Tag: Lesser Antilles

Chartering in Saint Lucia

Chartering in Saint Lucia

Chartering in Saint Lucia means you don’t have to be a sailor to enjoy this corner of paradise.

Asking someone to name five reasons to start chartering in Saint Lucia is like asking them to give five reasons they like dessert. I mean, what’s not to like? That said, if you’re looking for points why to choose this jewel over other places in the Caribbean, here are a few that will have you packing your bags in a hurry. Best of all, the Moorings/Sunsail base offers a selection of yachts that includes large new powercats which are becoming the fastest growing segment of charter fleets around the world.

The Practicalities

Because rum drinks and sunsets aren’t all there is to cruising, it’s best to check on the practicalities of your destination prior to departure. Consider things like the base facilities, provisioning, and selection of available yachts. IGY’s Rodney Bay Marina is one of the most attractive, safe, modern, and friendly marinas in the Caribbean. Originally constructed in 1985, this 220-slip facility offers onsite cafés, gift shop, pool, and showers. Every December, the marina hosts the finish of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers that attracts more than 250 boats and 1,200 people who have just crossed the Atlantic and are ready for a little pampering. You won’t be roughing it here, either.

Provisioning is easy with staples and delicacies available in every grocery store—there’s a large one in Gros Islet. We particularly enjoyed our time sampling the excellent restaurants of Gros Islet as well. Strolling along Reduit Beach looking for an appealing eatery, we couldn’t resist popping into the St. Lucia Yacht Club for a rum punch and the requisite hat.

Any Time’s a Good Time

Choosing the ideal time to charter is simple with St. Lucia, which is south of the typical hurricane belt. That’s not to say there is no hurricane season here; it’s just that St. Lucia is less likely to be impacted than the Leeward Islands. Our last trip that took place in the second half of October was without incident.

The weather is delightful year-round. From December to May, temperatures range from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and from June to November you can expect 75 to 95
degrees. There will be less rain in the winter, but you’ll likely experience rougher seas while Chartering in Saint Lucia. In the summertime, the ocean lays flatter and the trade winds are milder, typically around 10 knots rather than 25 knots. In other words, you can consider a charter for nearly any time of year. The payoff is that you can take advantage of shoulder seasons that offer not only lower rates, but also fewer tourists to compete with for anchorage space and restaurant times.

Stunning Vistas, Stellar Cuisine

The mere mention of St. Lucia evokes an image of the stunning Pitons, the twin conical peaks (volcanic plugs, actually) that are the iconic landmarks of this lush island. The town of Soufrière just below them is chock-full of colorful, camera-loving Creole buildings with gingerbread trim and New Orleans-style balconies. Anchor in Piton Bay to visit the village, or rent a car and drive the entire island for remarkable views and delicious cuisine that’s the best mix of French, Caribbean and Creole you will find anywhere. You’ll never want to cook on the boat.

We braved driving on the “wrong” side of the car—shifting with the left hand—and stopped off at Ladera Resort, a picturesque hotel built into the side of a mountain that overlooks the Pitons and serves inventive (if pricey) delicacies. Giant ferns and wild orchids greeted us at every stop around the island and although we ran out of time, I’m definitely returning to hike Soufrière, the extinct volcano that you can drive a rental car into. (Yes, all volcanoes in the Caribbean seem to be named Soufrière.) St. Lucia is the “honeymooners’ island,” and many people visit for strictly land-based vacations. Chartering offers an experience on both land and sea, taking paradise up a notch.

History Buffs Rejoice

Like most Caribbean islands, St. Lucia survived skirmishes between the French and English on numerous occasions. For a glimpse of this, we visited Pigeon Island, a 44-acre national landmark that is the site of the ruins of Fort Rodney. The fort was built in 1778 and named for Admiral George Brydges Rodney. In its time, the fort offered strategic views of Martinique to the north and provided the British with a peek at what the French were up to. The views of Gros Islet and the harbor below to the south are worth the climb to the top where cannons still point at the horizon, sentinels of days gone by.

Today, the site is a park with a lovely beach where one enterprising young woman cruises the shallows with her portable bar. She loads up a brightly decorated panga with fresh fruit and gallons of rum and then walks in the waist-deep water pulling the barge behind her, stopping to serve fruity cocktails to beachgoers as they lounge in the warm waves— like a St. Lucia version of UberEats.

