BEQUIA TO MOUSTIQUE, 23rd Jan

We stayed a week in Bequia and it was time to move, so we decided to sail across to the famous island of Moustique. This is where princess Margaret was given land and where rich and privileged live.

However the best thing about Moustique is its azure sea and utter tranquility. A much more 'caribbean' looking island.!

KEARTONS BAY TO BEQUIA, 16 Jan

Short three hour sail to the famous island of BEQUIA. This is reputed to be one of the nicest stops in the Windward islands. So far it doesn't quite make the grade for us. The prices in the shops and restaurants are more shocking than in St Vincent. The anchorage is overcrowded with yachts dragging their anchors in the strong squals here in the bay. Dinghies zooming between boats regardless of swimmers and all the other hassles of mass tourism. However I must be getting 'picky' since we have already been here in the Caribbean almost a month. In reality there are few places in the world that can beat the warm sea, special views and lovely sailing.!

SOUFRIERE TO KEARTONS BAY ON ST VINCENT, 14 Jan

From Soufriere we sailed down to St Vincent and picked up moorings in KEARTONS Bay. Our friends on Blue Moon had contacted the Rock Side Cafe and got permission to use three of their moorings and go ashore for dinner in return. We were with Blue Moon and Hakuna Matata Ii.

The sail down was amazing and fast. The Rock Side was a little sad and expensive, but we had a great day out in the capital of St Vincent, Kingstown. Being a Friday it was market day and the streets were crowded and buzzing with activity. We also managed to top-up our provisions in a local supermarket.

MARIGOT BAY TO SOUFRIERE

After two nights in Marigot Bay we sailed gently down to the Pitons Bay, right between the two magnificent Piton mountains. Unfortunately all the moorings were occupied by other boats, and being too deep to anchor we moved half a mile back to Malgretoute Bay and found a couple of free mooring buoys to which we attached ourselves with shore lines to some unfortunate Almond bushes.

This was an amazing place and easily the most spectacular location in all our travels so far. The Pitons and surrounding mountains are awesome. However something the travel books don't tell you is that there is a strong sulphur and smoke smell from the nearby live volcano. On our second and third night we moved to a mooring buoy by the bat cave cliffs. We explored ashore and visited the beautiful tropical forest and gardens.

RODNEY BAY TO MARIGOT BAY

On the 8th we sailed with our friends on Blue Moon down to Marigot Bay. Here we anchored precariously on the North shore in 15 meters.

By coincidence two other boats from our fleet were also there. Lufi and Lesmona. We put together a quick plan to visit a bay 1 mile to the South for their street 'fish festival'. Good evening out.

The following morning we moved back up to Marigot and picked up a mooring in the main bay and stayed there for two nights. A beautiful yet very crowded bay, and vampire mosquitos near the mangroves.

MARTINIQUE TO SAINT LUCIA, 6th Jan

Lovely stay in Martinique, but time to move on. On the 6th Jan we left the berth at Le Marin and anchored off the beach in Saint Anne ready to sail South. Next morning at 09.00 we sailed to Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia. It was an excellent sail with 15 to 20 knot winds on the beam. Full Genoa and a small bit of main found us fizzing along at 7 to 8 knots. No stress and we arrived in Rodney Bay 3 1/2 hours later.

We cleared customs and went out in the evening with friends to a micro brewery.

Leaving Martinique. Lovely sailing.!

Clouds over Rodney Bay

STAYING IN LE MARIN, MARTINIQUE

We took advantage of the Cornell Odyssey berthing that came with the Odyssey deal that we had paid for. This was for a week. Then we bought an additional week berthing while we organised the repair preparation of our damaged boat.

We arrived on the 23rd December and left on the 6th January 2016. Good relaxing stay with a couple of parties thrown in.

Martinique was a very interesting place. Being part of France you get all the French facilities, food and people. Quite efficient and friendly in a 'Caribbean' way. We like the French way of life since we live in Europe and have many French friends and acquaintances.

One thing that struck us as very in-Caribbean was the weather. The abundance of rain made the island very verdant and lush and the strong Atlantic winds were variable and gusting. We expected pristine beeches with palm trees and seni-arid landscapes.