We finally left St. Martin and started our way south. After 1,000 miles of upwind motorsailing from Miami in the last year, we turned the corner and are able to sail. We are still beating into the wind, but conditions are improving.
We sailed from St. Martin south to St. Eustatia, where we dropped our hook for the night and then kept going to St. Kitts. If you stop at Stasia and don't intend to go ashore, leave at first light or the park patrol will charge you for anchoring.
In St. Kitts we stayed in the Port Zante Marina, a real treasure at fifty cents a foot per night. We have not been to a marina in over a year and it felt good to treat ourselves to a dock and fresh water showers.
The people of St. Kitts are friendly and helpful. We explored the town of Basseterre, and took a bus up the coast to the restored fort of Brimstone Hill. That is well worth the excursion, we got an audio tour guide and learned all about the history of the extensive fort. The public bus leaves you a short 30 minute walk to the fort, but it's all uphill and a good hike.