Posted 15 March by Dale Ross of S/V Wahoo

We were in the SXM area for about 6 weeks starting Nov 12, 2014. We arrived on the Dutch side and cleared into the lagoon for about a week prior to going around to Marigot Bay. We didn’t use the lagoon-channel to the French bridge as the markers are no longer there after hurricane Gonzalo. We noticed some boats were braver than us.

Once in Marigot, we cleared in using the computers at Fort Luis Marina. The Customs/Immigration office at the ferry dock is no longer functional. It’s $20/ week to anchor in Marigot Bay. We found it a little rolly but the holding was good. Christmas winds were blowing so I thought this was a good test of the bottom and our anchor.

We found the best WiFi was available from Chippie, but don’t expect any help getting the sim installed into your mobile hotspot. Chippie worked pretty well throughout the island except in Grand Case. In Grand Case, the restaurants will give you their password when you eat and don’t mind if you use it on your boat.

Best laundry was in Marigot at Shrimpy’s. He also does a morning VHF net at 7:30 on Channel 10. He’s helpful in every way.

We found it safe – though we did lock our dinghy whenever we went ashore and raised it every night. During the day in Marigot we used the dinghy docks near the town market, but if we went out to eat at night we used the docks in Port Royale Marina and ate along the waterfront there. No problem at all in Grand Case.

Twice we stayed in Fort Luis Marina to pick up and drop off friends. They are very helpful in getting you moored stern-to. There is free WiFi in their office but if you want it on your boat there’s a fee. Chippie didn’t work in the marina. We also went in for fuel and water even when we weren’t staying there.

We also needed dental work done, my Capt ended up needing a crown. Found a good dentist in Marigot, very happy with the price and the work is done. All in all a good time both for us and our (first time sailing) friends who came for a 10 day holiday aboard.

Dale Ross

S/V Wahoo