#catamaran trips st maarten

[journeysofpatrickandarchana]

A dream of a lifetime will now become a "Trip of a Lifetime"!

Original blog posted - 19th January 2013

It is Patrick’s dream and I have been listening about it for almost 3 and half years now….. Some dreams remain dreams but ours is about to become a reality!

Not sure when Patrick’s dream turned into our dream but similar to his little unit in a quaint suburb of Sydney that became our home and his family became mine, his dream is now my dream.

I sailed in my teens and it took a bit of a fight to get an entry into the dinghy sailing scene in Mumbai with the organisation that first introduced me to sailing. We used to sail small dinghies called Cadet Class for under 18 year old. Every Sunday became my favourite day of the week, only because I could sail. Sunday! Who doesn’t love them? But I think I had more to look forward to than most other average 14 years old.

Sunday started with a wake up at 4.45am in the suburbs of Mumbai. Rain hail shine, exams or holidays, for five years of my life I never missed the Sunday parade. Then a journey on the Mumbai local train to Churchgate Station with the fisherwomen for company in the designated ladies compartment, followed by a bus ride to Afghan Church! The parade started at 7.30 am. Sailing started at 10.30am. As the only girl in the team I felt both privileged and discriminated at the same time. One thing was sure I had fun… the elated feeling of the wind on the water racing with the fellow sailors was worth everything, including my mother’s wrath at the end of every Sunday for getting home tired and “dark”! She was certain that no one would marry her tanned, tomboy of a daughter, who went sailing on Sundays instead of staying at home like other girls and helping in the kitchen or focusing on her HSC studies. I was not interested in boys then, I just wanted to sail.

I then sailed dragons (another type of sail boat, a vessel similar to the Mumbai Seabirds) in Hong Kong, but that was exactly opposite, I sailed in the hope of meeting a nice boy. I even went on a Tall Ship’s race from Okinawa to Osaka on Ji Fung an Outward Bound Adventure and my only offshore sailing experience till date. That experience taught me a lot about myself and my reaction when pushed out of my comfort zone.

Finally I met Patrick, in Sydney not on a sailing boat but on an Internet dating website, he loved sailing, cooking and eating “what I cooked”! And he dreamt of buying his own “Cat” (catamaran) and sailing it back from the Caribbean one day. What more could I ask for!! I knew from day one he was my soul mate.

And here we are in Sydney about to fly out in a month’s time to St. Maarten to pick-up Hestia….. A Lagoon 440 by Beneteau with 4 cabins with ensuites. Our dream boat!

Ecstatic, elated and even a little bit anxious!

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain

[mysxmvacation]

St. Martin Luxury Rentals for Spring Break

Spring break is the perfect time to escape to paradise, and there’s no better destination than St. Martin. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant island culture, this Caribbean gem offers the ideal setting for a luxurious and unforgettable vacation. If you're looking for St. Martin luxury rentals for spring break, book your dream villa today at My SXM Vacation and experience the ultimate in relaxation and adventure.

Why Choose St. Martin for Spring Break?

St. Martin, also known as St. Maarten on the Dutch side, is a stunning island known for its unique blend of French and Dutch influences, world-class dining, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a loved one, this island offers something for everyone.

Top Reasons to Visit St. Martin:

Gorgeous Beaches – From the famous Maho Beach with its thrilling airplane landings to the tranquil sands of Baie Rouge, St. Martin has some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean.

Luxury Villas – Enjoy private pools, beachfront views, and top-tier amenities at our luxury vacation rentals.

Exciting Activities – Whether you’re into water sports, hiking, or exploring local culture, St. Martin has endless options for adventure.

Fine Dining & Nightlife – Experience exquisite French cuisine, fresh seafood, and lively beach bars.

Duty-Free Shopping – Take advantage of tax-free shopping in Philipsburg and Marigot.

Best Things to Do in St. Maarten During Spring Break

Spring break is all about fun and relaxation, and St. Maarten offers an incredible variety of activities to make your trip unforgettable.

