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As you can see above, Capt. Lou is a very studious individual. He is the type that does not like to MISS any minute detail! He says, "Some opportunities only present themselves occasionally, it is every person's responsibility to take full advantage of such opportunities!"
Now you KNOW why his wife Judy joined him for the second half of his island assignment!

We would like to take this opportunity to publicly wish Capt. Lou a
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
His birthday was April 1st. Yes, he was an April Fool's baby......remember, I am his brother, don't get me started!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAPT. LOU
AND
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR EXCELLENT ARTICLES AND PHOTOS!

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#1 SINT MAARTEN - SAINT MARTIN
NEIGHBORING ISLANDS

With an apology to the poet, ("No man is an Island, entire unto himself"), Capt Lou likes to say Islands themselves benefit from their close association with other Islands. Thus…it is with Saint Martin. She with her close neighbor, Anguilla, to the north less than 5 miles away anchor the small chain of Islands referred to as The Leeward Islands or Lesser Antilles. The chain of Islands extends from 18° N south to 15° N.

I reported somewhat on my month long stay in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin. Anything can happen on a getaway visit (by cruise ship or otherwise) to this Dutch/French Paradise. You can dine as elegantly as in Paris i.e. Le Santal is rated 5 stars by sixteen outstanding world food critics. If "Frankly Funky" is your style, former resort chef, "Johnny B Under The Tree" cooks al fresco on his front yard bar-b-que each night. Huge stacks of Lobster for starters. On the beaches, wardrobe choices are just as extensive; you can wear a lot, a little, or nothing at all.

But it’s the friendly neighbors with different motherlands that offer the chance to extend your vacation and your paradise experiences. Some of the possibilities include: Anguilla, St Barts, Saba, Statia, St Kitts, Nevis, Barbuda, Antigua, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Dominica and Martinique. These islands are of two kinds, both volcanic. The young ones are steep and mountainous while the older ones were once like the youngsters, but have flattened due to erosion and at some time were below sea level-- where they acquired limestone cappings before being uplifted and resurfacing. St Martin, St Barts and Anguilla are of the latter type.

Capt Lou visited, sailed to or anchored at Antigua, St Barts, Nevis and St Kitts. One island is never quite enough. However, thanks to the proximity of many Caribbean Islands, it is so easy and so much fun to pile on vacation pleasures and perks whether you arrive by air, cruise ship, or private yacht.

Here are a few notes about several of your choices.

Anguilla: All are close and accessible with a little effort. Anguilla is just a 25 minute boat ride from the French side at Marigot. The ferry leaves every 40 minutes. Anguilla offers 33 beautiful fine white sand beaches for your enjoyment. Although recently discovered by the rich and famous and offering numerous high end resorts, the island’s natural charms remain unaltered. More information can be yours at www.anguilla-vacation.com.

St Barts: Heading south from Sint Maarten, the first stop should be St Barthelemy (St Barts) . This oh-so- chic island is beloved by jet-setters and vacationers alike. It is easily yours for the day via a fast cat ferry. The beaches are beautiful, the restaurants exceptional, and the French Boutiques are Euro-hip! The Inter Oceans Museum exhibits one of the largest collections of seashells in the world. This red-roofed island offers tremendous charm for its visitors to enjoy. Capt Lou and his students from the Maritime School of the West Indies found a great secluded and protected anchorage for their Beneteau 50 sailboat. More info at www.st-barts.com.

Saba: The appeal of this island is different as is the culture. Saba conforms to the Dutch standard of décor and decorum. It is young and is actually the peak of a volcano and has no beaches. Saba appeals to adventurers. Its slopes challenge even the serious hikers. Its underwater offers some of the most exciting and unspoiled diving in the Caribbean. Saba is a mere 5 square miles, reaches a lofty 3000 feet and is one of "The Islands that brush the Clouds". With no golf, no tennis, and no easy biking, what’s left? Well in addition to spectacular sights, try shopping which for the ladies means Handmade Lace and for the men try Saba Spice--a potent homebrew made by boiling sugar with Rum and some secret spices. www.sabatourism.com.

Statia: That’s really the nickname for the Dutch Island of St Eustatius. It’s 5 miles long and rises to only 2000 feet. With only 2700 inhabitants, Statia offers peace and quiet. Sightseeing must include Fort Oranje and the older Hoven Dalim Synagogue (1739).

Nature is the big draw here and hikers have an easier time of it. Statia is one of the older volcanic islands. Diving is superb. Divers search for Statia’s "blue beads" once used as currency. Capt Lou has plans for Statia-- taking wife, Judy to the Old Gin House (as in "cotton" not "spirits") The structure dates from the 1700’s and is now an award winning restaurant and hotel. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Let’s go Island Hopping!!!! Maybe next month we can discuss Nevis, Antigua and have "an after recovery" discussion of the 24th Heineken Regatta.

Article written and submitted by
Capt. Lou