Delta Day 10 & 11: Gustavia and Culturama at Nevis

Written by Sasha Amelang (Day 10) and Katie Tuck (Day 11)

Edited by Meredith Evridge

Day 10

This morning, our lovely staff woke up at 5:45 and motored us over to St. Barts. We arrived to the crowded harbor around 7 o’clock so we were forced to drop anchor in the marina. However, being in the mooring field actually worked out for the best because we love fun dinghy rides with Sinéad [one of our Delta mates!]. After breakfast clean and boat clean, we started prepping to go ashore. We were all more than excited to go to land and explore St. Barts.

Once everyone had a day bag packed with sandwiches, full nalgenes, sunscreen and towels, we dropped the anchor and went to the docks briefly to get water. We dropped everyone off there. After a quick briefing, we got some time at St. Barts. Everyone had time to explore the quaint French shops and be immersed in the unique culture of the island. One of the most popular spots was the “Choisy” bakery run by two French women. Everyone got the opportunity to take part in the unique flavors and diversity that St. Barts had to offer.

After shop time, everyone headed to the beach; a much needed cool-down. Shell Beach was tons of fun. Some students climbed and jumped off of a six meter tall rock into the ocean. Next, we all loaded up into cars and got a tour of the island while we headed to our next white sand beach of the day. The beach at St. Jean was even more magical than Shell Beach. We had a great time playing in the water, laying out in the sun, and enjoying the cuisine of the island.

After a couple hours of soaking in the sunshine, we headed to more shops for some St. Barts gear and fresh fruit smoothies that hit the spot after a long day in the sun. Then, we got back into the cars and drove the other way around the island. We got to see every inch of the natural beauty on St. Barts.

Next, we helped with getting the new provisions onto the dinghy. When we got back to the boats, it was ocean shower and dinner prep time. After bathing in the sea and soaking in aloe, we had sloppy joes for dinner. We had another round of boat clean (everyone’s favorite part of the night). Even thought boat clean was a bit of a grind, we were able to call home and assure our parents that we were safe, alive and well. Everyone on the boats was very happy that they got the chance to call home.

With a freshly cleaned boat, everyone was ready for bed after a long, exciting, adventurous day. Goodnight from the Delta Fleet in St. Barts!

Day 11

Today, we woke up with an early start, up-anchored, and were out of Gustavia by 6:30 or 7 to begin our eight and a half hour sail to Nevis. We ate brekkie underway as we had to make it to our destination in good time. The crew fueled themselves with breakfast buffet. Today’s concoction was a mix of porridge, Cheerios, bagels, and peanut butter. High winds of twenty six knots made it somewhat difficult to eat cereal in the cockpit, but the peanut butter helped it clump together.

Zanzibar and Mayotte motored in company for a few nautical miles as there were some big squalls that had to be sailed through. Crew ready and alert, both boats made it through the high winds and rain quite easily. Putting in some reefs in the mainsail and jib made it a piece of cake!

All crew members switched in and out of boat roles throughout the day. Some rotated in and out of taking some badly needed naps, catching up on their rest after the night sail. Wildlife seen throughout the sail on Zanzibar were schools of flying fish, dolphins and a brown boobie that stayed with the boat for two hours of the sail, swooping back and forth at the bow. We made it just in time to immigration to get our passports stamped! We also made it for Nevis’s 45 year anniversary event, “Culturama.” It was a first for Sail Caribbean to attend and it was the opening ceremony for this event.

The students got to soak in some local culture of Nevis, seeing some acts perform songs, and view a spectacular firework display.

We didn’t stay until the end as it was a long day. They soaked in as much culture as they could but bed was calling, for students and staff alike. A day enjoyed by all, with many memories made.