1. Explore the Stunning Beaches

St. Martin is home to over 30 breathtaking beaches. Some must-visit spots include:

Mullet Bay Beach – Perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Orient Bay Beach – Known as the "St. Tropez of the Caribbean" with beach clubs and water sports.

Grand Case Beach – A great place to enjoy both relaxation and fine dining.

2. Thrilling Water Activities

For adventure seekers, St. Maarten offers some of the best water activities:

Jet Skiing & Parasailing – Get an adrenaline rush on the open sea.

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving – Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Catamaran Tours – Sail around the island while enjoying breathtaking views and open bars.

3. Discover Local Culture & Landmarks

Marigot Market – Shop for local crafts, spices, and souvenirs.

Fort Louis – Enjoy panoramic views of the island from this historic fort.

Maho Beach – Watch jumbo jets land just a few feet above your head!

4. Experience St. Maarten’s Nightlife

Spring break wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the island’s nightlife. Check out:

Sunset Bar & Grill – A lively beachfront bar with great drinks and music.

Simpson Bay – Home to casinos, beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife.

Grand Case Boulevard – Enjoy a night of fine dining and live music.

Book Your St. Martin Luxury Rental Today!

Make your spring break truly special by staying in one of our exclusive luxury villas. Whether you want a private infinity pool, oceanfront views, or top-tier amenities, My SXM Vacation has the perfect rental for you.

Don’t wait—secure your St. Martin luxury rental today and get ready for an unforgettable spring break in paradise!

[sbcwiresort]

Why St. Martin is the Perfect Destination for a Family Getaway

St. Martin, also known as “The Friendly Island,” is a Caribbean paradise that offers the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for families. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a wealth of family-friendly activities, St. Martin caters to all ages and interests. Whether your family loves exploring nature, enjoying water sports, or immersing themselves in local culture, this tropical gem has something for everyone.

Stunning Beaches for Every Family

One of St. Martin’s main attractions is its breathtaking beaches. Families can find a variety of shores, from tranquil bays perfect for young children to livelier spots with water sports for teens and adults.

Family-friendly beach highlights

Orient Bay Beach - Known as “The Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean,” this beach is perfect for families looking to enjoy a mix of relaxation and fun. With calm waters, nearby eateries, and water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking, there’s something for everyone.

Mullet Bay Beach - This picturesque beach offers soft white sand and clear waters, ideal for swimming and picnicking. Families can spend hours building sandcastles or simply relaxing under the Caribbean sun.

Grand Case Beach - If your family enjoys snorkeling, Grand Case Beach offers an underwater world full of vibrant marine life. Its calm waters are also perfect for younger swimmers.

Adventures on the Water

For families seeking excitement, St. Martin offers a variety of water activities that cater to all ages and skill levels.

Water activities to try

Snorkeling and diving - The island boasts incredible coral reefs and shipwrecks, making it a prime spot for underwater exploration. Guided snorkeling tours are ideal for families new to the activity.

Sailing excursions - Families can book a catamaran tour to explore nearby islands, enjoy a day on the water, and even spot dolphins.

Jet skiing and parasailing - For families with older children, these thrilling activities add a dash of adrenaline to their vacation.

These adventures not only create unforgettable memories but also offer opportunities to bond as a family.

Immersive Cultural Experiences

St. Martin is a blend of French and Dutch influences, offering families the chance to experience a unique cultural mix.

Cultural activities for families

Visit Marigot Market - Located on the French side of the island, this vibrant market offers local crafts, fresh produce, and handmade goods. It’s a fun way for families to engage with local vendors and learn about the island’s culture.

Explore Philipsburg - The Dutch capital is home to colorful streets, historic sites, and shopping opportunities. Families can visit the Sint Maarten Museum to learn about the island’s history.

Attend local festivals - If your trip coincides with one of St. Martin’s lively festivals, such as Carnival, your family can experience the island’s music, dance, and cuisine in full swing.

Outdoor Adventures Beyond the Beaches

While St. Martin’s beaches are its main draw, the island also offers a range of land-based activities perfect for families who love the outdoors.

