Still in Martinique

I looked at the stern of Mirabella and the dinghy was missing. A quick glance around and I could see it just drifting into the yacht behind. After quickly evaluating the options, I emptied my pockets and jumped in. At the beginning of the race I was gaining, then a little gust would speed its journey up. At the first yacht I gave a shout, a head popped out, but they could not help me as they had no dinghy. By the time I reached the second yacht the dinghy had stretched out its lead and had designs on Panama. A loud call attracted the attention of the owner and he was able to save the day by picking me up and chasing the escaped tender with his dinghy. Thank you.

Lesson learnt- Do not rely on a clip even if it is for just a few seconds.

14th January
Laundry day and motor to Marin for big shop.
When we came back from Leader Price a boat was aground not far from us. Marin bay is large but is of very variable depths, this yacht has misjudged where the shallows were. After a very wet squall I went across in the dinghy to see if I could help. He had tried a kedge anchor out the back with out any luck. As it was now dark he decided to leave getting off until the morning.
When I looked out in the morning at 7am he had already put his kedge anchor on to a long rope and one of his halyards. He had taken this anchor at 90 degrees to the boat and was winding on the winch to get the boat leaning, this with stern thrust managed to get him off. My help was not needed.

At 8ish we set off for St Anne and re anchored to make water, the water in Marin Bay is not suitable for putting through our watermaker. Then at midday we set off for a short trip around the corner pass Diamond Rock to Anse Chalidieree. 

Diamond Rock

16th January 

After a swim and a snorkel we sailed 12 miles to Case Pilote. We anchored not far off the town and Sue snorkelled to check how the anchor was laying, all was well.

We were the only boat anchored off a small charming village/town, a bit different from the 200 boats at St Anne.

Mirabella at Case Pilote

Case Pilote 

17th January
A short sail/motor saw us arrive at St Peiere. Along the way we saw dolphins
in the distance.

 St Pierre

Depaz Distillery 

18 January

A walk out of town took us to the Depaz distillery, an interesting place with a rich history. The variety of wild life and plants on the way kept Sue enthralled.

Sue is trying her hand at making ginger beer!