"A true paradise"

The Caribbean Sea is quite something else. Friendly and caring people. Great weather. Pearl white beaches. Well assorted beachclubs on some islands. And last but not least plenty of good shopping opportunities to get what you need after the mediocre quality foodstuffs we had left from Mindelo. The days go by surprisingly fast here, especially when you don't do much.

Sunset.

The windward islands

We arrived after our crossatlantic at Sainte-Anne. A small village in a large bay in south Martinique. With a friendly local community, Tasty French bread, an active sailor-kids community and a large town square, this place became our hub for the coming months. From here we made trips to Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Guadeloupe. But we kept coming back. For maintenance on our boat at the Amel Chandlery, Shopping at 'Destrelande' (which we dubbed disneyland) and even welcoming our good friend Rick for the second time aboard!ting.

Port Elizabeth. A true holiday paradise.

From paradise to paradise, a green lush paradise, a beach paradise, a food paradise; the Caribbean is a big collection of paradises to choose from. Rick hopped aboard again! This time on the shopping paradise (Martinique), towards a beautiful cove on St. Vincent where we were woken up by two eager fishermen who caught lobster (or langoustine) by demand. This is all great until we got two small monsters on board. With Jaclyn an Rick screaming and jumping in the kitchen to prepare them, we finally got it done and enjoyed them to the fullest in Port Elizabeth. This strange pretty place offered some posh high tea and tropical fruits and overall, good food. Then back to St. Lucia where we sought adventure; we hiked unmarked territory to the most amazing vistas, A-MA-ZING! New unforgettable adventures with Rick until we had to say goodbye again, we'll sure see him again somewhere (Asia?).

When underway the entertainment lobby opens

Leeward Islands

We decided not to sail to the most southern parts of the Caribbean Sea because of the recently increasing Piracy incidents at sea, coming from Venezuela and Colombia. This was especially hard for us because two of our best friends were visiting Bonaire from the Netherlands, right at the same time we were near. But we chose for the safer alternative of crossing the Caribbean sea northbound. Which made us visit Guadeloupe twice. Once for a paint job of the hull and once to visit Filise's new friends. The paint job sucked. We put our boat in a 'box' in which we were stuck for more than a week with nearly no facilities. Fortunately, the town celebrated carnival for the whole week, so we were able to get our distraction. After Guadeloupe we visited the British virgin Islands before we left the Leeward Islands again.

The 'BVI's' at their very best

Meeting new people

On our sailtrip we've met all kinds of fun and exciting people. People that live on sailboats turn out to be of the outgoing, welcoming type. Fortunately for Filise there are also many kids living this lifestyle. With a overactive whatsapp group especially for liveaboards with kids there's always someone for her to play with (and for us parents).

Filise with her friend Lonneke messing up the artworks of a nice old lady

Just before leaving the BVIs (British Virgin Islands) we got another text message for a boat hitchhiker, they were looking for a lift to Panama, and could they bring a friend? We decided to go for it. A day later we welcomed Laure and Enzo on board; two remarkable people who found a very exciting way of living. Very close to nature, adventure and always up for meeting new people. And…Enzo was a trained chef and had worked for a Michellin restaurant in France. This trip became so epic, it was impossible to say goodbye…

Filise fishing with her favourite crew

So we said goodbye for a few days until they got us on the guestlist for an amazing festival nearby; the tribal gathering. A two week festival where tribes from around the world meet, exchange, dance, and enthusiasts are welcome too. We've met so many wonderful people at this festival which was conventiently very kid friendly. Set at a beach between palmtrees, it is probably the most beautiful spot we've ever dance to techno to.

Tribal gathering festival

After a few days of pure joy, another tearful goodbye to our friends was inevitable…

The Panama Canal

Until they helped us out one last time; to cross the canal. The canal is a milestone for all seafarers. You're assigned a specific time slot on a specific day. On that day you need 4 people to handle the lines and you are assigned a co-pilot (or; advisor). We've decided to take 4 extra people on board so we would be able to cook, take care of Filise and enjoy the experience. The few days before our date, we've met with Julian who is sailing with his wife and two kids. Interested in the procedure, he decided to help us as line handler, as did José - a super friendly Panamanian guy who helps all tourists out but had never crossed the canal himself! On the day, we left at 3 AM and met with our co-pilot who turned out to be more of a tour guide with his extensive knowledge of the canal and Panama in general, but he also had quite some jokes up his sleave. Hearing the big steel doors close behind us was an emotional moment, one part of the trip officially over, the distance to friends and relatives longer than ever.

The locks to the Pacific Ocean, where our next adventure lies

The day was beautiful and emotional and ended with the last locks towards the Pacific. These locks also had an enormous audience! With people cheering us on, waving and taking pictures, the opening of the locks towards the Pacific felt like a celebration. Which we did, with champagne and drinks and food, and music. What a memorable day.

Farewell.

24th Apr 2024