Dec. 30, Marigot Bay

We set off early for St. Lucia; it would be another long upwind sail across the roughest passage of the trip, the channel between the two islands. We had our foresail set but decided to move the car for the sheet to allow us to put out more sail. Apparently we tugged a little too hard rolling it away and broke the piece that connects the furling line to the furler, allowing the sail to unroll in one fast rush. Em quickly took the helm while Dan got things under control up front. We were going to try to furl it by hand, but in the strong wind and chop it wasn’t happening, so we sailed downwind until we were in the lee of the island where the task became fairly easy.
Once the jib was tucked away neatly we set the staysail, usually reserved for winds above 50 knots, we knew would cost us some time as our speed went from over 8 to between 6 & 7.

Ready for rain

One funny thing was Em’s bathing suit top, which was tied on the lifeline came loose and a little later our fishing pole bent as if we’d caught something. Amazingly when we reeled it in there was the top, none the worst for wear and tear; we set out over 150’ of line when trolling so this was a one in a million chance.
A small squall developed as we were abeam of the Pitons, the rain didn’t last long and we were treated to a very vibrant rainbow.

A rainbow greets our return to St.Lucia

We had called ahead to Chateau Mygo to check if there was space at the dock and to reserve a table for dinner. It was sails down and fenders out as we motored into the pretty little bay; I love this stop not only is it arrival point back in St. Lucia but the folks at the restaurant are always happy to see us. Doreen was busy in the kitchen when we got there, but came out to greet us every bit as lovely and charming as always. There were a lot of people in the bar as always making for plenty of conversation between yacht crews. We were in time for happy hour and the two for one drinks, so we enjoyed several rum punches and the free wifi.


Having fun at Chateau Mygo

When dinner time rolled around we were to be seated, however the hostess had put the six of us at a small round table the barely had room for the placemats; I made a quick visit to the kitchen and spoke with Doreen who quickly sorted it out and we were happily at a proper sized table. The food was very good as we have come to expect; I had the whole snapper in Creole Sauce while some of the others went for their tasty pizzas. My fish was perfectly cooked, easily coming off the bones, it was so good I ate every bit of it and then went for what meat was on the head; accompanied by an assortment of local side dishes it was one of the best meals on the trip. After dinner we had a couple more drinks and then called it a night.

Sammy---thanks so much for taking us along!! You're the best!!

Ah the joy of the St Vincent to St Lucia passage!

Always good fun watching the first-timers motoring up the lee side of St Vincent with full main set, watching them unfurl full genoa when they get the first of the breeze approaching the northern headland and then watching the panic reef 5 minutes later when they get the full force of the wind and ocean waves. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Happy days

Mike you aren't kidding, that is why we had to get the sail put away before rounding the point, with that big jib out we would have been way overpowered.
Thanks Carol, I'll probably be in SXM for the 2016 regatta, are you sure you don't want me to try to bring a manicou along for you to try?