|
|
Le départ
|
|
|
A quiet, fulfilling atmosphere. Aboard a catamaran, we’re enjoying an excellent breakfast prepared for us by the boat’s skipper.Swaying to the gentle rhythm on the water lapping on hulls and shrouds clicking on masts, we re awaiting departure, timed by the SANDY Ground bridge’s opening,
We’re getting into the Sandy Ground channel, bordered by a bevy of charming little restaurants springing out of the water. The bridge goes up and, under full sail, our trip as begun. The sun is already high in the sky, its rays heat hiding behind the breeze.
Grand-Case, Rocher Créole, Anse Marcel, wonderful landscapes appear from every onboard
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Tintamarre
|
|
|
First stop, near Flat island. Pinkish clay cliffs surround much of the island, devoid of any human presence. We moor the boat close to the beach. Sails and anchor down, we go for a refreshing dip in this inviting, crystalline water.
Everybody is back on board. The anchor is raised, so are the sails, and we’re on our way to St Barth’s
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saint Barth
|
|
|
The catamaran bravely faces the nearly 10 ft swells of the channel at seven knots. One hour later we pass the point of Ile Fourche. St Barth’s outline is getting clearer and clearer. We dock in Gustavia, just in time for drinks.
Acquaintances are quickly made, and conversations start rolling.
We get back on board for lunch after which a nap is quite welcome. We disembark for drinks again and to witness the last of the sun’s rays as it dips into the sea.
Back on board, we eat dinner, then each goes to his cabin to be gently rocked to sleep by the waves
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anguilla
|
|
|
6:00 am Everybody is already on deck. One of us goes to town to get some fresh bread. 9:30 a.m. we’re ready to leave for Anguilla, which we reach by noon. A sea turtle’s silhouette is our welcome wagon. We anchor in front of the “Swim with the Dolphins” park and set out for land via dinghy to start a search for the fishermen who will provide us with lobsters for our dinner. Oh, the marvellous beaches! Fine sand, lined with coconut trees, an open invitation to relax and enjoy the easy life. When the last of the sun’s rays start declining, we light a fire on the beach, grill the lobsters, and enjoy them by the campfire.
The evening over, we head back to the catamaran for a good night’s sleep.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prickly Pear
|
|
|
The following morning, we set out for Sandy Island. A disconcerting sight awaits us. The sky is dark, menacing, a wreck is lying on its side. In an old wooden cabin, some old, dusty things might be signs of a hasty retreat. This disquieting atmosphere makes us uneasy and we leave.
Masks and snorkels at the ready, we jump into the turquoise waters, close to the barrier reef, and discover marvellous underwater sights. Rainbow colored fish, unafraid, accompany every movement we make. On the beach, two makeshift cabins are set up to greet the tourists expected for lunch. Standing on the beach, a telephone booth, with a wire going nowhere…
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