The Perfect Jump Off Point

When chartering in Saint Lucia, you can spend an entire week along the western coastline, stopping off to snorkel at Anse Cochon or tucking into Marigot Bay with its red-topped homes and fun stores. But one of the glorious reasons to charter a powercat from St. Lucia is that you can go north to Martinique or south to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on a one-week charter and never feel rushed. (If you visit the Grenadines or Martinique, you’ll need to check in/out with St. Lucia’s Customs & Excise Department.)

Traveling at a cruising speed of 15 knots, you’ll reach Martinique’s Grand Anse d’Arlet in just three hours and enjoy bars, restaurants, and a postcard-worthy beach. Or run south
along the length of St. Vincent and tuck into Admiralty Bay on Bequia in the Grenadines in less than six hours. Catch a mooring in the bay and order up fresh baguettes to arrive via
the “bread man” the next morning. This lovely baker rows around the harbor every day at 6 AM to deliver still-warm loaves and croissants to early risers.

Turtle, Turtle

Visit the turtle sanctuary here and stroll along Belmont Walkway in search of the perfect lunch stop. Then cast off for the Tobago Cays, desert islets manned by “boat boys” who will arrange a fantastic beach barbeque on request. This is a Robinson Crusoe fantasyland that served as a backdrop for the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. Lounging on the flybridge with a chilled glass of anything, you’re bound to see turtle heads popping up all around.

Chartering in Saint Lucia means so much more than just one island, especially on a powercat, so why limit your choices? Cruise near or far and enjoy the best of the Windward Isles. I know I’ll be back for more sun, beaches, Creole cuisine, and history. After all, when dessert is as good as the best chocolate you’ve ever had, you go back for seconds.

Cruiser Resources

CURRENCY
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
(U.S. dollar widely accepted)

AIRPORT
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF)
hewanorrainternationalairport.com

MARINAS
IGY-Rodney Bay Marina, Castries
1-758-458-4892
rbm@igymarinas.com
VHF channel 16
igy-rodneybay.com
Customs/Immigration, provisioning, laundry, car rental, bank, post office, fuel, market

The Landings Resort & Spa Marina, Gros Islet
1-844-886-3762
landingsstlucia.com/marina 

By Zuzana Prochazka, Southern Boating April 2018

Guadeloupe

Picturesque villages welcome and authentic French-Caribbean cuisine lures explorers to this French West Indies island gem.

Once known to local Indians as “Karukera” (the islands of beautiful waters), Guadeloupe, the largest of the Lesser Antilles, offers a wonderful and compact microcosm of the rest of the more familiar French West Indies. Cruise among the five main islands—and a dozen smaller ones—halfway between Antigua and Dominica, and you’ll discover chic cafes and hidden beaches to rival St. Barts, a boisterous spirit that outdoes fun-loving St. Martin, and a brooding volcanic beauty wilder than Martinique.

While Guadeloupe is officially part of France and the Euro is the currency of the realm, English is not as widely spoken here as it is in her sister islands—asking someone if they speak English will be greeted with a cold look. But learn the phrase “je parle un peu francais” (I speak a little French), and, true or not, you’ll be greeted with smiles and earnest attempts to communicate. July is a great time to visit and is when locals hoist sails for a nine-day race around the archipelago in traditional sailboats.

The Guadeloupe “mainland” is really two sister islands separated by the Salty River. On a chart, the islands look like the wings of a butterfly. Grand Terre (big land) is the wing to the northeast, a relatively low island and home to Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s largest city, busiest port and the commercial heart of the island. Base yourself out of the Bas-du-Fort marina located just over a mile south of the commercial port. It’s packed with restaurants and shops, and you can explore the southern coast and its string of seaside towns. Gosier—just over three miles from the marina and where most of the luxury resorts are based—has a fun night market and well-lit Datcha Beach for an evening dip. Sainte Anne—another 10 miles further east—boasts a beautiful seafront promenade and one of the island’s prettiest and busiest white-sand beaches.

Due west across the Salty River near Pointe-A-Pitre is the rugged island of Basse Terre, the southwest “wing” of the butterfly. The island is home to the namesake capital Basse Terre town in the shadow of Soufriere, the island’s tallest volcano. Most cruisers will head further north to the Jacques Cousteau Marine Reserve near Pigeon Island—divers can hunt for his bust down around 40 feet. Another 10-mile leg will get you to Deshaies Bay, a well-protected and scenic harbor. The waterfront is packed with fine restaurants and shops and locally is famous as the tropical setting for the British detective series Death in Paradise.

