GUADELOUPE

7th STOP DURING ARGO

• Location: Deshaies, Guadeloupe, located in the French Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago.

• Historical Significance: Deshaies is a picturesque village known for its scenic beauty, lush landscapes, and tranquil bay. Historically, it has been a key stop for sailors in the Caribbean, offering shelter from storms and a peaceful retreat surrounded by the island's natural beauty.

• Role in the Expedition: The stop in Deshaies was unplanned, forced by sudden and challenging weather conditions. Strong gusts of wind, heavy rain and rough seas made navigation difficult, prompting us to seek refuge in the port to wait out the storm. While waiting for the weather to improve, I took the opportunity to rest and recharge. The time spent in Deshaies was also a chance to:

  • Enjoy some downtime: playing cards, reading and working

  • Observe the stunning natural surroundings, particularly the pelicans in the bay, skillfully hunting for fish.

• Conditions: The weather conditions around Deshaies were severe, with violent gusts of wind, torrential rain and swell that rocked the boats in the harbor. The unsettled sea state and strong winds made it unsafe to continue the journey immediately, forcing us to wait it out in the port until conditions improved.

• Boat: The boat for this leg of the journey was Anushka, a Dufour 50, as we awaited calmer weather to continue our journey.

• Duration of Stay: From February 7th to February 9th, 2024, the brief stay in Deshaies allowed for rest and recovery while waiting for the storm to pass.

• Distance to Next Stop: 80 nm (approximately 148 km) to St. Kitts and Nevis.