SXM Day 8 – October 11, 2020

Earlier in the week, Jeff Jhangiani invited us to join him and his friends on a day sail. He had friends who couldn't make it to the island, so there were two openings for the trip.
We weren’t quite sure we wanted to be on a catamaran with 50 people, but he explained that there was going to be a 50% capacity limit due to covid restrictions. That sealed the deal for us.

We had a light breakfast in the villa and left at 9:00 AM. Eagle Tours was having a Canadian Thanksgiving cruise onboard a 51 foot catamaran – Quality Time. The catamaran is docked at the Dock Maarten marina near Chesterfield’s. The price for this sail was a very reasonable $75.00 per person. A member of the crew, Sophie, sprayed our hands with sanitizer, signed us in, and took our temperature. They provided us with a boarding pass and two very nice cloth face masks. Boarding took place, safety instructions were reviewed (with a touch of humor) and we were sailing by shortly after 10:00 AM. It’s so nice being out on the water, looking at the beautiful coastline and hills of the island.

We didn’t know many people on board, but Jeff a wonderful job in introducing us. Tamara, who we have known since Ric’s Place existed, was a very attentive and friendly bartender. Prince, the first mate, was a sweetheart - capable at his job, funny and also very attentive. You couldn't ask for more.

First stop was near the Divi, with a view of snow-capped mountains. Actually it was Pelican poop, but snow-capped sounds better. Guests were invited to swim and snorkel in the warm ocean water. Crackers, guacamole and salsa were served as a snack. The drinks were flowing freely.
We set sail about an hour later, past Indigo Bay, Cole Bay, Simpson Bay and anchored at beautiful Mullet Bay. The color of the ocean here just can be described in words (mine anyway).

It’s a Sunday, so the beach was pretty busy with local families and several other boats were also visiting. It was nice watching the kids have so much fun in the water. Lunch was served in about an hour. Several people sang the Canadian Anthem before dined. The feast consisted of Turkey and stuffing, tuna salad, potato salad, Caesar salad, cranberry sauce and rolls. Dessert was warm apple crisp and marble cake. Everything was delicious!

We were supposed to stop at Indigo Bay on the way back, but the seas were a little too rough, so we stayed in Mullet Bay for the afternoon. The weather was perfect and almost everyone on board was in the water at some point. Some much longer than others - right Jeff?

Anchors up and the sail back was a little choppier than on the way out, but not enough to anyone get sick. We arrived back at the dock at 4:00 PM. Another great day in paradise, spent with old and new friends. We highly recommend Eagle Tours. The crew did an incredible job in making this a memorable and fun day!

Marc and I didn’t drink all that much, but the sun and fresh air did tire us out. Back at the villa, we sat on the patio, soaked in the pool and watched the sun set. Dinner was at the villa, spaghetti and meat sauce that was prepared on Saturday, knowing we'd be tired from the day. Bedtime was 9:00.