Time For Boat Repairs

Monday 17th December

We are in the marina in Le Marin, a port on the southern tip of Martinique. The town is small and a bit boring to be honest, but it has a Jeanneau dealer. This dealer is on the ball! Rob & I went to see him this morning, having cleared customs & immigration. He listened to the problem and then rang Jeanneau. This is a local call as the French W.I. are part of France! The rudder bearings, both top & bottom are being replaced by his company and Jeanneau are paying for it! I am also giving him a full list of other work to be done, subject to cost, so we will be leaving the boat here and ferrying to Antigua. So far, I don't have either cost or time involved, but he will put the boat onto one of his own pontoons and lift out when it suits. This really is fantastic service.

We spent last night on anchor out in the bay, very quiet and smooth, and no problems. We inflated the rubber duck and went ashore for a meal and then this morning I went off to the Immigration & Customs for clearance. All OK.

We anchored beside another SO49 and are now parked beside him on the marina. He also has a loose rudder, and broke his boom on the ARC crossing. He is from Berne and is very friendly. We are exchanging notes about the boat's problems. Misery likes company!

I think we will hire a car here for a couple of days and look around, before we make our way to Fort de France.