We chose the islands of Blanquilla and Tortuga. The Coastguards were understanding about the problem of our papers, reassuring about safety, and welcoming, with fresh fish and even...fuel for the dinghies! Cruising boats have deserted these wild, arid islands, where some good-sized crayfish were enjoyed in profusion. As for my little windsurfer with its red sail, it was used again with great pleasure, in the warm, clear waters bordering the big Heradura beach, on Tortuga. At sunset, the moment was magic! At Blanquilla, Philéas, Datura and Melodio joined us for an active stay: walks ashore, gargantuan barbecues on the beach, fishing together, burning rubbish, lengthy swimming sessions. Our paths then separated, Thetys heading north-east, to land in Les Saintes (Guadeloupe) on just one tack. Off-season, the village of Terre de Haut gave us time to get back to civilization gently. But the first boats in the Route du Rhum would be arriving soon, so we crossed the Saintes channel to reach Pointe à Pitre, where our on-board photographer banked on taking some original photos. At sea for Peyron’s arrival; it was after midnight when a halo of light approached from far away. The lights became clearer, flashing lights, navigation lights and in the middle, a flashing anchor light. We saw a ghostly sailing boat pass, briefly illuminated by the neighboring boats, at lightning speed. At the entrance to Pointe à Pitre bay, in the middle of a sea of boats, lights, cries, smoke flares, a white t-shirt, arms raised; Loick Peyron thanking everyone for this much-awaited moment here, just after midnight. The next day, the majestic Spindrift 2 crossed the line under our noses, then on the way to Martinique, we had the huge privilege of meeting Idec, then Paprec on the water, on their final leg towards the finish line. We had filled up with Rhum!”
Nathalie and Bruno aboard Thetys
www.levoyagedethetys.com
