A Jump to the Left

X-ing File #5_Antigua to Bahamas (perhaps)

Here we go then, frogs in a pond, leaping from island to island, heading north.  As one does.  So, with apologies to "The Rocky Horror Show":

It’s just a jump to the left

And then a step to the right

With your hands on your hips

You bring your knees in tight

But it’s that island time

That really drives you insane…

Let’s do the Time Warp, again; Let’s do the Time Warp, again

First Stop: Antigua: Falmouth Harbour 

Shelter for a few in the mangroves off English Harbour

Yes, we’re back in the Caribbean.  Right here in a well-protected Falmouth Harbour in Antigua at the peak of the cruising season.  Let me tell you that the water is turquoise, ruffled by the Trades (in full swing), the temperature is 28 to 29°C and a swim, off the back of the boat, is just delightful. 

It seems we timed our arrival with predicted unpleasant winds, so both English and Falmouth Harbours were full to the brim with sailors hiding from and waiting out the weather.  Still, we managed to squeeze into a relatively shallow spot (there are times when WJ3’s stumpy, winged keel comes in very handy!).  Apart from resting, we did little else other than try to sort out electrical and generator problems (to no avail).  Having toured the island before (reminisce 2008, see WJ308) with Boy Wonder, we felt the urge to move on with an overnighter to St Martin.

Nelson's Dockyard: a working marina now
 but Georgian features are evident

The anchor had other ideas having developed an attachment to a serious piece of rock encrusted with coral.  It was a testing moment for both the anchor winch and GS.  However, thanks to a Good Samaritan (American flagged Catamaran, WindyChimes) with a trusty hammer and obvious previous experience in coral extraction, our entwined buddies separated.  The coral remained in Falmouth Harbour, the anchor (Bertha) came back on board and we escaped.  It’s great to be back in the Caribbean! 

Second Stop: Sint Maarten

We had high hopes that Sint Maarten, with its duty-free chandleries and thriving yachting service industry, might just offer the chance to resolve WJ3’s ongoing problems - despite its direct hit by Hurricane Irma in 2017.  We arrived early in the morning (true to form – in the dark) to anchor is a somewhat choppy Simpson Bay on the Dutch side of the island.  The Cap’n timed his clearances just before bridge opening so we happily up-anchored and moved into the calmer Lagoon.  Last time we visited we also spent some time here, anchoring on the French side, in order to significantly upgrade WJ3’s electronics, have a stainless dodger frame constructed and filled the lockers & fridges with goodies from very large and well stocked supermarkets. 

Little has changed.  There’s still a fair bit of wreckage in and around the lagoon (Hurricane Irma, 2017) and a new bridge spanning the Dutch side but many businesses are operational and offering even us yachties some chance to find mechanics and electricians.  These floating “gin palaces” that seem to breed here in the lagoon don’t always have it their way. 

A glimpse in most corners of the Lagoon of hurricane damage

So, we now find ourselves at the dock of FKG Rigging having the rigging and guard rails replaced…at great expense.  It’s been 10 years since it was last replaced (in the BVI) and now a hot insurance must, so no arguments.  At least its pleasant being dock-side and close to a watering hole frequented by fellow Aussies.  Whilst breasting the Lagoonies Bar for happy hour, we’ve practised our “strine”, learned the weather is unusually wet & blustery for the Caribbean this year (I think it followed us from the Med) and enjoyed the company of fellow cruisers en masse – something we rarely achieved in the Med.

Windjammer, what have I done to you?

The Mast is going, going...

Oh, it's just too sad...

Accessing the internet is somewhat of a challenge here.  Power & internet comes and goes; rather like living in Delhi..  So, we do what we can, when we can.  Today's a good day, so tomorrow may be better, or not!  Photos as always to follow.  And next report from the BVI (hopefully)...