top of page
Search
sailingbluemist

St Kitts and Nevis

Our sail over to St Kitts was quick and blustery, the wind gusting a little more than forecast requiring a couple of reefs in the main sail, but it was a fabulous ride. We managed to skirt past a couple of squalls without getting soaked and by early afternoon we had anchored outside the main port of Basseterre and we’re heading into shore to check into the country. 



This took a little time, as we had to fill in some online excel spreadsheets which weren’t accessible on mobile phone, the office lady was accommodating but you could tell fed up with having the do this everytime cruisers arrived. The digital revolution isn’t quite as developed in some islands and limited resources mean your have to be patient with processes and systems that are still catching up, post covid and technically. The anchorage was very rolly, and after we’d completed check in we made a decision to come into the small port for a few days as the water was free and fresh and we could clean Blue Mist properly. The port was noisy but functional, was close to town so we could walk to the stores and explore. As a cruise ship destination it had a large shopping area set up for duty free shopping, restaurants and bars for the guests all visiting to island for a day. 



Along with our buddy boat, we negotiated a day rate for a tour guide for the day and headed off to explore the islands history and scenery. One of the highlights being a chance to walk around the Brimstone Hill Fortress a wonderful example of the military occupation from the past. We also had an opportunity to watch the creation of the stunning Batik fabrics, made from wax and ink designs on pure cotton at the Botanical Gardens. 



Our driver was a eccentric older gentleman, who’d lived on island his whole life and had so many stories it really brought our day of exploration to life. 


Leaving Basseterre the following day, we had a fruity departure as the wind picked up and pushed us all over the place as we left the dock, luckily our friends were on hand to help us fend off without any scuffs and scrapes. We motored the short distance to the southern end of the island and an anchorage called Whitehouse Bay. There used to be a cruisers bar in the bay, which we read about a lot as a must stop, however it had closed during covid and not reopened again. The buildings are still there and it’s clear it was once a stunning location and hot spot, such a shame it hadn’t reopened. 


Their is a superyacht marina next door to it which was open but hardly any boats were about and their wasn’t any services available so it was all a little errie when we went round to see it. You can check in/out their but is was deathly quiet and the dockage charges were not cruiser friendly. 


The bay is surrounded by hills which did generate some pretty big Katabatic winds at times, we made the decision to move back up the island one morning after a vacant boat dragged and caused a bunch of drama in the anchorage, getting caught up in several other boats anchors. About 5 dinghy’s, including Ross, helped the boats get untangled and by the time the owners of the vacant boat had arrived they sheepishly reanchored and then left again. 


Our final days were spent midway up the island near a famous island bar called Shipwrecks, we met back up with our buddy boat and spend a few days enjoying the local fresh food, the reggae and live music and  swimming in the gorgeous waters. 



Our next island would be St Kitts sister island of Nevis and we made the short motor on a calm morning. Nevis is a quieter island but full of hidden gems and exquisite food and scenery. The island is the proud birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, which was a key part of the organised island tour we went on. This traversed the whole island taking us to sugar mills and through the historical past of Hamilton himself and the military occupation of the British. We also got to dip our toes in the restorative waters of the volcanic hot springs and had a beautiful meal at the Hermitage Inn, an old Colonial plantation building which is now a stunning boutique hotel and one of the most popular spots on the island. 


Our time on Nevis was coming to an end and we were also going to part ways with our buddy boat and friends Sail La Vie. We were bound for Antigua the last island of our Caribbean adventure and they were heading south to explore and prepare for hurricane season. 



We’d been travelling with Sail La Vie since leaving Luperon for the most part, this is one of the hardest parts of cruising life. Meeting so many wonderful people that you become firm friends but with the knowledge that at some point your plans will no longer align and off in different direction you must go. 


Ours is back to England before Hurricane Season kicks in, but not before we explore Antigua. 

22 views1 comment

Recent Posts

See All

1 Comment


John Williams
John Williams
Apr 29, 2024

looked wonderful, you are having the experience of a lifetime and well done to you and Ross for your grit and bravery, still jealous, be safe!

Like
Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page