I have decided to use the mailasail blog for future notes as I am able to update without a broadband connection which I can't do with blogger.com and now Chris has downloaded a program where I can reduce photo's to put on site I am raring to go! first post is is ready to view. x

http://blog.mailasail.com/sulayacht

The stress I am under trying to complete the blog pages before we leave for Dominica and who knows when the next broadband connection!! Having scrubbed the hull we are now ready for departure and a speeding sail.

We have now moved on to Martinique anchored up at a small village called Anse Mitan which is three miles across from the main port of Forte de France. We took a ferry ride there yesterday and spent all day trying to find Customs & Immigration to clear in, it being Friday afternoon and Martinique being very French and proud of it (so don't speak English) after five hours and two taxi rides we gave up and returned to the Forte de France where we headed for the chandlers to drown our sorrows and found that you (Sharon, while Chris did some retail therapy) could clear customs using a terminal in the shop! Our fault for being too mean to buy an up to date pilot book. The town has a very French feel about it and Chris could quite enjoy the cafe society, sitting at a pavement bar watching the very beautiful and chic local ladies parade (well some of them, no sour grapes there then). Today we are going to explore the village of Anse Mitan, by land, as so far we have just had a trip around in the dinghy the water is beautifully clear and so warm even Chris does not need to wear a suit and I demand at least one snorkel a day! Beautiful fish and coral trying to keep a diary of what we have seen, when we master the camera mask we will post some pictures, thanks Midge!

We have now fixed the wind generator which together with the solar panels gives us enough power to cool my G&T and keep some fans on at night to keep the boat cool, although sleeping in the cockpit is no hardship. Hope you are all keeping warm and well.

Our next stop will be Dominica where I hope to post more pics. xxxx

Tim and John departing a final crew photo

Christmas St Lucia style xx

No Scurvy on this boat The last orange Now how does this microwave work

The only fish caught and the only flying fish on deck~!! Bread for the fish

Last night before arrival Finish line Arrival St Lucia!!!!

St Lucia

Wednesday 11th January

Have been trying to upload some photographs with limited success!! So thought I better let you know where we are and what is happening with us.

Since our last post of we sailed to South to Bequia which is a small Island South of St Vincent, not even named on most large scale charts and here we celebrated New Year. We anchored in Admiralty Bay and were entertained by a spectacular display of fireworks from the harbour. We then moved around the Island to Friendship Bay where the Christmas presents were tried and found to be working, have underwater photographs of the snorklers! Then as planned back to St Lucia in time for Maris and Sue to leave for the UK.

Chris and I had a couple of days in Vieux Fort and then a cracking sail back to Rodney Bay where we are waiting for the repairs to the wind generator. Yesterday we took a tour of the island in company of friends we made during the Arc trip, a very good day, hopefully the repairs will be completed by the weekend and then we move North to Martinique and beyond.

As you can guess we have no firm plans yet but were somewhat surprised to realise on 8th Janaury, that we have been away from home for six months and while I am missing family & friends we are not missing the winter weather you are experiencing. So while the adventure continues for us, please all keep warm and well.

xx

Opening Ceremony Las Palmas Crew Clean and ready for action Departing Fleet