Castries
Named after
a singularly unsuccessful Frenchman is the capital and main port of entry,
although vessels may also enter at Vieux Fort on the island's SE tip, in
Rodney Bay, and in Marigot Lagoon.
The harbor
is rather deep and has a soft, muddy bottom. Since it usually blows pretty
hard from the E, use plenty of scope. For customs and immigration, anchor
close to the large black warping buoy opposite the center of the town docks
or, if there is space, go alongside-although you may regret this, because the
yacht will soon be covered with dust and a multitude of small boys.
Customs and
immigration officials share the same office. A cruising permit will be issued,
enabling the yacht to depart without having to return to Castries for her
final clearance.
On the N
side of Castries Harbor is Virgie Cove, home of Saint Lucia Yacht Services, a
project started some 25 years ago by Bert and Gracie Granter. Bert of the
booming voice was a master Mr. Fix-it, and in the days when his work shops
were the only ones between Trinidad and Saint Thomas, we would all rush in
with our sick and stuttering Stuart Turners and bulging and bunged-up Blake’s.
But "Whiskey Hollow," as it was known among Caribbean yachtsmen, eventually
became too much for Bert, and he was forced to move to cooler, calmer climes.
Gracie, bless her heart, stuck it out until she sold out to two young American
brothers (both positively glowing with enthusiasm) and retired to peace and
quietness in England. Castries Yacht Center is also located in Virgie Cove.
They can haul your boat and do most kinds of fiberglass and mechanical work.
Both Castries Yacht Center and Saint Lucia Yacht Services can supply fuel and
water.
The Wind
wards and Lee wards Inn.
Bob
Elliot's attractive little restaurant, the Coal Pot, is opposite the marina
and is to my mind the best place to eat on the island.
Castries
has had a habit of burning down in the past and as a result is horridly modern
in appearance. There is good shopping, however. The covered market on Jeremy
Street spills out over the surrounding sidewalks and is a good place to
restock.
Minerval
and Chasternets on Bridge Street is, for the islands, a large department
store. Leave the dinghy alongside the main dock and, to be on the safe side,
engage a small boy to take care of it for you. Don't fall prey to the many
helpful types who will insist that they carry your bags, selling you ice, etc.
We arrange a 2 week
charter cruising trough the best of the Caribbean islands onboard the
sailboat Audrey
with capacity for 6 persons including: Captain and cook and all meals with
open bar. The price is $125 per person a day with a minimum of 4 persons. For
more information please contact us:
audrey@explore-yachts.com
