Geography Lesson
The Leeward Islands are an island chain southeast of the Virgins. The main islands are St. Marten (dutch/french), Anguilla (british), and St. Bart's (french). The sailing here is unbelievable, with 30-40 mph Easterly trade winds uninterrupted from across the Atlantic (sometimes Saharan dust creates a haze).
We chartered the boat out of the French (read: uptight) side of St. Martin, the big island in the middle. Our course is marked on the above map. We then spent a couple of days sailing and diving around Anguilla. Next, after a swanky evening at the Lonvilliers marina on St. Martin, we took an all day romp to windward ending with a night off the uninhabited Ile Fourche. Then off to St. Bart's to hang with the beautiful people for two nights. After a week on the boat, beautiful was probably not the word to describe us. Then on to St. Martin to return the boat and return us to reality.
Boating Lesson
Our boat, Laguiole (named after a french town know for hunting knives-COOL) was, and amazingly still is, a Beneteau 40cc, a fine french made center cockpit sloop rig. The accomdations were stellar - two queen size beds (except for Ray, who slept on the salon table) two full baths, and an outdoor transom shower - my preference. She was a little beamy (which means fat and slow), but with the big winds, maintained 6 - 7 knots under full sail.
Pictures
Taking pictures under sail is difficult because the water is pretty rough down there, and once the sails come down, the rum (Pussers - the finest british navy rum) comes out, and there goes the photographer and his liver. But a few good shots - no pun intended - still survive.
Here are Stu and Dad with our fair sloop at port in St. Martin. Yes - we did leave the harbor.
Milt and Ray leading at the helm with St. Martin in the distance. Crooked picture due to swells, not rum.
This is a panorama of St. Martin, which, given the obnoxious french people there ("you hav to tek ze bot beck by 10 hay-em on zaturday"), is the best view I can remember.
Ray and Milt displaying that retiree work effort at sunset. Hey - where are your COCKTAILS?
Two generations of Friedmans able to balance on the bow of our ship off Ile Fourche. Hey dad, using me as for balance ain't your surest bet.
A typical boat cooked dinner in the anchorage off Ile Fourche. The menu prepared by Chef Stu: Creole spiced Grouper, corn, boiled potatoes. And some Romeo & Julieta's (cuban cigars for your pedestrians out there) for ze dessert.
The Laguiole resting patiently at anchor at Ile Fourche.
Despite the rum, mornings can be the best time on a charter. Here, a rainbow after a morning squall.
We picked up a mooring ball in the too-hip-for-me harbor at Gustavia in St. Bart's. Best hotel room on the island as far as I'm, concerned.
Milt drying his sneakers on the hot grill after an unplanned swim from the dinghy.