I had major repair work carried out in Marin by Techni Marine Services and was satisfied with the work done. It involved removal of the keel,(we hit a whale in the Atlantic crossing), substantial grinding and re-lamination work and removal of the mast.

I can’t imagine getting this work carried out anywhere else in the eastern Caribbean, to be honest. The People involved at Techni Marine and Carentilles – the Boatyard – were professional and courteous. With the Euro being strong it is expensive, but for peace of mind of a good job done, it is worth it.

Techni Marine Services – Contact: Jean Luc Le doux. E-mail: tmsmartinique@hotmail.com. Tel: 0696 258 479. Fax: 0596 68 74 22

If you need a lift out and antifoul, it’s much cheaper to go to Rodney Bay, St. Lucia.

I would go to GRP pro-clean for hull polishing/cleaning. GRP Proclean is a franchise which started in the UK. It is a mineral based formula for cleaning hulls.

www.tiponton.com is an excellent guide specifically for sailors in Martinique (French & English).

If one needs work is done on a boat (in Martinique) first consult a surveyor (“expert maritime” in French), such as:

Frederic Morel

E-mail: morel.expert.maritime@wanadoo.fr

Tel: +596 696 252088

He speaks good English.

NB. Martinique phone no.s are a little confusing as you have to add +596 country code and then the local number which also starts with 596. So one would dial +596 596 (number) or +596 696 in the case of mobile no. If you buy a phone sim card in one of the other east Caribbean islands, the supplier (either Digicel or Cable and Wireless) should set it to roaming, otherwise, it won’t work in Martinique or Guadeloupe.

Telecoms are improving fast but are not as good as the UK and it can prove frustrating when trying to phone home or arrange travel etc.

For car hire, Bichik Services are very reasonable.

Sean Fuller