2024-06-16 Week at Rodney Bay, St. Lucia

We had a nice sail from St. Anne down to Rodney Bay, St Lucia.  Only one reef needed this time.   For those not familiar with sailing or Caribbean sailing, the island create wind shadows so when east of the islands, you can have 1 to 10 knots of wind, then you will approach the end of the island, the seas will build, and the winds increase significantly, and you can also have strong currents.   It pays to be ready for rough seas and high winds before getting to the open stretches between islands.    

If sailing very close to the islands, then also be prepared for strong gusts than can funnel down the valleys between the islands peaks.  Gusts near shore up to 40 knots is not unusual.

Rodney Bay is a large protected Bay, with a couple of resorts on the beach, so we do get loud music on occasion, but not bad, and generally just Friday and Saturday nights.

Not many boats here, so boats are quite spaced out.  We anchored somewhat in the middle of the bay.

Looking Southwest in the bay, more boats anchored in the south section

Looking north, a few more boats, resorts on shore, and Pigeon Island.

There is a nice walk and views from the peaks to the north on Pigeon Island.  There is a nice walk up to see the views and the remains of Fort Rodney,  but there is no place to leave the dinghy nearby - dock under construction - so will save this for next time (we did it 11 years ago with Derek)  

Looking Southeast toward the Marina entrance - A few  boats, and resort on shore

Our first order of business is always checking in.  Nice dinghy dock provided for free at Rodney Bay Marina.  Check in was easy.

Quite a few boats in the Marina - its off season so rates are cheaper

Nicely landscaped grounds by marina, with several restaurants, and a Gelato shop

The marina is inside a large protected bay.  There is a narrow entrance channel, and that is where the local fishing boats are kept.  Every time we go in, there are always guys working around the boats.

Local fishing boats in the channel leading to the protected bay.

St. Lucia is a large island with a large population that supports some "American" stores.  We took the bus (van) for $2.25 EC per person (less than $1) south about 4 miles to a bulk food store, similar to Costco, but smaller and no membership.    

The Massey Mega Store - half groceries, half home goods

We did not get too much, only about $150 US dollars in groceries.  Then back on the bus.  Had to cross over a pedestrian bridge to get back on the bus.  You know there is lots of traffic, and walkers if a small island puts money into something like that.

Pedestrian bridge by the Mega store.

Next day we headed in again, as there is a mall nearby with "American" stores.  We walked just a bit less than a mile down.    Kris was looking for some quick dry shorts for hiking, and some more fresh fruits and veggies.

Saw quite a few folks set up on the side of the road selling fruits and veggies

Wandered through the "malls", they were quite empty, but all the stores were open

Two malls, across the street from each other.  Empty but open.

Kris found a pair of shorts, and then we headed to the grocery store and got a few fresh items, then back to boat.    

Our friends on Hahalua are in the marina, so we stopped and visited with them briefly.  Our friends on Matcha also came into the marina  later in the week, so had a nice visit with them as well.

A trip in to get Gelato was also needed after cleaning the bottom of the boat.  The bottom paint is at the end of its life, so a twice a month scrubbing is needed to keep the growth off.   We will put on new paint in Trinidad, so only about 4 or 5 more scubbings to do.  - It is good exercise.

Will take a short island tour with our friends on Matcha on Monday, so looking forward to that.