Land adventures to enjoy

Hiking trails - Families can explore trails like Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point, for panoramic views and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Loterie farm - This nature reserve offers zip-lining, hiking, and tree-top obstacle courses suitable for both kids and adults. It’s a great way to combine adventure with an appreciation for nature.

Butterfly farm - Younger children will love the opportunity to walk among hundreds of colorful butterflies while learning about their lifecycles.

These activities provide a change of pace from beach days while keeping the entire family entertained.

Culinary delights for all ages

St. Martin is known as the “Gastronomic Capital of the Caribbean,” and its diverse culinary scene caters to even the pickiest eaters.

Family-friendly dining options

Grand case restaurants - This area is famous for its gourmet dining options, but many restaurants also offer kid-friendly menus and casual dining experiences.

Local BBQ Shacks - For a more laid-back meal, families can enjoy authentic Caribbean flavors like ribs, grilled fish, and plantains at local roadside grills.

Ice cream parlors and bakeries - Treat the kids (and yourself) to sweet delights like tropical-flavored ice cream or French pastries.

Dining in St. Martin is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural experience that brings families together.

Best Family-Friendly Stay

Regarding accommodations, the Sapphire Beach Club Resort stands out as the ultimate choice for families visiting St. Martin. Located in the serene Cupecoy Bay, this resort combines luxury with family-friendly amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.

The resort features spacious suites with stunning sea views, perfect for families who value both comfort and beauty. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, a kid-friendly dining area, and direct access to the beach, making it easy to keep the whole family entertained.

One of the highlights of staying at Sapphire Beach Club Resort is its proximity to family-friendly attractions. From nearby beaches to local markets and cultural landmarks, the resort serves as a convenient base for exploring the island. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool or embark on an adventure, Sapphire Beach Club Resort has everything your family needs for an unforgettable getaway.

Stress-Free Travel Tips for Families

To make the most of your family getaway in St. Martin, it’s essential to plan ahead and consider the needs of all family members.

Travel tips

Pack smart - Bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, and water shoes to ensure comfort during outdoor activities.

Plan activities in advance - Research and book popular tours or excursions ahead of time to secure your spot.

Choose flexible dining options - Look for restaurants that cater to various dietary preferences to keep everyone happy.

Schedule downtime - Balance active days with relaxing moments to avoid burnout, especially for younger children.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a stress-free vacation that allows your family to focus on creating memories.

Why St. Martin is Ideal for Multi-Generational Trips

St. Martin isn’t just for parents and kids—it’s also an excellent destination for multi-generational family trips.

Why it works

Activities for all ages - From serene beaches for grandparents to adventurous activities for teens, St. Martin offers something for everyone.

Comfortable accommodations - Resorts like Sapphire Beach Club provide spacious rooms and amenities that cater to large families.

Shared experiences - Whether it’s a family dinner by the sea or a group snorkeling trip, St. Martin fosters bonding through shared activities.

These features make the island a top choice for families looking to connect across generations.

St. Martin’s Year-Round Appeal

St. Martin is a year-round destination, which means families can plan their getaway at any time.

Seasonal Highlights

Winter - Escape the cold and enjoy warm weather and festive holiday events.

Spring - Take advantage of fewer crowds and blooming tropical flowers.

Summer - Enjoy family-friendly festivals and beach days during the island’s vibrant summer season.

Fall - Experience a quieter side of St. Martin with off-season deals and relaxed vibes.

No matter when you visit, St. Martin’s charm and beauty remain constant.

St. Martin is a destination that checks all the boxes for a perfect family getaway. From its stunning beaches and exciting adventures to its rich culture and delicious cuisine, the island offers countless ways to create lasting memories with your loved ones. If you are looking for a sea view hotel in St Martin, Sapphire Beach Club Resort is the best option. Contact them by calling (721) 545 2179.

[yourboatholiday]

4 Days Yacht Charter Itinerary in St Barths and St Maarten

If you are looking for a way to escape from everyday life, even for just a few days, what we propose is a short but intense itinerary to be savored moment by moment.