Just over six miles south of the mainland are the smallest, but the most picturesque and cruiser-friendly of the islands, the lovely Les Saintes (a miniature archipelago). These eight, knobby islands were the backdrop of a ferocious four-day naval battle in 1782. The Royal British fleet pounded and then hounded 35 of France’s best ships, ultimately turning back a planned French and Spanish invasion of Jamaica. While the debate still lingers, the engagement is credited with being where the British tactic of “breaking the line” was developed—sailing right through the enemy’s guns to rout them from behind—though wind conditions may have been more responsible.

Today, except for the ridge-top ramparts of Fort Napoleon guarding the bay of Terre de Haut (the main island) and the locals’ stories of booming cannon shots on moonless nights, the ghosts of war are quiet, and one of the bloodiest naval battlefields in the Caribbean is now one of the most beautiful—UNESCO has officially designated Les Saintes Bay among the world’s most beautiful bays.

The fishing village of Le Bourg is the center of cruising culture in Les Saintes, and yachts and sailboats from all corners of the Caribbean, Latin America and the U.S. moor offshore in a bay sheltered by Goat Island, once a penal colony and way station for prisoners bound for the notorious Devil’s Island off French Guiana. The village is easily walkable and soaked in French Creole ambience—gingerbread houses spill with bougainvillea. Women dressed in traditional fire-colored Madras sell “torment d’amour” (delicious pineapple- and guava-stuffed pastries) from wicker baskets, while bare-chested fishermen in straw hats carry tuna from the dock.

A 20-minute walk—or five-minute ride in an electric car—from town along a narrow road brings you to Fort Napoleon and its impressive museum and some of the best views of the bay. More ambitious hikers can attempt The Hat—the highest point on the island—for the most panoramic views. The Hat is only a mile southwest of town as the crow flies but a steep one-hour, two-mile walk up a closed-off road, switched back road. Go early in the morning and, except for a herd of wild goats, you’ll have the summit all to yourself.

Beyond the pure beauty of the Les Saintes, cruisers are drawn by the superb cuisine. No fewer than 30 restaurants can be found in and around Le Bourg. A few minutes’ walk from the main pier is Ti Kaz La (Little House). The restaurant, owned by Philippe Dade (a former Four Seasons chef) mixes local Creole dishes—accra and octopus, which tend to be heavier—with the lighter cuisine and desserts of Metropole, France. Not surprisingly, the seafood is fresh and the wine selection is straight from Paris—the open-air dining room looks right out on the bay.

Les Saintes has plenty of pretty and secluded beaches. Run your dinghy about a mile due west of the pier—out around the prominent Sugarloaf Point—and tuck into the namesake beach, a very private, palm-shaded strand with a small wooden pier. The water is so clear you can see old landslide debris more than 30 feet down. A potentially rougher ride takes you around the south side of the island—keep your rod ready for schooling tuna as flocks of terns will point out the boiling bait balls—to Pompiere Beach on the Atlantic side. The pretty bay, also an easy walk from town, has a grove of tall coconut palms. The beach itself is soft brown sand and is fairly sheltered from the open ocean by a row of rocky islets.

“Authentique” is the word Guadeloupians use to describe Marie Galante, an island 16 miles south of Grand Terre and only slightly smaller than Martha’s Vineyard. Marie Galante even has an off-season Vineyard feel to it—small country estates are tucked among the rolling fields and empty roads. The main town, Grand Bourg, offers a small harbor and is where the inter-island ferries also dock. Nearby is the 18th-century Murat Plantation and museum. The main house sits on a hill overlooking the limestone shell of the old distillery and the ruins of a windmill. Hidden among the flamboyant trees are the rusting artifacts of the sugar age, massive iron kettles overgrown by flowers. Beyond a traditional Creole garden is a haunting reconstruction of the mud-and-wattle slave quarters. For a more personal glimpse of the past, ask around the ferry dock for Alex Brute, a farmer and sometimes cab driver who takes tourists out to his sugar cane fields in “the world’s first SUV”—a traditional bull cart drawn by Shiny and Sonya.

