SV Erica's travels: Martinique (Island of flowers) (18th November to 26th November)

On the 18^th of November we set sail from St Lucia for Martinique 23nm to the north. What should have taken us 4 hrs took us near 8hrs as we had big seas, rolling swells and 20-25knots of wind coming from where we needed to head! This yacht sailed past us plunging into the troughs and leaping over the waves

We have now completed the most difficult sailing as Martinique is the northern most island in the chain of Windward islands. From here we head slightly west which will mean more pleasant sailing through the Leeward islands.

Volcanic in origin, Martinique suffered a catastrophic eruption of Mt Pelee in 1902. This completely destroyed the city of St Pierre. The Atlantic side of this mountainous and lush island is rugged and rough while the west coast is sheltered with lovely beaches and pretty anchorages.

We checked in at Le Marin in the south.

The French Immigration and customs always make it easy for yachties...Computers available to fill out the necessary details on one page and no stamp in the passport! No carbon paper in triplicate, no waiting and pleasant officials. After such a pleasant arrival we looked around the boutique shops and drooled over the fishing and diving shop where we bought lures, hooks and diving boots. We have never seen such variety and choice anywhere we have travelled. Practicing my schoolgirl french we ordered Pizza and beers and enjoyed the evening people watching.

The Pizza was the best we have ever had. The French take so much pride in their food.

The next day we shopped for groceries. A dinghy pontoon has been made to allow boaties to tie up, shop then wheel their trolleys to the dinghy.

As we have moved up through the islands we are noticing more and more wrecked boats high and dry on reefs and partly sunk boats in mangrove lagoons, a consequence of the Hurricanes that come through the Caribbean.

After catching up with fellow cruising friends we moved to St Anne, a pretty little fishing village next to a Club Med resort.

The next day after a night of rain squalls, thunder and lightening we sailed to Le Grande d'Artlet. It was a fast and invigorating sail with the wind and seas behind us. We felt sorry for a couple on their yacht bashing into it from the other direction

Moorings were provided free so we tied up and headed ashore in the kayak to explore ending up at a beach side cafe for a couple of Heinekens and internet.

This wee bird was keen for refreshments too

The Bay is full of cray pots and we watched these fisherman baiting the cage with Baguettes!!!

We arrived at Fort de France on Saturday 22nd November and anchored off the city centre and Fort St Louis

Although the largest city in the French West Indies, Fort-de-France still retains its old quarter with its narrow streets and wrought-iron balconies. Best known for being the birth place of Josephine, wife of the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The city occupies a site on the northern side of a large bay on the west coast of Martinique.
We went ashore to sight see but it was gloomy and raining. It didn't stop this band from playing though

On the 24^th of November we headed for St Pierrre which is the northern most port to check out from.

We enjoyed partaking in the french cuisine and exploring the town with many reminders of the volcanic eruption of Mt Pelee in 1902 killing 30,000 residents.

We snorkelled over a statue in the bay of a mythical mermaid-like being. The head and tail were visible but the body was buried under the sand. Cathy looks like she's trying to mimic it!