The Garniers trip has gone in a flash, and we have loved having them. They were still smiling when they left, and tans to show off at home during the Christmas season.

We had some mixed weather with them, lovely in the BVI and then when it was time to leave for St. Martin, about 78 miles, the wind picked up and blew. We had a 17 hour marathon getting there, beating all the way in large seas. Simon looking grey and ill for the first half, and Sarah concealing her terror admirably. All helped along by listening to 'The Life of Pi' as we went, which seemed very appropriate.

St Martins is the smallest island in the world divided by two nations, French and Dutch. The Dutch bit is a mini USA, and very much caters for mass tourism, and the French is very French, delightful. Needless to say our cellar has been replenished, but we didn't find any yummy French cheeses. Giles also saw an osteopath, which has helped to ease his back problems.

We have been beset by more troubles, the generator not charging, and yet again the dinghy blowing over with the outboard on in 38 knots of wind. The latter we have resolved to put on the davits every night, and the outboard seems to be ok, but not quite the same as it was.

Anyway, we went on to St. Barts with the Garniers, which was a windy but nice sail, in reasonably protected waters. St Barts was a revelation in opulence and richesse. Every designer shop is there, making use of the tax free status, super-yachts encircle the harbour, and we felt that the hour we spent there was more than enough. It was a nauseating experience in seeing how the rich live, and relief that we didn't need it.

The next morning saw us up early, 4 am, for a start to Antigua, having spent a very windy night. By 6.30am we had cleared all shelter, and the seas were looking steep, and the wind as ever on our nose, so the general consensus was to return to St Martins, where at least we knew we could get some useful jobs done, and get the generator mended. We had a great sail back.

So Antigua was delayed, and the Garniers left us yesterday from St Martins, and Emily and Gus arrived in the morning, in typical Caribbean fashion on a flight that didn't exist!

We're hoping to get back to St Barts today, and then on to Antigua in time to collect Poppy and Ned on Wednesday.