ANGUILLA, THE RENAISSANCE ISLAND.
Anguilla is one of the oldest islands in the Lesser Antilles eroded to a flat island that was then submerged and later uplifted by volcanic action. A coastline of white beaches with restricted areas to anchor. A marine park has been set up to protect the creatures and environment of the off lying Cays. A cruising permit is required to visit these areas and only in daylight hours.
The Lagoon - St Martin
Once again we had an awesome sail from Statia to St.Maarten, anchored in Marigot Bay on the French side and for the grand total of 6 euros we were legally cleared into French territory.
When writing each blog, Debbie loves to discover the history and folklore that makes each country unique. Most sailors in these parts rely on Chris Doyle's cruising guide for information but Debbie prefers to delve deeper, it's the only time that she is sits still!
There is a St. Maarten saying: " Their money melted like butter against the sun". The translation for this is visit the duty-free shops in Philipsburg (capital) and find out.
Leaving the Babes, who were journeying on to the BVIs, we set sail for Nevis and St. Kitts. A downwind sail with gusty winds we made a good passage. During the sail we passed the Rock of Redonda, one mile long and a thousand feet high. This is a kingdom whose regents are writers, each successor being named from the literary world. At present there is a Pretender ruling as he is more fun than the actual successor. "It's a mad, mad world out there", Val would say.
SAINT EUSTATIA (STATIA).
Beautiful early morning sail to Oranje Bay in Statia ( pronounced Stay-sha) in hazy visibility.
The contrast in the welcome of the people of Statia to that of St. Kitts was overwhelming. Customs stayed open during his lunch break to check us in and the National Park office answered all our questions and pointed us in the right direction for lunch and an ATM.
Statia was named by Columbus as St. Anastasia during his voyage around 1493.
We left Deshaies, Guadeloupe, early on the Sunday morning in a brisk wind and moderate sea state. We averaged 8 knots to Montserrat experiencing wind gusts up to 32 knots and rough seas around the North West Bluff of the island. Rain squalls followed us up the coast for an exhilarating ride. Amelie tends to lift her skirts and sprint in these conditions. Our first sight of the Soufriere Hills Volcano which devastated the southern part of the island in 1997 and again in 2010 rendered us speechless.
