Holding seems to be good all around the bay but it is remarkable how few boats show an anchor light at night. Also an alarming number of people anchor in the channel leading to the marina entrance. The channel into the marina itself is interesting as it creates a classic Venturi effect and it can be impossible to row against the wind.

Landing on the beach is not for the faint-hearted. Check it out shore side before you try. The yacht club is a good vantage point from which to view the breakers and you will be made welcome there.

The marina does not respond to channel 68 as advertised. Indeed, it can be difficult to raise them on channel 16 and after making contact it is very easy to lose them again. Perseverance is essential. The marina is modern, brilliantly put together with lots of bars and cafes to suit every taste. Try the Boardwalk between 17:00 and 18:00 for beers at EC$4 each.

All boats at anchor are welcome to use the dinghy dock in the marina which is fully serviced and has virtually every sort of back up. You may want to anchor in the inner lagoon which is at the center of everything and has the advantage of being free but under pain of death do not pick up or obstruct a fixed mooring.

Alwin Agustin has a particularly good reputation as a diesel mechanic. Also “Chinaman” for stainless steel welding. The marina will put you in touch with either. Ian Cowan at Island Waterworld is exceptionally helpful. Of less help is Liferaft and Inflatable Center Ltd. Reports of enormous bills are legion. Get a written estimate before you commit to anything.

Mobile phones need you to dial all the local codes before using the local 7 digit number. So before the number, you must put 001 758 – then the seven-digit local number.

Anthony Swanston

sv Wild Fox