The Windward Islands
02 June 2010 | Fort de France, The Capital of Martinique
Dominica to Martinique
After rolling all night in Dominica, we decided to sail past St. Pierre, Martinique. Our thought was that it looked to be another anchorage with the tendency to roll. We were having such a great sail, more like cruising and decided to push onward and get to Fort de France. We sailed all the way and reached Fort de France just before sunset. The Q flag was hoisted and check in would be tomorrow.
The check in was at the marine store in town, a short walk to the left of the dinghy dock, so it was a breeze. Being a French Island, we both could venture into town, get on the computer and check in and out, all on the same day. You gotta love the French Islands for their easy, efficient check-in and out procedures.
While at the marine store, we discussed bottom paint with the owner and he gave us a good deal on Micron 66. We have to re-apply bottom paint soon because the Interlux CSC that was sold to us in Canada is not holding up.
We spent the day walking the city in the heat. They said it was hotter than normal. It's an old, very french creole style that I imagine New Orleans to be like. The buildings were all attached, two or three stories high and all with balconies. The streets were very narrow, only one way traffic and the sidewalks were only one and a half feet wide.
The central Rue de la Republique is blocked off to cars and has been turned into a pedestrian street, where there is a lot of hustle and bustle. We toured the sites listed on the walking tour and the first day just took it all in. I have to mention that there is a 350-foot dinghy dock . . Obviously a yacht friendly anchorage.
Early Friday morning, we ventured back to the main market. We were told that it is best on Friday and Saturday. Most people there were locals buying their weeks vegetables and like usual, some items were priced but many were not. Marg watched for the reactions from local women as they asked for prices. You can tell a lot from their reaction whether or not to make the same purchase. At first it was overwhelming with all the chaos, but once we started making purchases, we got into the rhythm of things and came home with a large bag full of fruits and vegetables. Marg bleached washes everything just incase of infestation of cock roaches and the like and before anything is brought aboard, the cardboard packaging is removed. I usually have a beer and a swim because I'm soaked right through from the days adventure.