After a wonderful week in St. Barths we watched the weather and on a glorious sunny day headed for the island of St. Christopher commonly known as St. Kitts.
Our sail across to St. Kitts - albeit long (about 12 hours) - was some of the best sailing we have had in the Caribbean. The wind was 10 - 15 knots and the seas were between 4 to 6 feet (flat calm in this part of the Caribbean).
Having sailed in this part of the Caribbean before we knew what to expect and true to form, as we approached the North end of St. Kitts the wind and seas picked up. The wind was close to 20 knots and the seas were over 6 feet. These conditions were short lived and once we cleared the end of St. Kitts, we lost the wind totally - also true to form- but not the swells.
We pulled in the jib (for non sailors the front sail) and switched to the iron tiller (for non sailors - the motor), motoring with the main up until we picked up wind again part way down the island.
Our destination was Port Zante in Basse Terre the capital of St. Kitts. In the last 15 years this port has been wiped out and rebuilt 3 times due to hurricanes. They have now constructed a man made break water to hopefully protect the Port from future Hurricanes.
They have also developed the port area to accomodate Cruise Ships. The new Cruise Ship Terminal (still under construction) includes a shopping mall, restaurants, Customs and Port Authority.
Having Customs and the Port Authority at Port Zante was a bonus for us - as what used to be a $20.00US cab ride to Customs and the Port Authority was now a 5 minute walk.
Up until 2005 the main industry of St. Kitts was sugar. In 2005 the sugar cane fields were harvested for the last time. The new industry is tourism, with the new Cruise Ship Terminal and with plans to build more resorts.
We always love visiting St. Kitts because of the friendly people and the great local produce. We enjoyed local tomatoes, cukes, bananas, oranges and pineapple during our stay. All which were delicious………..
[I tried inserting a video of our sail into the blog but it was too large - so instead I have posted the video on You Tube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYo_dWBGir0]
Next time.
Easter in St. Kitts.
The Admiral & Gilligan