Saint Lucia was waiting for us and welcomed Fortitude X and her crew with open arms – and some pretty strong winds. Anchoring in Rodney Bay made it easy to get ashore by dinghy and explore nearby restaurants, shops, car rental companies and, equally important, hairdressers and dentists. Cruising life does come with its practical necessities.
We found our way to the local fish market, a place we would never have discovered if we hadn’t followed one of the locals. We also enjoyed the Friday Night Market with its many variations of barbecued fish, deliciously fruity rum punches, loud music and an entertaining collection of colourful characters.
Friends
Rum Punches
Crew
Rodney Bay Marina is a convenient all- service marina and became our home for the week we spent with our Edmonton friends, Lyle and Lidia. They had rented a house within the marina compound which was easily accessible by dinghy. This meant several late nights on their patio, enjoying a few of those previously mentioned alcoholic beverages before hopping into the dinghy for a slightly tipsy ride back to Fortitude X.
Laborie Beach, St. Lucia
Marc (L & L’s son) and Michael joined us for a few days, giving us the perfect excuse to rent a car and explore the island. We took in the spectacular views of the Pitons on a hike up Tet Paul Nature Trail, wandered along practically empty beaches, and enjoyed a little sightseeing along the way. We were especially happy that they took us up on our offer to go day sailing to Marigot Bay, a picturesque little harbour that has served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films. A beautiful day on the water, great company and plenty of laughs – needless to say, we had a blast!
Already looking forward to doing it all over again: next year, next island!
Aerial View of Pitons from Tet Paul Peak
Good–byes were followed by enthusiastic hellos to Lara, our young friend from Germany, and her travel companion, Carlotta. They spent four days on board Fortitude X before setting off on their own island tour of Grenada. The girls were ready to relax, explore and enjoy themselves, and we were more than happy to show them a good time and share a little of our cruising life.
The Girls are in Charge
Chillin’
Professional trouble-maker
Knot a Care in the World
Our last longer sail of the season took us to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an archipelago at the southern end of the Windward Islands chain. Little did I know what a special corner of paradise awaited us. Saint Vincent is the largestisland, with the smaller Grenadines comprising Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island and the spectacular Tobago Cays, along with some smaller islets.
What followed was some of the most enjoyable, slow-paced, island-hopping of the season. Turquoise waters, uncrowded anchorages, and intimate little cays far removed from the cruise ship grounds. Our days were simple: swimming off the stern of the boat, snorkelling alongside sea turtles, and stepping ashore onto white sand beaches where we often had the place almost to ourselves. Add the friendly locals, beautiful sunsets, and nowhere in particular to be, and life was pretty close to perfect.
Green Sea Turtle, Tobago Cays
Stingray, Tobago Cays
Paradise, St. Vincent & Grenadines
The Ranch Beach Bar, Mayreau
Some places don’t just stay with you, they become part of you. The Grenadines certainly left their mark on us. But all good things eventually come to an end, and we had an appointment to keep.
It was time to make our way towards Grenada for our scheduled haul-out at Clarke’s Court Boatyard & Marina on the island’s south coast.
There was no need to rush yet. We made one final stop in Cariacou, Grenada’s northernmost island, where we checked into the country, obtained our cruising permits and enjoyed a few last lazy days afloat.
Hauling out and putting Fortitude X on the hard (ashore on land) is part of our annual hurricane-season routine. It involves plenty of preparation, securing the boat properly and making sure everything is ready to withstand the months ahead. Not quite as glamorous as Island-hopping, but an essential part of keeping our floating home safe until we return.
In the Sling, Grenada
Boatyard
And just like that, another sailing season came to a close.
We are grateful for the places we have discovered, the adventures we have shared, the friendships we have made – and renewed, and above all for bringing Fortitude X and her crew safely through another season.
Now it’s time for a little land life, making memories with family and friends in Germany, and enjoying our long-anticipated safari to Southern Africa.
Hanging in St. Lucia
1 Comment
Lars
St. Lucia is soooooo beautiful—one of the loveliest islands in the Lesser Antilles. An island where one could stay forever. Enjoy your time in Paradise