ST. MARTIN

Location: Saint-Martin, a beautiful island in the Caribbean, split between the French and Dutch sides, located in the Leeward Islands.

Historical Significance: Saint-Martin is known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches and lively atmosphere. The island is a popular destination for tourists, offering a mix of French and Dutch influences, which adds to its charm. The island is also famous for its picturesque landscapes, luxury shopping and world-class dining.

Role in the Expedition: Saint-Martin was an important stop for the change of crew and transition to a new boat. On February 13th, 2024, we arrived at the island's marina, where I switched vessels to Marnie Kai, a Leopard 46 catamaran. This new boat will carry me through the next legs of the expedition, providing an opportunity to expand my knowledge of different types of boats.

• Megan and Thomas continued the journey with me, while the rest of the crew changed.

• The stop also allowed time to explore the island, with a morning run that took me to the Dutch side.

Conditions: The weather around Saint-Martin was calm and favorable, making for a smooth arrival. The conditions were ideal for taking a break, completing the crew transition and settling into the new boat.

Boat: Marnie Kai is a Leopard 46 catamaran, offering stability and comfort with a length of 13.94 meters, a beam of 7.53 meters and a sail area of 120 square meters. This boat will carry me through the next phases of the journey.

Duration of Stay: From February 13th to February 17th, 2024, the stop in Saint-Martin provided a chance to rest, transition the crew and explore the island.

Distance to Next Stop: 117 nm (approximately 217 km) to the British Virgin Islands.