Day 3 St Maarten

We had an early start today at 8.30 so Steve went for breakfast on his own as I didn’t fancy it. We then headed off for our America’s Cup experience. We had been looking forward to this from the moment we booked the cruise. There are 3 ex- Americas’s Cup boats here in St Maarten. We were going to go out on two - Stars and Stripes, which we were on, and True North IV, the Canadian boat.   We were each asked whether we wanted a working role or just wanted to chill. We both said we would work and Steve was assigned Main Grinder and I was Primary Grinder (which we discovered as we went was the hardest role). We had a bit of practice in our roles and learned what we had to do on what commands . And then we set sail, racing against the other boat. As it happened Steve was actually only a backup so after helping to hoist the mainsail, didn’t have a job. Whilst I was very happy with my role I was paired with a strong bloke so quickly felt I wasn’t contributing so with the permission of one of the crew Steve and I swapped places after the first leg. Steve couldn’t believe I’d even survived one leg as it was incredibly hard work. Steve shoulders were aching by the time we finished.

The race was fantastic, far more realistic than we had expected. Our skipper was good but sadly we lost at the last moment. But it was brilliant fun and even better than we had imagined. Definitely to be recommended. After a rum punch we then walked into Philipsburgh, the capital, and checked out some of the shops. The place is teeming with duty free shops, each with someone outside trying to entice you in. So we walked along to the other end of the beach and shopping area but we didn’t stay too long. We saw the historic Courthouse and the quaint Old Street and we went into one shop where we bought a replacement refillable coffee cup for me and a sweatshirt for Steve. But that was it.

Then we went back to the boat for a light lunch and a chill for the rest of the afternoon. We could have gone to the beach or a walk but it’s really hot and humid so we couldn’t be bothered.

Tonight we are going to eat at the smartest speciality restaurant, Epicurean, so another first.