Two weeks in St. Martin

We left Barbuda for St. Martin. St. Martin is part of the Leeward Islands. It comprises two separate countries, divided between its northern French side and its southern Dutch side, Sint Marteen. We arrived in the French side, and anchored next to our friends from Secret Harbor, Granada. We ran into Josh and Tamara on "Honu Time" at many locations. Check out their Youtube channel when you get a chance.

During our sail to St. Martin, Tim found that our sail drive was leaking water into the oil. We had to find a boatyard that had a large lift. We found an appropriate lift and made an appointment for the one-day haulout. The day before our appointment we left "France" for the Dutch side.

It was windy and rough when we arrived at the boatyard. They were not answering thier radio nor their phone. We slowed as much as possible waiting for the staff, in that wind. Finally, someone answered who directed us around back, to the shallow side. We almost hit bottom there. The long, narrow channel led us to a space that was lined with corregated rusty metal sidewalls. Their understaffed team directed us into the spot. A gust of wind blew us right into the rusty sidewall and damaged Liahona. Then they lifted the boat up and into the straps where we would stay for two nights. So, one night on land turned into 2 nights. And, we had to have the repair done there as well. GRRRR!!

While Tim was busy with the boat repairs, I spent my time exploring Philipsburg, the main cruise port in Sint Marteen. There were beaches, restaurants, bars, shops and LOTS of people. I visited a small local museum, went shopping, provisioned and hung out while Tim worked on the sail drive and David repaired the damage. That was a treat for me.

After that debacle, we went back to a different harbor, Grande Case, on the French side. We spent much time socializing with friends. We shopped, ate at restaurants, bought French wines and croissants. We had a wonderful time!

Next stop, the British Virgin Islands!

Rusty Corrugated sidewall

The Damage

Grande Case