SEND YOUR ENQUIRY FOR YACHTING IN ST MAARTEN AND ST BARTS

The locations chosen for our trip are the wonderful Caribbean islands of Saint Barths and St Maarten. Taking advantage of the proximity between them, we have created an only 4 days itinerary, designed for those who do not have too much time available but still want to enjoy the maximum possible from their Caribbean stay.

Where are we?

If you have never heard of these islands, it is not a surprise. These are two very attractive locations in the tourism sector but which are often lost among the vast offers that this area of the Caribbean can boast.

St Barths and St Maarten are two islands located a few nautical miles from each other and east of the British and American Virgin Islands. A little further north is the island of Anguilla.

-> MY Mi Amore for Charter in St Maarten and St Barts, Caribbean

Saint Barths

Saint Barth (Saint Barthélemy is its full name) is rich in vegetation, inlets, and hills overlooking the sea.

It was Christopher Columbus who first landed on the island in 1493, baptizing it with the name of his brother, Bartolomeo. Inhabited at that time by indigenous people dedicated to fishing, over the centuries Saint-Barth has witnessed the passage of numerous peoples and dominations such as Swedes, French, and the Order of Malta, following one another over the years and leaving each clearly and still visible signs today.

Nowadays Saint Barth is a tourist island belonging to the French West Indies reserved for a few due to its considerable popularity that over the years has attracted elite tourists such as stylists, actors, and world-famous models, in turn raising the prices of luxurious villas overlooking the sea and mostly 5-star hotels.

On the other hand, a trip to these parts is worth all the money spent. In fact, Saint Barth combines a wild soul with extraordinary views and nightlife made up of beach parties, lightheartedness, and lots and lots of fun.

Saint Maarten

There are those who call it Saint Martin and others Saint Maarten, and those who are confused, believing they are two different islands. In reality, it is the smallest inhabited area in the world to be divided between two different states: the southern area, Saint Maarten, is Dutch, while the northern part, Saint Martin, belongs to the French overseas countries.

The border between the two areas is really just a formality. In fact, there are some signs along the streets but no one actually asks for an identity document.

The French side is larger and has Marigot as its main city. it is famous for its beaches frequented by naturists, for shopping, including the colorful open-air markets, and for its rich French and Creole cuisine.

The Dutch side, on the other hand, is famous for its very special feature. Princess Juliana International Airport is one of the main attractions of the island and is considered the most dangerous stop on the planet for landings as the runway is located close to a very popular beach, SXM Maho Bay, where the planes almost touch the beach crowded with bathers just before touching the ground.

The most important city is Philipsburg, known for its nightlife, beaches, casinos, duty-free shops, and exotic rum-based cocktails.

Despite the two different nationalities, English is spoken fluently on both sides.

Related: Lisas of the Seas Catamaran in St Maarten

Finally, here is our 4-day itinerary in St Barths and St Maarten, short but very intense:

Day 1

Circumnavigating Saint Barths

Our tour starts early in the morning from Gustavia, the capital of Saint Barts. We spend the first day of navigation circumnavigating this small island. In fact, your main concern will be which of the numerous white-sand beaches to visit.

Among the many, we point out the beaches of Saint-Jean, Gouverneur, and the Saline, truly wonderful for colors and surrounding nature.

In the evening we seek shelter in the magnificent Anse a Colombier, ready to set sail early in the morning.

Day 2

Route to Grand Case

We cross the Saint Barthélemy Channel heading to the French part of Saint Maarten and precisely to Grand Case. It is a long and wide seafront bay lined with numerous bars and restaurants. A perfect location to indulge in the local atmosphere by shopping in small boutiques or simply spending the day at the beach.

We head to Philipsburg for the night. It will be our starting point for tomorrow’s destinations.

Recommended: SY Alegria 67 for Charter in St Martin

-> Lady Leila Yacht for Charter in the Caribbean

Day 3

Saint Maarten, the Dutch

We head to the Dutch part of the island for a day dedicated to extravagance and history.

