about this mega yacht and to see it first hand is quite a sight.

Our decision to sail past St Vincent was due to the rumored troubles that cruisers have had with theft and unwanted boardings, so we opted for the Grenadines and checked into Bequia, another watering hole for cruisers, cruise ships and charter boats alike. This island is a butte with Rastafarians working the vegetable stands and locals selling their goods from their small boats. Water, diesel, food and trinkets can be purchased with out stepping foot on land.

Downwind sailing is at its best here with the short hops between islands, we can leave mid morning and be at an anchorage in the afternoon, enough time to dinghy to shore and meet the locals or take a long swim. The pictures of our favorite spots have been updated