Martinique

January 15th

I added Fergus to the crew list, checked us out and we headed out to anchor for the night off Pigeon island. our intention was to wear the big Scotsman out by taking him walking after taking him swimming! Took the dinghy to Spinnakers for lovely dinner (although Malc and Ferg were very boring company talking bout the good ol' days and all that bollocks!!)

January 16th

Up at dawn, well 7am if you want to be specific - which in my book is much the same. Fergus went for a swim then sailed for Bequia. Wind variable and did 2 hrs motoring and arrived at Cumberland Bay by nightfall . Met by Carlos. Skipper Dom is rather grumpy . Fell asleep twice behind wheel and discovered in this state by Carlos. Expected to be keelhauled or flogged but instead he came up and threw the Jaffa cakes up, up and overboard. He alleged he was just passing them over. 

Ah well, early to bed. and let me tell you I slept well. Up in the Am, generating at 7.00am. 

January 17th 

Crew continue to be idle, am not a happy chappy. I am up at 6.30 - starting the generator and preparing for sea. Malc and Fergus swimming and what a sight for sore eyes that is. Sailing down to Bequia - very  nice as usual lack of wind.

Arived in Bequia - crossed customs and as efficient as usual. If only all the others were this good! 

I cooked roast lamb for supper as boys had gone walkabout -  also invited Johan and Anders who were both on good form as usual. Retired early as tired from today's early start. Am keen looking forward to the quiet life again... not sure when and if it will arrive. Hey ho. 

January 18th 

Went swimming and my dose of Interneting. Bought some  whales teeth - may come in useful at a later date. 

January 19th

Celebrated Cherry's birthday by going for a sail. Presents of T-shirts from Dom and Fergus complete with a picture of the fabled yacht. Went diving with Fergus and then to lunch . Had a birthday bash with Phil and Jill of Deliverance. Alan and Mary from Scotland were there also. Both Mary and Dom had a birthday cake made.

Sangria and then ashore for dinner. To bed for 11pm - Dom out at Norwegian boat West Eagle with Fergus 'till early doors. D also met up with Jen Big Boat and her crew and guest for a 'couple' of drinks.  Dom in good form . Has  given up drink and fatty foods. Exercise next he says. 

January 20th 

Allowed Malcolm the privaledge of  a long lie in order that  he did not experience the ol' post birthday grumpyness. Up in the morning doing some shopping and chandlery visiting as keen to fit our new gas solenoids as we cant be bothered having to turn the gas on at the bottles. No real luck though as I could not locate the exact fittings. Malcolm being particularly  idle at the moment as has no energy to assist in plumbing in our new deck speakers bought last week in Martinique. On to the beach in the afternoon for snorkelling met up with Rode Orm and later Oddesey. Back on board for Bolognaise with Malc and Fergus.

January 21st

 Left Bequia and moved to Mustique through the usual storms and choppy weather. Major sail of about 5 miles. Picked up mooring and enjoyed beers costing 10 dollars each. Spoke to ARC yachts on SSB. Long discussion over bottle of rum with Dom then all 3 to Firefly to squander money left . Retired to bed drunken at 1am .Failed again to fit speakers or gas solenoid. Noticed leak in dinghy and that the self steering's falling apart.