Martinique

Back on board but still on the hard in Martinique, we need batteries so really can't cruise too far until we get them replaced. Launch on the 14th, hoping the marina in Marin can find a place for us, Seamantha and Partners are there, we are planning to have a get together for Christmas.

It has been a real treat to be in a boat yard that is concrete rather than mud! we have had plenty of squally weather, one minute it is sun and the next the wind kicks up and you have 10 minutes of POURING RAIN! But it's a "warm rain" 30C here every day, 10pm now and its a comfortable 26C.

Sammy liked the yard's 440 Ton  lift, they have two here, a 440T and a 110T.

Besides getting the boat ready we have been enjoying Martinique, love this place, France in the Caribbean. Great food, hiking, and super friendly people, very helpful, always a smile for you.

Lunch

This is France in the Caribbean. My lunch today, on Sylken Sea, still in the boat yard. but on concrete. Those of you who know, will know how sweet that is.

On to lunch, a bed of  local hydroponic lettuce in a simple lemon, olive oil, thyme, dressing (we learned this from Nicole while in France).

Lettuce: Martininque
Lemon: Espansa
Trout fume: raised in Espansa, Fume en FR
Cantalope: Martinique
grating of black pepper, say bon! say tres simple.

All Wrapped Up

Well we are done for the season, Sylken Sea has been wrapped and stored. We are back home for the summer, and we have a busy summer planned! It will fly by and the next thing we know we will be heading back to Sylken Sea and Martinique.

On the "Hard "

Hauled in Le Marin, Martinique,  shrink wrap guys have the webbing in place, very efficient yard. We are stored on concrete. Nice.

Diamond Rock

This is an awesome rock formation for all you  geology types, I think a plutonic plug? Jim, Steve, your thoughts? Definitely of young volcanic origin.

At Anchor, Martinique

Ste. Anne anchorage,  yes it is a busy place, we anchor way out, lots of boats still but spread out so you have enough privacy,  clear water, nice breezes.

Windlass Part 3

The angle drive had worked lose, same as previous. This time I had the proper degrease cleaner and proper Loctite and Permatex sealant/thread locker on board.  Again text and voice coaching from Scotty  (Scott Wiley Marine Services) and we had this puppy apart, cleaned up, reassembled and ready to install. 

I must admit, the inner workings of this winch are impressive, looks very robust to me.

Dead in the water at sea?

I always wondered how the  boat would behave in a sea of 4-5', with a total loss of power.  Surprisingly quite well. We tested Sylken Sea during our fishing trip. We intentionally shut the boat down and did some drift fishing in 4-5' seas. The sail boat crowd did not even flinch.  For us it was like Bequia and Friendly bay at anchor when the swell moves in.

Cooking Lessons

Thanks to John & Paulette while at dinner at Marsala Bay in Marigot St. Lucia we get invited to join the chef, Neeranja in  the kitchen the next day, this is a working restaurant,  we are in their kitchen,  learning three amazing "sauces"  that combine to make many northern Indian dishes. Thanks to all the staff at Marsala Bay!!

Windlass Part 2

With some help from DeBond and some long range coaching from Scotty we got this bad boy free from the deck. Now tear down, reassemble, and fingers crossed back in business.