A Leap of Faith: 6-7 Aug 08
Having finished our chores in St Martin, it was time to move on; move south. We were still missing one piece of our self-steering – only the rudder! Without it, we had the world’s most expensive boat handle. Cap’n had arranged to pick up our missing parcel in Guadeloupe. Mmmmm, I can see we’ll be chasing this rudder all over the Caribbean!
Planning to get to Antigua, some 100 miles away, we hoisted anchor from Marigot Bay and set off by 4.15am. Hard as it might be to imagine, Hollywood was up, keen to move on. The new GPS was a bonus in the dark, especially as there were a few rather large AND unlit shipping buoys between us and our course. Safely around the end of St Martin’s and smack bang into ESE winds and rather a large swell. Oh goodie!
Reminiscent of our Anegada Passage trip, it didn’t take long before I was closeted in the head with bucket – not a glamorous look! We managed to get as far as St Barts, a tiny 26 n miles away before I called for respite!! Reluctantly, the Cap’n turned off course and anchored in the very swelly port of Gustavia. The sounds of my heaving must have attracted Customs….we were soon boarded by a boatload of French officials who thoroughly searched WJ3, in particular Hollywood’s cabin. (That’s what you get for not shaving!)
We found better refuge in Anse du Grand Colombier, a Reserve Naturelle, which the boys hoped was “nudist beach” – but only for turtles (nice big ones)! We spent a pleasant few hours there recouping (and taking Dramamine) before launching off into the night and on to Antigua.
From: Marigot Bay, St Martin Lat/Long: 18 04N 63 05W Date/Time: 6/8/08: 0420
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| This is your Cap'n Speaking |
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| Sunset over Marigot Bay |
Reminiscent of our Anegada Passage trip, it didn’t take long before I was closeted in the head with bucket – not a glamorous look! We managed to get as far as St Barts, a tiny 26 n miles away before I called for respite!! Reluctantly, the Cap’n turned off course and anchored in the very swelly port of Gustavia. The sounds of my heaving must have attracted Customs….we were soon boarded by a boatload of French officials who thoroughly searched WJ3, in particular Hollywood’s cabin. (That’s what you get for not shaving!)
We found better refuge in Anse du Grand Colombier, a Reserve Naturelle, which the boys hoped was “nudist beach” – but only for turtles (nice big ones)! We spent a pleasant few hours there recouping (and taking Dramamine) before launching off into the night and on to Antigua.
From: Marigot Bay, St Martin Lat/Long: 18 04N 63 05W Date/Time: 6/8/08: 0420
To: English Harbour, Antigua Lat/Long:
17 00N 61 45W Date/Time:
7/8/08: 1030
Time Taken: 109nm (24hrs) Distance (this year): 301nm (68hrs)
Distance Total (since 2008): 301nm (68hrs) Fastest Speed: 7.2kt set by Cap’n**
Weather: Fresh Trade Winds ENE 15-20kts; 6-8 ft swell; 0.5kt W current
(**We average 5.5kts; 26nm (4.5hrs) St Barts; 83nm (16.5hrs) Antigua)
Time Taken: 109nm (24hrs) Distance (this year): 301nm (68hrs)
Distance Total (since 2008): 301nm (68hrs) Fastest Speed: 7.2kt set by Cap’n**
Weather: Fresh Trade Winds ENE 15-20kts; 6-8 ft swell; 0.5kt W current
(**We average 5.5kts; 26nm (4.5hrs) St Barts; 83nm (16.5hrs) Antigua)
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