Time to cast off from Martinique, direction Guadeloupe. 70 nautical miles. Just a little too long to cast off and arrive in daylight. So we decided to go for an overnight sail - a first in a while! - with the perk that we wouldn't get any spoilers on the island of Dominica, located in-between, and that we are planning to save the visit for our friends from Berkley will be here, in a week or so.
So, with no further adue, we paid our goodbyes to Martinique and glided over the calm water...
... not without taking in the views of the impressive Montagne Pelée once last time.
The sunset to the West...
... replaced by a full Moon rising in the East, giving us almost as much light as in full daylight.
The sail towards Dominica was pleasant, but as soon as we reached the lee of the island, the wind died out. We were not in a hurry and persevered to get the 2 knots boat speed the wind would grant us. Sometimes more and sometimes less. But less is nothing and after more than two hours watching the lights of Roseau, we needed a change of scenery! We motored for an hour before finding another patch of light air.
After only giving in twice for an hour of motoring, we finally got our of the lee of Dominica and in the channel towards Guadeloupe and the archipelago of Les Saintes, South of the main island, our destination.
With the first lights, the boat slowly awakes... A touch of breakfast, a beautiful light to observe the flying fish gliding in the morning...
... and a time to say goodbye to our good friend, the Moon. You make a night sail so much easier!
Half an hour to 45 minutes after the first lights, the sun eventually show its face...
... and with it, Guadeloupe, in a pleasant breeze. Land oh!
The last hours to Les Saintes felt disproportionately long. I guess you can see land from quite a distance and it does mean the trip is over... but with good podcasts, no crew can't get over anything.
After navigating between the islands of Les Saintes, we reached Gros Islet. The anchorage by the inhabited island is not recommended in normal trade wind conditions, but with more calms coming, it was our chance! The reward? Beautiful water for a dip! Welcome to Guadeloupe!
March 2o23