We had a great sail today from St Pierre in Martinique to Portsmouth in Dominica. We logged 55nm in a 9 hour passage, averaging a little under 6 knots. We motored for several hours - an hour near the N cape of Martinique and more along the leeward side of Dominica. Otherwise it was a very pleasant sail with 15-20 knots on the beam.
There was a significant NW current in the channel between the islands. As we approached Dominica we were heading 020T and making 350T over the ground.
Zen Again Track
Zen Again Speed over Ground
We departed St Pierre at 0630 this morning. Several other boats left at the same time and others followed later.
St Pierre Departure
Clouds over Montagne Pelee (Martinique)
Dominica seems more hilly and less developed than St Lucia and Martinique. It is known for still having much of its original forest which is pretty much unique in the Caribbean.
Approaching Dominica
At anchor off Portsmouth
We arrived at Portsmouth at 1530. Several miles south of the town we were met by a man touting his tours from Portsmouth up the Indian River. He was motoring from yacht to yacht as they came north along the island coast.
Once in the bay we found an open spot in which to anchor. There is a set of year-old moorings here, installed by the Portsmouth Association of Yacht Services (PAYS). Several of the moorings are now sunk but the others appeared to be all in use. We anchored in 4m over weedy sand.
As we got the boat shipshape another launch approached and the gentleman introduced himself as one of the PAYS security guards. He described the services available and in particular the Sunday evening beach BBQ. We bought tickets for this evening's all you can eat and drink party. It's great that the local people have got organised and provide good services and security for visiting yachts.
Looking forward to a rum punch, a good feed and a bit of socialising this evening!
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