The weather has been a bit nasty overnight and even this morning. Frequent rain squalls and blustery. We wait for a gap in the rain to bring up the anchor and head out. We leave about 8 am. The wind in the St. Vincent channel between SVG and St. Lucia is supposed to be strong this morning so we wanted to wait for it to die down a bit but we can’t delay too long or we will be late in St. Lucia.

As predicted, the wind at the top of St. Vincent is quite strong, blustery and the seas are fairly rough. Gusts to 30 kts at times. It becomes more stable as we put water between us and the big island.

We put some more sail out and soon are averaging over 5 kts which is comfortable and we are both happy with that. We underestimate the lee helm from the wind and current though and by the time we are approaching St. Lucia I reckon we are 1-2 nms west of where we really want to be. Nothing for it but to put the motor on and head into the bay “between the Pitons”, we can’t sail that tight to the wind as it is coming right off our nose.

We bring the sails in and the last 3 nms are pretty easy ride in, just rollers coming in on our right.

We have arranged for Jahleel to meet us and sure enough he comes out as we approach. Takes us to a mooring ball that is owned by the park rangers. It’s quite a nice spot, right below Gros Piton.

It’s 4 pm when we’re moored, too late to go to customs, will have to wait for the morning. We talk to Jahleel about some excursions, I think he thinks we’re millionaires. He wants EC$350 for a water taxi and land taxi to the Gros Piton hike, which includes a stop at the water fall and mud bath. The hike itself costs at least US$100.

We’ll see. My right foot is killing me, don’t know why.