December - 2 2005

December
We have had a great Christmas here in the sunshine although it was somewhat difficult to relate to the usual winter themes of snow etc. Chris left just before Christmas and Eleanor and Martin just after. We feel rather alone now but that will resolve in January when our friends Richard and Jenny come to join us for a month while we sail south.
In the three days leading up to Christmas Eve we took part in the St Lucia Sailing Club Christmas Regatta. There were two racing divisions and we joined the Fun/Cruising class where there were other issues affecting the outcome as well as racing! One the first day we raced down to Marigot Bay but the simultaneous treasure hunt required use of the dinghy to put a party ashore in Castries to collect information and objects. We won the treasure hunt and came seventh in the race, finishing fourth at the end of the day!

There followed a splendid evening of eating and drinking at JJ’s Dock in Marigot Bay where lots of people, including half the steel band, ended up in the swimming pool. After a night at anchor in the bay we raced back to the Yacht Club. The start was Le Man style with each boat sending a crew member to the dock in a dinghy. Each of these crew was given a frozen-solid tea shirt which had to be worn before the umpires allowed them to return to their boat. The wind strengthened steadily until we were beating into heavy seas with 25-30 knots - and all towing a dinghy and outboard! We finished third and that left us in third place overall.
The last day was a fancy dress parade for boats and crews. After this we finished in fifth place overall. The locals had boats covered in inflatable snowmen and reindeer... Oh yes, there was yet more partying on the last two days as well. All just great fun even though your liver may complain!

The Yacht Club starred again on Christmas Day with a banquet for forty people, both local and visiting. We had splendid company with our friends John and Maggie from Jezebel and Steve from Independent Freedom.
Some of our friends who had difficulties on passage are still arriving. Gerhard and Wilma from Aquila came in after trying and failing to cure engine cooling problems in the Caper Verdes. Jima and Jane from Lady Jane III are due any time after going to the Cape Verdes with a broken chain plate. Tamarisk arrived on time but also broke a shroud bolt.