It was just after nine o’clock when I grabbed a chair in Coco Turquoise Beach Bar & Restaurant. Time for a second coffee after I finished my grocery shopping and short walk through Anse d’Arlet downtown.
Due to a snorkelling attraktion just off the beach it becomes very busy during the day. Many people are equipped with mask & fins to explore the underwater world. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed, the beach is clean and quite. On top you can enjoy food and drinks just a palm width away. I give another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once back on the boat it was time for brunch as Susan had a short break from work. Fresh baguette with homemade cream cheese.
The days could go on like this…
Fair winds…
It is simply impressive and breath taking to witness the largest five-masted fully rigged tall ship in the world passing by your own stern while at anchorage under the settling sun.
SY Royal Clipper moving South along Martinique‘s shoreline on a cruise in the Caribbean.
Go for it, make your booking to catch a bit of tradition in our modern world.
Fair winds…
It was one of the many evenings we spent together with Cornelia and Volker, either on SY Hexe or on our boat.
Driven by a sms message Volker received just in time, we explored “Appel à Tous”, a new start-up company committing to deliver groceries to your boat at anchor. Obviously some personal and close friendships back in Europe involved. We were in the mood to place a small pilot order via the App, paid in advance and hoping it will be delivered as promised by this young and dynamic, visionary company.
Antonia and Mike, representing “Appel à Tous” on Martinique, were very much on time with the delivery only 24 hours after order placement, as committed and agreed. With a highly motivated and very pleasant approach our fridges got replenished. Well done! Thank you.
Some more brainstorming and feedback was provided over dinner and drinks. We wish the company and its team all the best on the way to turn the business plan into reality. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ five stars for the service provided.
Fair winds…
The mooring set-up in this bay is a bit weird. There are areas nominated, which are not all clear and some of them not suitable for yachties to anchor.
Yesterday afternoon, one of the areas got cleared by the officials and half a dozen of boats had to move out. We were lucky and could stay in our place. Based upon the underwater mooring block next to our anchor I concluded for myself, what is allowed and which area shall be kept free from anchoring yachts. The discussion around “makes sense or not” can become an endless argument. Clear on the set-up is, that nothing is clear and specific websites do not bring more clarity either.
Keeping mooring buoys under water like the one next to our anchor is a no brainer and more than questionable practice.
Next time we come here, we will dive for the mooring buoys to be sure we are within the correct space.
Fair winds…
We woke up early as usual. 7:30am the anchor got lifted on both SY Hexe and SY Hullu Poro. It was still a bit cloudy but pure sunshine was promised later the day. The promise became true.
I wanted to refill the diesel tank and we motored into Marina du Marin. Great service in this place of the world, whatever is needed for boaties. After refuelling and disposing our rubbish, we followed Cornelia and Volker under a quick and easy foresail cruise. Passing historical Rocher du Diamant our anchor dropped after 17nm only in one of the three main coves named after the municipal of Anse d’Arlet.
It appears we have closed the gap towards paradise a bit further.
Fair winds…
Our days in Saint-Anne passed by quickly. Logistic rides and some boat work while spending time with Volker & Cornelia from SY Hexe filled the days. We ensured enough time left for the afternoon nap and a Caribbean sundowner at our favourite bar.
Fair winds…
The mixed weather is still ongoing. Strong winds gusting above 30kn paired with occasional fierce rain showers followed by extensive sunny periods. In other words, warm European April weather. I don’t think this is typical trade wind weather. It shall be over coming Monday.
We moved closer towards the shore and dropped the anchor just 0.3nm in front of the dinghy dock of Saint-Anne. Plenty of boats here under German flag, one showing Titisee as its homeport!
SY Peter von Seestermühe just hundred yards away from us. Another legendary boat, which participated in the first ever Withbread Round the World Race in 1973/74 (under German flag and the name “Peter von Danzig” at that time). She competed against Eric Tabarly and his SY Pen Duick VI, which we saw just recently in Grenada, now under helm of his daughter Marie. Sailing history. Two beautiful heritage boats so close together again after 50 years. Amazing. Yacht spotting goes on.
Susan and myself both remember, that we saw the good old SY Peter von Danzig at the ASV in Kiel just before she took new ownership in 1991.
Fair winds…
Long live the tradition! Invented by SY Hexe we had a Champage Friday today on SY Hullu Poro. It marks the end of a busy week for a well deserved start into the weekend. Enjoy!
Fair winds…