Repairs

Thursday 20th December

We left Martinique this afternoon - getting a flight to Antigua, via St.Lucia. We are now sitting in the departure area (not a lounge), waiting for the connecting flight to Antigua. The board says on time, but the staff say 1.5 hours late! Unfortunately the staff appear to be right! The amount of form filling for immigration and customs for each and every island is incredible. We are building up a collection of stamps in our passports. None of them are anyway interesting.

On the boat front, there are 2 new poles, 1/2 as big in diameter as the previous one, and 30cm shorter. Easier to handle although heavier. The new battery charger is fitted and should be connected up by now, and we are keeping the old one all connected and ready to go on the flick of a switch as a back up reserve unit. There may also be an extra battery fitted. I won't know until our return. The new halliard should also be done by now. I also had the trip switch on the freezer and fridge upgraded to stop it tripping out. The boat will be lifted whilst we are away for the rudder repairs. Although all this is expensive, I think the boat is much better for it. I hope so anyway!