A Classic Sail - Martinique to St Lucia

Amaris Sails the world

Marigot Bay, St Lucia

May 16, 2014

A Classic Sail - Martinique to St Lucia

Getting to France was a bit convoluted.  To get to the Outremer Cup I found a cheap flight from the island of Martinique.  Martinique, being part of France had the equivalent of "domestic flights" whereas flying from St Lucia (where Shawn wanted to be for the Jazz Festival) was both "international" and triple the price.  This left the challenge only of getting from St Lucia and back - a distance of roughly 30 miles.  

Getting there was easy-Two different flight options, the latter with only a 4 hour layover before the flight to mainland France.  Getting back was another story.  There were no flights that departed the day i returned - and the ferry service only runs 2 days a week.  A no go there as well.

Fortunately I have a good friend who is cruising on a very limited income.  (Actually, we have a lot of friends that are cruising on a very limited income/budget)  Paul happened to be at St Lucia for the Jazz fest as well and was happy to make the journey northward to meet me in Martinique, then sail me back to St Lucia in exchange for what i would have paid for a flight between the islands (had one been available).  A win win for all!  And on top of it an excuse to go sailing.

Paul has a "classic English" 10 meter sloop built in the late 60's.  She was a dream to sail.  Unfortunately, the weather offered a few squalls and soaked us within minutes of heaving up the anchor (Classic sailboat = no windless).  As we were drying out and having delectable sandwiches made by yours truly (inspired by my trip to France of course), we were joined in company by a whale which surfaced twice within 20 meters of the boat.  Paul and I both had thoughts of suddenly sailing without either a keel or a rudder - neither of which a classic English sloop can sail without.  As if that wasn't enough, dolphins played in our bow wave as we neared St Lucia a few hours later.  Paul typically sails alone, and without an autopilot.  As i had the tiller, he had a rare opportunity to stand on his bow and watch the dolphins dance around and play.

After deploying the anchor in Marigot Bay, I was able to rejoin Shawn on board Amaris.  I will welcome the slower pace as we restart our cruising southward through the islands.  Next stop, St Vincent!