Thanks, but no thanks…

White sandy beaches. Azure waters. Coconut trees. Nothing more enticing than the Caribbean dream. The dream would undoubtedly become reality for a holiday maker. But not for us, cruisers. 

The Caribbean cruising reality is completely different. The picture is unappealing…Crowded anchorages. Stinking Sargasso infested waters. Lack of meaningful human connection. Drugs. Devastated islands. Derelict boats. Theft. Overpriced. Hurricane threats. Definitely not a place for us or Mehalah. 

Once back in the Caribbean Islands, being reminded of an ever deteriorating cruising reality, we were chuffed to have had abandoned our initial plan of spending another sailing season in the Caribbean, but sail to Europe instead. 

Understandably, we wanted to keep the cruising magic alive and postpone our return to Europe. Not at all cost, though!

Nevertheless, reaching the Caribbean, and more specifically Martinique, was a milestone we dreamed of for the last 7 years. 

There we were at last, approaching Martinique. It was an emotionally charged moment. With much joy, gratitude and pride, we crossed our outbound track from Europe to close the loop sailing around the world. It took a great deal to make our dream come true. Was it worth it? Hell, yeah! Would we do it again? Hell, no!

7 years at sea, sailing more than 36,000 nautical miles, crossing 3 oceans, making landfall in 33 countries across 6 continents. Countless sleepless nights. Many bottles of rum. Surviving Covid and a cyclone in NZ. Losing Ana’s father whilst in lockdown in NZ. The Captain getting arrested in Sydney Harbour. Recording negative speeds in current swept Indonesia. A tropical depression crossing the Indian Ocean causing 13 days and nights of short handed steering. No rally. No crew. No sailing buddies. No flights to Europe.

For 7 years just the 2 of us and Mehalah.

There we were at last. Back in Martinique. Along with our feelings, we were carrying with us some hidden scars, both of physical and mental nature. What we have achieved is extraordinary. But, we had to pay a price.

We couldn’t have been happier crossing that outbound track  We realised our dream of sailing around the world. Moreover, along the way, we took the time to immerse in uniquely diverse cultures. We travelled deep within. We stretched our limits beyond imagination. 

We were now back to a known place for the first time in 7 years! It felt good. Refreshing. Reassuring. 

It was amazing to realise how over the last 7 years, and perhaps the entire life, our instincts drove the right decision, taking us to the right places for us. Martinique, our chosen location to make landfall after our first ocean crossing was one of these happy places. 

We only truly realised what a special island Martinique was after sailing north from Trinidad along the southern Caribbean Islands. Current swept, these not only offer very little protection to anchored boats, but they offer little protection to sailors too. 

Unbound drug consumption leads to all sorts of crime, from petty theft to more serious offence. Sadly, Sorin’s mobile was stolen in Trinidad, whilst Mehalah was on the dry overnight and we were busy working. This created a great deal of inconvenience, further complicating our already complicated life.

Being away for 7 years takes a toll. We are now looking forward to being back and bring our affairs in order once again. 

Old continent here we come!