Rodney Bay, 11/04/2017

To continue on from the last blog, we all formed up in size order on leaving Marigot, like well behaved people.
From Marigot we motored in line to Castries Harbour, went in and around and then out again to the finish line in Rodney Bay. I, of course not being well behaved, turned the boat and crossed the line going backwards. Well, why not?
There was a great reception on the dock with beer, rum punch and nibbles, all very welcome.
That night, Saturday, the WARC hosted a wonderful evening of food, wine and beer, as well as a steel band and dancing.
Next morning I checked us into the Marina officially amd paid to stay till the 16th. This is due to John leaving today, which he has done, and my sister arriving on the 15th from England. We will miss John on board but he needs to get ready to go back to his own boat, Apria. She has over wintered in Estonia where the sea is still frozen.
Rodney Bay has changed since Val and I were here 10 years ago. It has developed into a bustling modern town with more building going on. The Marina has tripled in size and changed ownership as well. It is still a reasonable cost though which is a relief.

I got an email from one of the crew joining me in Panama to say he could no longer sail with me, so if any of you are interested, then please let me know.

Next stop in the sail north up the islands is Martinique. This is a French island and very civilised.
Longer term we are sailing to Cuba and then south to Colombia and Panama. Michael and Jamie leave the boat there and fly home to South Africa and I fly to Dublin for a brief visit.

All is well on board, amd no repairs to be done, again!