A visit to the famous SXM Maho Bay is a must, where you can wait for the arrival of a plane while landing.

Also not to be missed is the view from Fort Amsterdam, an ancient fortress from the 1600s overlooking the sea, with several cannons and breathtaking views of the surrounding bays and beaches.

Day 4

An unforgettable last day on the Island of Fourche 

Before returning to Gustavia’s marina for final farewells, we still have one day left to take full advantage of. For this reason, after heading for Saint Barths, we reach the island of Fourche. 

Located off the north-eastern coasts, it is a real Eden, a destination for numerous excursions and where it is possible to relax on an enchanting beach of light sand, bathed by turquoise and transparent sea, with sloping bottoms ideal for swimming and practice snorkeling.

Contact  now YBH Charter Brokers:

You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.

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[thepropertylovers]

Our First Cruise Together

We recently got back from our first ever trip out of the country together and wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. That’s pretty much all we can say about it. Wait, no, that’s not right. We have a lot to say about it! Those are just the first words that come to mind. There’s more, though!

We went on a Caribbean cruise with our good friends Beau & Matt from ProbablyThis and had a blast. Celebrity Cruises was kind enough to host us on board the Equinox for a seven day cruise (be sure to check out the hashtags #sweetheartsatsea for some fun photos!) where we visited San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Kitts – three of the most beautiful old cities and beaches we’ve ever been to. The old cobblestone streets of San Juan had us feeling nostalgic for a time and place we’d never been to before. The beaches of St. Maarten and St. Kitts were breathtakingly gorgeous. Why did we wait so long to go to the Caribbean?

First, the ship itself is so cool. It’s ginormous and has everything you can think of on board and more. It has a movie theater, a casino, a library, multiple bars and restaurants, a café, a cafeteria, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a gym and spa, and even a grass lawn on the top of the ship. The cafeteria is open until midnight, so you know we were snacking all day. One night, at 11:45p, we went up there and ate pizza and dessert just because we could. And it was glorious.

It took us a full 3 days to visit almost every part of the ship, as we discovered new floors and areas almost every day. One of our favorite areas to chill by far was The Lawn Club on the 15th deck on the stern of the ship. Oh, that’s another thing. You’ll have to get familiar with the words used to describe ship directions (stern, bow, starboard, etc). We heard them a ton on this trip and had no idea what they meant at first, but did our best to learn them by the end of it. But back to The Lawn Club! It was this huge yard, basically, of beautiful Bermuda grass where you could lay out and relax and work on your tan. There was a bar serving you ice cold drinks and blue skies/ocean views everywhere you looked. Is this what heaven will look like?

Other than the food and various fun parts of the ship, we had so much fun on the port excursions. The first day we stopped at San Juan, Puerto Rico and went on a food & walking tour of the old city. We drank Puerto Rican coffee, enjoyed some local dishes (and got to make our own mojitos!), and ate some flan, which we haven’t had in forever. The old buildings and charming cobblestone streets of San Juan stole our hearts. It was hot and humid, but the tour guide told us it was their winter. It was 80 or so degrees! As you know, Puerto Rico was hit so badly by the hurricane and it devastated much of the island. Tourism is a billion dollar industry there and helps their economy immensely, so they want everyone to know they are back in business and gladly welcoming tourists to the island. It’s a beautiful place and we plan on going back as soon as we can.

The next port day was in St. Maarten, which is the Dutch side of the island, not to be confused with St. Martin, the French side. This island was also hit badly by Hurricane Irma and we saw a lot of destruction that it caused. It was heartbreaking to see, but also inspiring to learn how the locals are coming together to rebuild and grow again. We went to Kim Sha Beach where the water was a beautiful turquoise and the sand was snow white. We luckily had gorgeous weather most of the time, though there were a few scattered showers here and there. St. Maarten marked the first time Thomas officially stepped off of U.S. soil and into a foreign country! For lunch we had shrimp tempura on a French baguette and it easily became one of our favorite meals on the trip. After we walked around a bit, we all loaded back onto the ship and headed towards the next port.

