Neninka before entering Simpson Bay
Neninka before entering Simpson Bay
Picture of Arnd

Arnd

2023-02-27 Pre-Heineken work

An early begin to the work day meant that this pre-Heineken Regatta work day was going to end in the early afternoon. Tomorrow is another final work day before I head off to volunteer at the 2023 Heineken Regatta in St. Martin.

Morning
Starlink at anchor
Starlink at anchor

Thanks to my Starlink connecting to work and maintain sufficient bandwidth for the remote office was easy. Occasionally I’ll get a short disconnect when the boat swings about, but that is just a slight annoyance.

Noon
Visione and Maltese Falcon
Visione and Maltese Falcon

The bridge openings in both directions offer occasional distractions from work, including seeing some impressive yachts such as Visione come by.

Simpson Bay sunken barge
Simpson Bay sunken barge

I’ve anchored carefully, keeping the expected wind changes and light conditions in mind. There’s a sunken barge/boat close by that I’ve avoided hitting even if the winds change and blow hard from the wrong direction. Despite this, I’ve come pretty close. Uncomfortably

so.

Early afternoon
Happy D yacht
Happy D yacht

I’m drinking coffee instead of eating, as I haven’t replenished my galley yet. But I’ll have food ashore later on, once the Pre-Heineken Regatta work day is complete.

Simpson Bay outer anchorage
Simpson Bay outer anchorage

The outside anchorage is filling up and lots of boats are entering the lagoon during the inbound bridge openings. Heineken commercials rule the airwaves and signage is everywhere. It should be fun!

Afternoon

After completing work I headed into the lagoon and squeezed into a spot at the SMYC dinghy dock. The 5 o’clock bridge opening had a few smaller boats come in, then came the huge Sherakhan yacht, and it came in at a slower than walking pace, giving all the punters (including myself) ample opportunity to watch.

Dinner
SMYC bar live music
SMYC bar live music

Subsequently I opted to stay at the SMYC for dinner instead of heading out for food. While the food, when it arrived, was tasty, the wait of over an hour and half was somewhat frustrating.

SMYC at night
SMYC at night

At least the live music made the loud growling of my stomach inaudible.