Learning, remembering
and forgetting
26th Feb
2018
Learning how to deal with problems (that inevitably crop up
on a boat) is a very useful skill for a boater.
Remembering is also important.
There are so many things to remember: what has to be done, how a task is
best accomplished and the sequence of steps for things like reefing the
mainsail. Together these two may be the
key abilities of the boater. However,
there is a place for forgetting as well!
If only I could forget those two hours of feeling seasick on the passage
from Martinique to St. Lucia, I might have been able to face today with less
trepidation.
Last night we had a very happy evening with Val and Sylvain
who had spent the last several weeks on Martinique. Based on their good advice, we revised our
plan to head to Fort de France (capital city).
Our new destination was les Anses d’Arlet. With help from Sylvain we left the dock in
Rodney Bay Marina at about 8:30. Once in
the open bay we settled on our sail plan based on the measured wind speed
(11kts). Up went the full main and partial genoa. We motored out past Pigeon Island with the
swells building steadily. Suddenly a
gust hit us and the wind speed hit 22kts.
Luckily, the wind settled down to about 15 kts and we were able to carry
on without reducing sail. Once the
fridge was finished the engine went off and we were on our way. Happily, the swells declined as we got past
the north end of St. Lucia. We could see
Martinique the whole way—somehow that is comforting. A few squalls came our way with some higher
winds and rain. We also had some periods
of lighter winds 8-11 kts. At some point
we un-rolled the whole genoa and carried on with that.
Four hours after setting off, we were approaching Les Anses
d’Arlet. We threw down the anchor in a
very grassy bay and had our lunch instead of the more traditional ‘cup of tea’.
A list of jobs faced us before we could go to shore and check-in. We removed the stay sail, folded it and
returned it to its bag, we untied the dinghy on the foredeck and lifted it over
the side, the engine was lowered into position on the dinghy. The sail cover was put on place, documents
were gathered, the boat was buttoned up and locked. Then it was off to a new island!
In contrast to many towns we’ve visited lately, this town
looks well maintained. While there are
some buildings that look a tad “down at the heels” most are in good condition
and painted bright colors. We had some
difficulty finding the place to check in (some kind of cyber cafe, I think). The process was carried out on a computer
with the captain in-putting the information about the boat and crew. Once the on-line form was complete, a copy
was printed and handed to the captain. A
fee of 3 euros was collected and customs and immigration were complete. Could hardly have been easier. We walked along the waterfront, found a
restaurant and had coffee and ice cream.
It’s a strange combination but seemed just fine... After a little more
strolling around, we returned to the boat anticipating dinner and “Game of
Thrones”. My only worry is that we will
watch all seven seasons in a couple of weeks...
So I’m working at forgetting that earlier passage south and
remembering this easier northerly one.
Gloria
Les Anses
D’Arlets 14o29.2 N, 61o
04.9 W
Barque anchored off Petit Anse D'Arlet - passing squall in the background
Petit Anse D'Arlet - the water is super clear, sandy/grassy bottom, loads of turtles
Petit Anse D'Arlet
A rare self-portrait - Petit Anse D'Arlet
Street lights ashore as Cotinga rocks gently in the swell
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