My first three weeks in St.Laurent du Maroni I spent in the hospital as I arrived suffering from a burst appendix and peritonitis.

David, who runs the mooring field and bar of the “Friends of the Nereid’s Rally” couldn’t have been more helpful in getting me to the hospital immediately (despite being rushed off his feet catering for all the needs of this year’s rally which was on its way up river at the time). I was very lucky the hospital was so convenient and I could get there so easily and quickly, also the surgeon and nurses and everyone took great care of me. They saved my life.

David’s strategically placed cafe/bar on the waterfront (yards from the dinghy dock) was the perfect place for my husband (John) to hang out watching the tide roll in while I was safe in the hospital recovering from the surgery and being pumped full of antibiotics. The bar/cafe has a lovely atmosphere with tables outside in the shade of a giant mango tree and the Italian coffee and ice creams are awesome (and they serve beer and sandwiches). The waterfront area around the marina is very popular among locals and there’s always a lot going on in the evenings. There’s a fantastic swimming pool, big play area for kids, nice walkways along the waterfront with benches and picnic tables.

Our boat was at anchor because of our tight budget, but David encouraged John to take one of his moorings and offered a big discount because of our situation. John had been having constant problems with the outboard (dirty Brazilian gas?) and being on a mooring buoy made it much more convenient to get ashore, especially now that I was back onboard and would be a semi-invalid for some weeks to come.

So two and a half months later John and I kind of feel almost as if St.Laurent is our home now. This international French town is full of history. You don’t have to speak French to have a good time here. People are very friendly and say “bonjour” on the street. There’s a big produce market every Wednesday and Saturday and also a huge supermarket nearby. Everything you need is within walking distance of the dinghy dock and David is always available with help and advice whether you’re using his moorings or at anchor. He can take care of all formalities, laundry, transport, and loads of other stuff. Also, the WiFi is excellent.

I count myself lucky that I experienced my medical emergency here in friendly St.Laurent and that I had the help and support of David and the “Friends of Nereid’s Rally” association.

Suzanne Dyer

Yacht Demara of Penzance

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