Locals swear the beaches are the prettiest in the archipelago, and they’re easily among the least crowded. Vieux Fort Beach is narrow and steep and has pillow-soft sand—the coconut trees far outnumber any beachgoers. Even more remote pocket beaches can be found by sailing along the wilder northeast coast where, on a clear day, you can gaze longingly at the distant shores of La Desirade, a narrow ridge of land 22 miles north, another island left for another journey.

Words & Photos By Jad Davenport, Southern Boating April 2015

St. Barth

St. Barth: Worth the trip and the budget

Although my family can hardly be included among the glitterati, enchanting St. Barthelemy—more commonly known as St. Barth—is our favorite landfall. Red-tiled roofs saunter down immaculately kept hillsides and stop just short of a stunning turquoise harbor where megayachts line the flower-bedecked quay. All manner of sailing and power vessels crowd the outer anchorages and inner mooring field for good reason: exquisite cuisine, duty-free French shops, glistening beaches, beautiful people, storybook cottages, picture-postcard scenery, and one of the safest ports in the Lesser Antilles.

Scarcely eight square miles of arid volcanic rock, the tidy, sophisticated, picturesque St. Barth is a bit of an anomaly among the islands. The buttoned-up Capitainerie keeps a sharp eye on comings and goings in the harbor, and the effective but fairly invisible gendarmes watch what happens ashore. Clearing in, despite the challenge of using a French keyboard, is a pleasantly efficient experience. A plethora of stern-to berths house superyachts just a few feet from charming downtown Gustavia, the island’s capital. Large, frequently crowded anchorages sprawl along the south side of the harbor entrance and north of the commercial pier. The most popular is northwest of Fort Oscar, an easy dinghy ride to the town quay. The inner harbor’s bow-stern mooring field is more convenient and comfortable if there is an open spot that matches your LOA. There is also side-to and stern-to dockage seaward of the mega-docks, but keep in mind that winter swells make for rolling nights aboard, which explains its general availability.

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Pretty St. Barth is that quintessential island paradise that every cruiser hopes to find but rarely does. The casual, easy-going vibe softens its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. Wander the streets of Gustavia—poke into winding alleys, climb the steep narrow roadways for birds-eye views of that magnificent harbor, and stroll the shoreline walkway that circumnavigates the main basin. Rise early for freshly baked croissants, baguettes or galettes. Provision the boat or gather a beach picnic in one of the local France-sourced markets or gourmet take-out “traiteurs.” Expect good buys on wine and liquor. For an overview of the island’s French and Dutch history visit the small, charming Municipal Museum on La Pointe next to the Town Hall “Mairie.” A hike up to Fort Gustav at the northern end of the harbor or Fort Karl at the southern end adds depth to the history lesson, along with stunning views. st-barths.com/museum

St. Barthelemy was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage and named for his older brother Bartolomeo. One hundred fifty years later, two consecutive French colonies struggled for survival, but in 1674 a band of Norman Huguenots arrived and the island was used to provide services to the French pirates who were plundering Spanish galleons. Fastforward another hundred years when France’s Louis XVI negotiated a deal with Sweden’s Gustav III and traded St. Barthelemy for Gothenburg. King Gustav invested heavily in his new possession with three forts—Gustav, Karl and Oscar—guarding the newly designed town with paved streets and Euro-style stone buildings. The new duty-free trading zone brought a rush of prosperity, but by the end of the 19th century, St. Barth had been badly battered by a series of natural disasters. Oscar II could see little benefit to his predecessor’s investment and ceded the island back to France.

By the mid-twentieth century, adventurous travelers and a few uber wealthy Americans led by David Rockefeller had discovered this quiet backwater. As tourism gradually became St. Barth’s financial engine, the citizenry protected the island’s uniqueness by enacting zoning regulations that discouraged high-rises and large resorts. Together with Guadeloupe, St. Barth was once a full-fledged department (province) of France, but on July 15, 2007, the local citizens voted to become an almost-autonomous Overseas Collectivity with a Territorial Council, President and representative in the French Senate.

