We are fairly OK, the Fridge /freezer part has been replaced with a new system and the smaller Fridge at the back is now working again as a spare & for when we defrost the freezer. (just over £1000) St Maartin only has one place to refill gas bottles and we were fairly sure we were nearly out so went to have ours refilled only to find that their nozzle to refill European bottles at the shop has bust so more expense since we don't know if the USA (Virgin Islands) will refill it either. That's the job for today.
We had a brilliant outcome to the old outboard situation. The old Yamaha was near death and I drew the line and said to Malcolm let's get a replacement. We decided on a Tohatsu 9.8 and got it from the guy who does the sailors net here, Mike (very reputable). Well he said he would do an oil change but he is old and forgot so Malcolm took the engine out at his place to remind him when he wanted to replace the slightly worn propeller. Next thing is the replacement prop doesn't fit and doesn't look anything like the old one.... so Malcolm borrowed Mikes dinghy and takes both to Budget Marine where the sales guy finally sees the problem - we actually have an 18 H.P. With a 9.8 sticker on the back!!!!! This is great since anything over a 15 H.P. will get stolen so once again we are safe -ish.
Meanwhile we have also had time to watch the 32nd Heineken Regatta and do some of the parties afterwards with some of our friends. We get French wine here on the French side for about the same price as Ali does in France . Also fresh Baguettes and croissants too The French seem to like being part of the European community (one E =$1.32).
I have been busy making a new sun shelter for the Front end and one for over the boom, I'm using the cheap stuff I got in Morocco so don't know how long it will last. It's too windy here to try them out. I also made a wind funnel from the old canopy.
We ended up getting a second hand American gas tank from ‘Meow’ it has been filled and given a good clean and is already in service. This week has seen the end of the stronger winds and most people are taking advantage of the great sailing conditions to head onwards. Fair winds to Bellatrix, L’esprit de la Mer, and Melvin who are heading for the BVI’s. By the time you all read this we will be in San Croix (an American Island) We are setting off tomorrow afternoon since it is a 16-24 hour sail and we want to arrive on Monday if ‘Piano’ will let us! Fingers crossed….
We had a brilliant outcome to the old outboard situation. The old Yamaha was near death and I drew the line and said to Malcolm let's get a replacement. We decided on a Tohatsu 9.8 and got it from the guy who does the sailors net here, Mike (very reputable). Well he said he would do an oil change but he is old and forgot so Malcolm took the engine out at his place to remind him when he wanted to replace the slightly worn propeller. Next thing is the replacement prop doesn't fit and doesn't look anything like the old one.... so Malcolm borrowed Mikes dinghy and takes both to Budget Marine where the sales guy finally sees the problem - we actually have an 18 H.P. With a 9.8 sticker on the back!!!!! This is great since anything over a 15 H.P. will get stolen so once again we are safe -ish.
Meanwhile we have also had time to watch the 32nd Heineken Regatta and do some of the parties afterwards with some of our friends. We get French wine here on the French side for about the same price as Ali does in France . Also fresh Baguettes and croissants too The French seem to like being part of the European community (one E =$1.32).
I have been busy making a new sun shelter for the Front end and one for over the boom, I'm using the cheap stuff I got in Morocco so don't know how long it will last. It's too windy here to try them out. I also made a wind funnel from the old canopy.
We ended up getting a second hand American gas tank from ‘Meow’ it has been filled and given a good clean and is already in service. This week has seen the end of the stronger winds and most people are taking advantage of the great sailing conditions to head onwards. Fair winds to Bellatrix, L’esprit de la Mer, and Melvin who are heading for the BVI’s. By the time you all read this we will be in San Croix (an American Island) We are setting off tomorrow afternoon since it is a 16-24 hour sail and we want to arrive on Monday if ‘Piano’ will let us! Fingers crossed….
