Yesterday we went over to Marigot on the French side of St. Martin to see the charter yacht ALOHA MALOLO who graciously delivered a few packages to us from St. Thomas. DVDs from Amazon, and our new electric motor. Thanks, Erik!
We noticed that the number of yachts anchored in Marigot were way down, probably due to the new anchoring fees. Usually there would be boats from the marina almost to the bridge channel. Yesterday they didn't even pass the resorts! Most of the boats that are anchored there have French flags. They are charged half the rate of foreign flagged vessels.
Upon returning to Simpson Bay, we passed under the Dutch bridge at 5:30pm just as the yachts were entering the lagoon. There were quite a few. I wouldn't be surprised if it was an exodus from Antigua, following Perseus. In fact, Salute a 184-foot sistership, was amongst the group.
I don't know why, but there were two Coast Guard "dinghies" stationed in the channel for this bridge opening.