Our last port day was spent in St. Kitts, another beautiful island in the Caribbean. This was probably our favorite excursion we experienced because we had to travel by a catamaran to get there! Neither of us had ever been on one before so it was such a treat to sail the 45 mins from St. Kitts to a little cove with clear blue waters and lots of fish. We snorkeled with the guys and drank a locally made soda called Ting, a grapefruit drink. Snorkeling is no joke. Have you ever been? It actually takes a lot of lung capacity and we found ourselves short of breath a lot, but it was still a blast. We were wiped out by the end of it, so we hopped back on the catamaran and sailed back to the island. On the way back, we met some folks from Columbus, Ohio that were So. Much. Fun. They told us how they’ve been going on cruises together for more than 10 years (there were about 14 in their group, all friends since high school). They told us about all the places they’ve visited like Europe and Punta Cana, about their kids, and best of all, how they will be at the home & garden show this month (!!) which is where we will be speaking at! Once we were back on the ship, we started settling in the make the 2 and a half-day journey back home, starting with an invitation to watch the sail off on the helipad. How cool is that?!

The next two days were filled with lots of food, sun, shows in the theater, massages (thank you Nikky and Risper!!!!), more food, pool parties, trips to Café el Bacio (our favorite spot for coffees and cappuccinos) and walks around the ship at night.

Every night we went to a new restaurant and experienced different cuisine that was equally as good as the previous one. The first night we went to Tuscan Grille, an Italian restaurant with low lighting, candles, and such a sweet staff. We got the lobster alfredo and lasagna and man was it delicious. The next night we went to Silk Harvest, which served Asian cuisine, and they had the best shrimp tempura we’ve ever tasted. We also visited Murano, a French restaurant and also got the lobster there. They grilled it right in front of you and the whole place smelled like garlic and butter. Does it get any better than that? We decided to try out Sushi on 5, their newest restaurant on deck 5 and it was amazing. It was so amazing, in fact, that we went back 2 more times after that haha. Also worth noting is that we went back to Tuscan Grille again for dinner because it was that good. For lunch and breakfast, we mostly stuck to the OceanView Café, a huge cafeteria with every type of food you can imagine. Have we mentioned how we ate too much on this trip?

It’s crazy how a cruise ship operates. It’s like a little city, with SO many people operating it and working together to make it function. We got to know the staff and looked forward to seeing their familiar faces every day. Rex, the man who always made sure to turn down our room each night before we got in. Alexander, the executive head chef who was kind enough to give us a private tour of the kitchen during peak dinner action. Madalina, the sommelier who knew exactly what kind of wine we should drink with dinner each night. Miguel, one of the ship executives who kindly escorted us onto the ship and shook our hand every time we would pass him onboard. And even our favorite singer on the ship, a girl & guy duo called Devico, who had the most beautiful voice we’ve ever heard. It makes you feel like you’re not in the middle of the ocean, miles and miles away from civilization, when you have such amazing people to look forward to seeing every day.

So all together, this cruise was amazing. Just the idea of visiting different countries, meeting so many different people from all over the world, sharing the sea with strangers (at first) who become friends in 7 days, and being that far out in the ocean with nothing but blue waves all around you, it’s kind of mind boggling. It’s also wonderful when you can go with great friends. This is the third time in 6 months we’ve had the chance to hang out with Beau & Matt and we always have a blast each time we do. They’re absolutely hilarious and so smart when it comes to business. We’re lucky to know them.

If you have never been on a cruise before, we highly recommend it after traveling with Celebrity Cruises. They're actually offering a special offer with their Sail Beyond Event, where you can save up to $300 on select packages plus unlimited WiFi. Click here to find out more about it! We want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to Beau & Matt from ProbablyThis, Elizabeth from Celebrity Cruises, and all of the staff and people behind the scenes who made this trip possible. We wont soon forget it and will cherish these memories forever.