Nevertheless, it still feels French, and except for the 14 spectacular sand beaches that ring the island, it could be a quiet stretch of the Cote d’Azure—topless sunbathing is standard, nudity less so. Be sure to tote an umbrella, because shade is elusive on almost all St. Barth sand and a chair/umbrella rental can be hard to come by—for that elusive shade, try Flammand, a long, wide stretch of silky soft sand. Shell Beach is a short walk from the Gustavia docks and sports a popular lunch spot, weekend festivals and tiny pink shells. Pebbly Public Beach offers convenience off the northern anchorage near the commercial pier and is littered with Optis and Lasers. The other beaches require a car. For surfing, try Lorient or Anse des Cayes. Corossol’s beach is tiny and rocky, but the allure is a glimpse of a small fishing village, where some of the old Norman and Breton ways continue. Be sure to visit the Inter Oceans Museum (Museum of Shells).

A couple-hundred couture and pret-a-porter shops edge Gustavia’s duty-free harbor—think Hermes, Cartier and Louis Vuitton. For luxury goods, this is the best bargain stop in the Lesser Antilles. In the midst of all this glamour is Le Ship, a well-supplied chandlery that can also direct you to the island’s many yacht services. For the stylishly casual St. Barth look, shop several small malls around the towns St. Jean and Lorient.

More than 80 restaurants offer a wide variety of options—most are costly, but the food, service and wine are superb. Some serve a comparatively reasonable lunch plat du jour and/or a prix fixe dinner special. Check out the local Menu magazines as well as the web. The Wall House, high above the harbor, serves imaginative bistro fare; Eddy’s, in a tropical jungle, features Creole and Asian food; L’Isoletta, offspring of top-rated Italian classic L’Isola, serves superb pizza; and then there’s the yachties’ favorite hangout, Le Select, the self-serve alfresco beer and burger snack bar.

Touring the island is easiest in a rental car—the roads are steep and narrow with switchbacks and hairpin turns but are well maintained and clearly marked. Taxis are readily available, but expect sticker shock and fees that tend to fluctuate.

Active sports abound. Check in with the Saint Barth Yacht Club (stbarthyachtclub.com) to rent an Opti or Laser on Public Beach, or consider wind surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, kite surfing, deep sea fishing, or the yellow submarine for a close-up of the coral reefs. Scuba divers and snorkelers should head to the islet Pain de Sucre out of Gustavia Harbor, or take your boat to Columbier Beach at the island’s northern tip and drop anchor near the St. Barth’s Marine Park. Once owned by the Rockefellers, this gorgeous beach is hard to get to by land but easy in a dinghy.

Scattered through the calendar are a surprising number of major events—the West Indies Regatta, Christmas market, New Year’s fireworks, Classical and Jazz music festival, Carnivale, Caribbean Film Fest, a Music and Food show, and many art displays throughout the year.

Whether you sail your own cat, charter a monohull or arrive on a 150-foot yacht, St. Barthelemy will draw you in and insist you stay, so plan on a few lay days. Yes, it is the most expensive port in the Lesser Antilles, but with some judicious choices, the St. Barth experience can be yours for a little less than over the top.

By Beth Adams-Smith, Southern Boating September 2014

Aruba

Aruba shows off it’s many (beautiful) sides

The more one cruises in the islands, the more apparent it becomes that each individual island—like individual people—has its own distinct personality. Some are quiet, fiercely independent and guard their shores with menacing appearances, while others are easily approached and carefree, with a warm, welcoming and happy nature. I found Aruba’s tourism tagline of “One happy island” to be true, but I discovered the island has many other personas as well, which makes getting to know it all the more beguiling.

Scarcely 15 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela, the 19.6-mile-long, 6-mile-wide island of Aruba is the western-most of the Lesser Antilles’ ABC islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. For the casual or infrequent cruiser, its remote off-the-beaten-path location disqualifies it as a cruising destination. However, for cruisers comfortable with venturing farther—as well as for avid sportfishermen and yachts heading to or from the Panama Canal or even Colombia, which is actively promoting itself as a cruising destination—Aruba is a convenient and worthwhile stopover out of the hurricane belt.

Warm Weather, Warmer People

Its climate alone—the average temperature is 82 degrees year-round—entices a longer or repeat visit, but it also has the largest desalination system in the Caribbean for pure, clean water right from the tap that’s low on minerals and chlorination ensuring a spotless finish on yachts.

Clearing customs in Aruba is different from what cruisers may be used to on other islands. Upon arrival, all vessels must proceed immediately to the official port of entry at Barcadera Harbor located three miles south of Port Oranjestad (Aruba’s capital city). According to Renaissance Marina Manager Sander Vellinga, Aruba’s clearance process is well-organized and efficient, and the procedures are explained and documents are available at  Renaissance Marina.

