On the 11th we left Anse Mitan and headed south to Marin in south Martinique. The first half of the trip was a reach and the second was slow motoring head to wind in about 22 knots. Marin is the home of one of the largest yacht centers and marinas in he Caribbean. The harbor or Cul-de-sac as it is known has at least a thousand sailboats anchored or moored in it. We do not plan to make any water in here, yuk! The harbor is surrounded by all sides and is one of the few hurricane holes in the Caribbean. Almost a quarter of these boats look close to sinking and serve as floating homes. This town seems to be the epicenter of the stereotypical single shirtless french sailor out of funds looking for their next big break after crossing the Atlantic in a small aluminum boat. Some of these guys have approached Amy looking for crew gigs to neighboring islands. There are stores and services everywhere and that is why we are here. We have been having textbook rolls on our liesurefurl main but in route from Guadeloupe to Martinique we experienced another rip in the bolt rope of the luff. Voile Caraibe Martinique, the largest sail loft in the Caribbean is located in Marin and they took the main yesterday for repair. Jim’s current theory is that the halyard winch is too fast and it does not allow the luff to straighten at the battens before entering the track. Going forward Jim will stand at the gooseneck when the main is going up/down to watch for problems and Amy will operate the winch button. Jim is going to the loft as they repair it tomorrow. Amy is still having fun practicing her french while shopping. We have found hardly any English speakers in Martinique which makes it all the more exotic and mysterious. The wind has been whipping in 20’s the last few days and our anchor is holding great so we are in a good spot for now.