Love, PJ & Thomas 

[sailthephoenix123]

https://www.scribd.com/document/678902919/PRIVATE-Private-Catarmaran-ST-MAARTEN-for-a-romantic-getaway

[journeysofpatrickandarchana]

The First Month - by Patrick Dwyer

Original Blog posted: Saturday, 11 May 2013

"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea." Isak Dinesen

Well as most of you know Archana & I bought a catamaran in the Caribbean and left Sydney on the 18th February 2013 to sail it back to Sydney.

We arrived in St Maarten on the 19th Feb after a 53 hour experience from Sydney. We were picked up at the airport by our engineer who was to check the boat out and fit all the extras. He took us to Anse Marcel a quaint little port on the NW side of the French side of the island that you could be forgiven for missing even from 100 metres from the sea entrance. We spent 5 days there living on 54 foot & 40.7 foot Beneteau Oceanis yachts before concluding the handover of our catamaran with the seller. One final thing had to be done by them to fulfil their part of the contract and that was to check the engine leg sail drive seals as water was noticed in the oil on the second survey. Therefore the yacht was taken by one of the staff of the company I was buying the yacht off with me to Polypat boat yard (an hour’s motor away) to be hauled out for a visual inspection. In trying to get the seal off the vendors engineer took a lathe to it and ruined the major part the seal was affixed to and which prevented the yacht being put back into the water. Having ruined the part we were stuck on the hard stand for 3 weeks whilst another part was shipped out from Belgium. So as the 5 crew (an Australian, Englishman, Frenchman & a couple from Zurich) began turning up for this experience of a life time they had to endure walking up a rickety ladder onto the boat for up to 3 weeks before the new part was fitted and then we got into the water with all our new toys fitted to the yacht i.e. 1500 litre per day water maker, AIS, new plotter, battery monitor, SSB/HF radio, BBQ, microwave, a freezer to add to the 3 fridges already on the boat and oven & 3 burners. The galley has 3 sinks with a 4th outside where fish are slaughtered before being devoured sashimi style or cooked. (Archana is in heaven and queen of the galley). We met some nice people there and invited them onto our yacht for dinner a few times over a Presente or Carab the 2 favourite beers over here.

Here at the boat yard we couldn’t use our water as it would create a flood in the yard so we had to have our shower in one open to the world to see at a cost of 1 Euro (in a pay machine) for a 5 minute cold shower that you had to keep pressing the button during those 5 minutes to keep the water flow coming. I am thinking of putting the same system in at home to get Archana to cut her 45 minute showers down. Here we could both have our showers within the 5 minute time limit which was an all time first. The secret is to now to get her from using 100 litres of water to clean her teeth on the yacht where the two biggest daily issues are power & water usage. The toilet also was an experience in Polypat.

Whilst we were in the ship yard at Polypat we hired a car for 3 weeks that allowed us to see the island, buy things for the yacht including a mountain of food (thousands of dollars worth including 150 litres of long life milk). The crew on our boat must be the most well fed around with Archana’s quality food the crew have also had sorbet, ice cream and several days of smoked salmon for lunch, pancakes, homemade yogurt & pressure cooker made bread. All really yummy. It doesn’t look as though the diet I thought I would be on during this trip will eventuate.

On other purchases two of the crew bought kayaks each so they can have a paddle around in some of the bucket list of places we are visiting. They have had a few places to test them out and others have had a play with them as well.

With the French capital of Margiot only a few minutes walk away we had the opportunity to visit the famous markets there with Archana once again being in her element bargaining with the fish sellers as well as the spice merchants where we made a big spend for the trip. One of the crew doesn’t like spicy food so Archana has been making bland offering to him which he seems happy with. How boring!!!!.

So finally we were off and my first mission was to navigate our new acquisition through the Polypat bridge with wind and current hindering me and being forced to go through the narrow opening at 5 knots to keep my course knowing I only had 2 foot either side. This task was made even more difficult with everyone taking movies and photos and asking me to smile at the worst possible moment. I got through with no mishap which was a blessing as it would have spoiled my year if I had ended up like a Catana 47 catamaran that the owner bailed out at the last minute and did $100,000+of damage to the yacht. This yacht was being repaired 2 boats along from us when we were on the Polypat hard stand and only 150 metres from the bridge. In the time we were in the boat yard we had a bird’s eye view to the many near misses of catamarans going through when the bridge opened 3 times a day.