Renaissance Marina is in the heart of downtown Oranjestad and has 50 slips with Med-style mooring up to 200′ LOA. The average size of visiting yachts is 90-140′ in the marina, which has an entrance depth of 12.5′ with a 1.5-foot tide change. Since the marina is in the middle of downtown away from the beaches further north, the resort owns two private beaches accessed by a free courtesy shuttle (no personal tenders are allowed on their private beaches). Marina guests have full access to all hotel facilities as well, which comes in handy when relatives invite themselves for a visit. Renaissance Marina is an in-water marina only, but haul-out and marine services are available at Varadero Marina located close to the airport.

Cruising Paradise?

Conveniently for cruisers, the six-month cruising permit is put on hold once their boat is hauled-out and moved past a specific gate at Varadero Marina. “Aruba has a good infrastructure and does not charge duty on parts, so it’s fairly cost-effective to have work done here,” says Vellinga, who has also published an Aruba cruising guide. For those who prefer being on the hook as opposed to marinas, the bay known as Surfside is a popular and calm anchorage with little to no coral and has a nice beach area directly in front of the Aruba Tourism Authority office.

Activity Abound

Aruba offers a plethora of activity options. For the health conscious or fitness buffs, get your yoga and pilates fix at Manchebo Resort and Spa, an intimate 72-room boutique beach resort ideally situated on Eagle Beach. I was concerned my first yoga experience would be akin to the very uncomfortable yoga scene from the movie Couples Retreat. But certified yoga teacher Anouscka van der Kuyp made everyone feel relaxed, comfortable and empowered to try new poses.

Within steps of the beach, the multiuse, wall-less yoga “room” is a covered open-air space with a hardwood floor and stage in front. It also serves well for weddings, vow renewals, and other celebrations. After yoga, enjoy one of Manchebo’s healthy smoothies with your breakfast. Then get those achy muscles massaged at their Spa del Sol, a Balinese-themed spa with massage huts that overlook the beach and ocean.

Watersports run the gamut on Aruba. Snorkel the reefs, scuba dive the many shipwrecks, or take a paddleboarding lesson from former Floridian Dennis Martinez, owner of Aruba Surf and Paddle School. But if you’re an avid kitesurfer or have longed to try it, the long stretch of Palm Beach is ideally suited with smooth, protected waters, a constant breeze, and a sandy bottom, all perfect elements for kiteboarding and windsurfing, whether you’re a beginner or expert.

Palm Beach—along with the other beaches on the south and more civilized side of the island—is where you’ll find hotels, resorts, casinos, restaurants, and shopping. But while the south shore is where the action is, you’ll never truly know Aruba until you’re introduced to its more isolated yet intriguing side, the north coast, with its desolate beauty that receives and repels visitors simultaneously. Bicyclists frequently explore the north coast provided they have the stamina and sufficient drinking water.

Exploration Nation

But for those who prefer horsepower, both the four-legged and four-wheeled versions are available for guided tours. An early morning horseback ride through Arikok National Park treats riders to spectacular views of the rocky, cacti-peppered landscape. Take a dip in the natural pool while the horses patiently wait. Four-wheel drive Yamaha UTVs, however, enable you to see more of the coast, albeit at a higher rate of speed. The trail is dusty, so glasses or goggles and a bandana are helpful.

Stretch your legs at the ruins of the Bushiribana Gold Mill, where visitors participate in the tradition of stacking rocks along the shoreline as a memorial to a loved one, a prayer or blessing, or a wish. Heading north on the well-traveled trail, remnants of makeshift cabins and colorful dwellings scatter the shoreline and provide shelter from the elements as well as complete isolation. The California Lighthouse, which marks the northernmost tip of the island, is named after the vessel California that shipwrecked on the coast nearby.

On Aruba, locals frequent the same places as tourists. It’s not uncommon to eat in the same restaurant a s island residents, shop in the same grocery store, or go to the same church. At St. Ann Parish in the town of Noord, visiting tourists (and journalists) join residents at the 11AM Mass spoken in English. With a common purpose, they blend harmoniously in a great melting pot of ages, culture and skin color. As the scripture is read and hymns are sung, yet another aspect of Aruba’s distinctive personality is revealed on this multi-faceted island.

By Liz Pasch, Southern Boating October 2013

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