We started bright and early with the anchor up and under way by 0650 from Trois Ilets in Martinique. We were even able to sail out of the Fort de France bay. Once we turned more southerly we did have to motor sail a bit in the lee of the island. Our timing was perfect for a change as we watched Martinique behind us get slammed with heavy, heavy rains. We got just an edge of the squall with a few lighter showers.
We passed Diamont - a huge rock that looks much like the Oregon coast's Haystack Rock, just a bit pointier. This rock was at one point "a ship," the H.M.S. Diamond. In 1804, when Napoleon was master of Europe, the British still controlled the seas - including the Caribbean waters. The British though, didn't have enough ships - and Diamond Rock (Diamont in French) was one location that would be perfect to station a ship. So they commissioned the rock as a ship. It was an amazing accomplishment to climb this steep, snake-infested, barren rock with cannons, food and water for men, and supplies. But they did and for 18 months, they surprised French ships coming into Martinique. Napoleon was none too pleased about this - after all it was the home of his Empress Josephine. Over time, the French liberated the rock.in a chase that ultimately led to the Battle of Trafalgar where Lord Horatio Nelson died.
We simply sailed passed the rock, with no battles on board!
As we passed the lee side of Martinique and got clear of land, as expected the seas picked up as did the wind. We had a great sail though the 5-6 foot seas were right on the beam. We were grateful for a much heavier boat than we had with Mariah. With reefed main and genoa - we hit seven knots and only really rounded up one time when the wind and waves conspired to knock us down! No joy on the fishing front again - though we were sailing at trolling speed. We even tried a different lure today and a different distance from the boat. Where are those darned fish - we need to re-fill the fridge!!!
We arrived in St. Lucia at Rodney Bay. A large open bay over a mile long, with Pigeon Island and its two hills and a fort on one side to protect the bay from the easterlies and swells. There are beautiful beaches along the inside of the bay. We anchored off Reduit Beach where the St. Lucia Yacht Club and some resorts sit. There are about 40 boats at anchor in this area. Michael cleared us in at customs for $40 EC($15US) and we connected with a few boats that we know in that are anchored nearby. As we meet more and more boats - it's always fun to reconnect with boats you've not seen for several weeks.
St. Lucia is the largest English speaking island in the windwards. It has beautiful beaches, lush mountains, rain forests and a fair amount of agriculture on the sloping ridges. There is a National Trust in the island that works hard to protect the historic sights as well as the natural environment. Much of the island is park area. During our 2001 trip, we spent some time on this island and look forward to exploring different areas this time.
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