The Guadeloupe Tour

There is a sailboat race around the island called "Tour de la Guadeloupe" where you stop at a different port each night Over the last few days, we almost felt like participants as we've been in two of the anchorages that the boats came by. Saturday they made their way to The Saints, Bourg des Saintes and yesterday (Sunday) they came through the channel at Pointe a Pitre. Yesterday we were right at the finish line and it was exciting to watch these boats with spinnakers flying across the line. These boats move! The boats are from small, fast 16ft. Hobie cats, racing cats, racing monohulls and some 70ft. maxi yachts with high tech sails and uniformed crew. One Hobie cat was towed in by a committee boat - de-masted. We listened to the awards ceremony and party last night from our anchorage. Didn't understand much, it was all in French!

Our "Tour de la Guadeloupe" also continues. On Saturday, we left Bourg des Saintes and went to a small island Ilet Cabrit and anchored off a pretty little beach. The island has one small house near the beach, a partially finished and abandoned hotel and the remains of Fort Josephine. Michael (whom Barbara is now convinced wants to kill her with climbing hills) decided they should climb to Fort Josephine. It certainly wasn't as high as "Le Chemeau" the day before. We were again rewarded with magnificent views - each one a postcard. The climb wasn't nearly as bad. We also explored the old hotel - where it seems the goats take rooms each night as it was filled with their "smart pills." The island also has these beautiful purple flowered trees - much like giant lilacs and they almost have a lilac smell. We saw a giant iguana - but he was faster than us and we missed the photo op (sorry Nina). We ran into mountain goats and some crazy French people who had done the climb in bikinis and bare feet. There are lots of cactus and sharp rocks on this hike so that was plain crazy!

Upon our return to the boat we watched the participants in the sailboat race sail by towards the town - and got to see some great tacking duels.

On Sunday morning, bright and early, we left "The Saints" and headed north again - towards Pointe a Pitre. We sailed most of the way and it was a very pleasant day. We had to avoid lots of fish traps - and had two lines in the water. No joy on the fishing front - but a really nice sail.

Pointe a Pitre is Guadeloupe's largest city. Remember we mentioned that Guadeloupe is the shape of a lopsided butterfly? This city is on the bottom and in the middle of the "butterfly wings." It has a huge port and is geared to the marine industry. They work on everything from small outboards to the maxi racers in a major race that passes through here "Rhoute de Rhum." So we're hoping they will be equipped to fix a hydraulic hose for our centerboard.

The city is a hodgepodge of old and new and has Creole traditions and style. We're hoping to also get some provisioning, laundry and touring done while here waiting for parts to be completed/ordered.

We're anchored off the Ilet a Cochons. We'll dinghy across to the big marina to start the repair search this morning with English/French dictionary in hand. Though, earlier this morning, we watched as French Special Ops forces went ashore Ilet a Cochons via kayaks in full gear for some type of exercise. (At least we're hoping it's an exercise!!) Fun to watch - they were pretty stealth except for their bright red kayak paddles.

Happy Monday! Less than a month until Frank's visit.

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