Author Archives: juliansmart

“We can snorkel that wreck once it’s sunk a bit.”

Posted on April 5, 2015 by juliansmart

“We can snorkel that wreck once it’s sunk a bit.” James’ response to a pan-pan exchange between the US Coastguard and the local search and rescue, hearing that the occupants are walking ashore and the vessel is taking on water.

Posted in 2014-2015 a family adventure, Caribbean, Destinations, Other VIs | 2 Comments

Bowing out of the British VIs with a birthday bang

Posted on April 4, 2015 by juliansmart

Best-of-the-best beach, birthday and buddies – Chili’s birthday, Jost van Dyke and Sandy Cay, with one of our last opportunities to celebrate en masse. Au revoir to Chili, Morning Haze, 99 Bottles and Katyna (thank you for the thoughtful gift … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014-2015 a family adventure, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Destinations | 1 Comment

Gaining on the BVIs’ roundabouts!

Posted on March 31, 2015 by juliansmart

A week into our stay in the British Virgin Islands and our initial reservations have been swept away by superb snorkeling in piratical locations, natural adventure playgrounds, relaxed beach clubs with decent food, uncrowded anchorages with perfect beaches, a seemingly inexhaustible … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014-2015 a family adventure, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Destinations | 5 Comments

Overrated? Maybe not, but definitely overpopulated.

Posted on March 19, 2015 by juliansmart

We (still) have high hopes of the British Virgin Islands. After rushing past St. Barts to get to St. Maarten from Barbuda, we were looking forward to getting away from it all again. Quiet wilderness, unspoilt nature, pristine beaches and marine … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014-2015 a family adventure, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Destinations | 4 Comments

Heineken Cup – racing with Phaedo at St. Maarten’s Heineken Cup regatta

Posted on March 9, 2015 by juliansmart

Well actually competing in CSA4 so not quite in the same league as the Brian Thompson / Michel Desjoyaux dream team rocket ship , the gunboats and the Volvo 70s like Monster Project, more of a scratch crew really, composed of mates … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014-2015 a family adventure, Destinations, Racing, St. Maarten | Leave a comment

No shortage of sand here

Posted on March 3, 2015 by juliansmart

Nor of turtles, wind, miles and miles of deserted beach, and frigate birds. The only downside is the underwater visibility, rendering snorkeling less than amazing even where surrounded by protective reefs. Barbuda stands in marked contrast to Antigua. Only 40m … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014-2015 a family adventure, Barbuda, Caribbean, Destinations, Life on board | 3 Comments

MORE family time!

Posted on February 21, 2015 by juliansmart

This time in Les Saintes, Guadeloupe. Les Saintes: French food quality. Mediterranean style. Reasonable prices. No hassle. Laid back vibe without too many tourists. Crystal clear water with great snorkeling. No wonder we stayed for several days longer than we planned … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014-2015 a family adventure, Caribbean, Destinations, Guadeloupe | 2 Comments

“We could have a pet!”

Posted on February 17, 2015 by juliansmart

Parents expect this sort of nonsense from their children at Christmas, less so on arriving in a new Caribbean harbour. Skippette’s roast chicken (there is none better, as some of you will know and none of you should doubt!) is a … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014-2015 a family adventure, Caribbean, Life on board | 1 Comment

Welcome to Antigua!

Posted on February 16, 2015 by juliansmart

Longest clearance ever? The sail up from Deshaies in Guadeloupe went to plan – plenty of fish biting our hook, followed by a breezy if variable easterly to reach up to Antigua. Arriving in the natural harbour used by the … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014-2015 a family adventure, Caribbean, Destinations | 1 Comment

Family time in Martinique

Posted on February 4, 2015 by juliansmart

Two weeks of easy-paced family time either comfortably ensconced in Le Marin marina or anchored in front of the beach in St. Anne where the children enjoyed a few nights in bricks and mortar with their grandparents and cousin. Many (if … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014-2015 a family adventure, Caribbean, Destinations | 1 Comment