Gustavia, St. Barts
After crossing the Anegada Passage during the night Sea Cloud II turned into the Anguilla Channel between Anguilla and the island of St.Martin/St.Maarten sailing east to catch favourable winds for a morning sail to St. Bartholomew, better known as St.Barts. As the wonderful ship turned west with the Trade Winds behind her, the agile crew climbed into the rigging and set the sails. Islands hovered on the horizon: St.Barts and her out islands of Isle Foucheur and Roche Table were off the port bow, the hazy outlines of St. Eustatius and Saba ahead and St. Martin/St.Maarten and her off island of Tintamarre to starboard. Guest lecturer Lennox Honychurch gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Indigenous Amerindians of the Caribbean as we turned south towards the harbour of Gustavia, the main town of St.Barts. Anchoring in the lee of the island, Sea Cloud II Zodiacs ferried guests ashore through a forest of yachts at anchor and past mega yachts tied up along the waterfront. In discussion it was estimated that there was well over three hundred million dollars worth of pleasure boats in the bay!
One group went to snorkel and to get in the last swim of the cruise. Hopping onto Zodiacs heading for Anse Colombier around the western point of the island they swam by colourful reef fish and corals growing on outcrops of volcanic rocks. Others went into town to stroll along the picturesque streets with its Caribbean Creole architecture and visit the up market boutiques and to get a taste of the culture of an overseas department of France. By sunset most of our guests were on board, and at cocktails the captain gave a short farewell speech which was responded to by a cheer of approval and the raising of champagne glasses. A couple of guests opted for an elegant dinner on shore while others stayed aboard for the last evening. At midnight the anchor was up and Sea Cloud II slipped away from St.Barts and headed south to Antigua.