So we were off and the 1st night we spent 200 metres off the beach at Anse Marcel in a bit of déjà vu considering the dramas that emanated there. The following morning we were off to St Barts, Colin one of the crew caught his first fish, we saw dolphins, turtles and a nude French man who passed us in his catamaran, had a nice lunch, swim and afternoon at a lovely little island near St Barts before entering the main harbour there with multimillion dollar yacht all around. My favourite was a 3 mast mono hull. Each mast was the same height and it had 18 hydraulically controlled sails that covered any space above deck on the whole of this 55-60 metre yacht. We visited the township and completed our formalities before returning to our yacht by tender and had a swim before dinner and the mandatory drinks (for in port use only).

Over the next few days we visited St Kitts, Portsmouth in Dominica (a great yachties place where we visited Indian River where Pirates of the Caribbean was shot, walks through rainforest, bought a hand of bananas with over 120 bananas on it for less than $5 but now we have the mission to eat them all considering they are all expected to ripen at the same time etc) then onto Tobago Cays which was what I expected all of the Caribbean to be about with the marine iguanas, so many turtles, sting rays and lots of other fish in this tranquil setting that Archana said she could spend a week there. They even had the boat boys come around with fresh baguettes and lobsters for sale to cruisers. We then left there for Grenada (the isle of spice) where you see so many waterfalls over the island and every town seems to have at least 10 spice stalls by the side of the road. We were sorry we went on the tour of the island on Good Friday as the rum distillery was closed. They must have known we were coming!!!!

On the way to Dominica we saw a few dolphins and a humpback whale looking over her calf doing 100 or so tail slaps to the delight of Archana & I and the other 5 crew. During the trip thus far I have had a number of new foods not experienced before i.e. Jamaican apple, fresh tamarind and chickoo (sapodillos).

Now I am writing this on the way to Bonaire some 400 nm from Granada. The wind has been right behind us all the way so have been doing it easily with just the headsail out but still averaging over 6 knots but peaking at 12.7 knots with 2 reefs in the headsail and no main sail. Colin caught his 3rd fish yesterday morning, a 90cm barracuda that we had for lunch an hour later. I was amazed how good eating it was as it is something I have never eaten before as you never see it at the fish shops. Yesterday we went within 1 metre of running over a huge turtle at 6 knots. He, fortunately for both of us, turned at just the right moment giving us a fright and also an experience. I saw my 1st Portuguese Man-War today. A huge marine stinger (about the size of a large coke bottle) with colourful sail. So many flying fish that are buzzing our boat constantly along with the birds dive bombing them with occasional success. On the Grenada to Bonaire leg we experienced our first gale as the wind hit 35 knots and 3 metre seas. On most of the other passages we were sailing close hauled with the wind so variable especially when coming out from the leeward side of the islands and into the open passages between the islands.

On the less than 3 day passage to Bonaire we had two days of up to 36 knot winds so it was nice to finally see land and moor up 50 metres off the main road in the capital in 5m of water on top of a coral reef where I have already had a few dives. One thing I am still getting used to is the heat. Unrelenting 30+ degrees every day. On one day I actually got burnt before 9am. Colin caught his 4th and 5th fish another barracuda & a tuna.

So the plan from now is to leave for Panama on Friday night (5th April) 5 days to do the 740nm passage, 4 days to wait to get through Panama, 5 days to get to Galapagos, 8 days there then say 21 days to get to the Marquesas. This is the best estimate I can give at this stage as so many variables to deal with.

Thank you to those of you wishing us your best via Archana’s regular blog and to others send emails etc.

Until the next update from me. Archana will still be keeping you enthralled with her perspective on the big trip on her regular updates on her blog. Only 8285nm (nautical miles i.e. almost double for kilometres) till we are home

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