St. Martin

Zanshin anchored at Friar's Bay in St. Martin and backwinded (note the dinghy still attached as I'd gone ashore on the paddleboard)
Anchored at Friar’s Bay

The island of Saint-Martin is divided into two nations, one is the erstwhile Dutch country of Sint Maarten and the other is the French St. Martin.

Each side of the island has a distinct character. The Dutch side sports the casinos, night-clubs and night life as well as cruise ships and duty-free shopping. 

French St. Martin
Dinghy dock in Grand Case on St. Martin
Dinghy dock in Grand Case

The French side is more laid back and less hectic. It is typically French with good food and fine dining – but due to VAT it is also quite a bit more expensive than the Dutch side. 

The capital city is Marigot, but I spend almost all of my time anchored in smaller Grand Case to the north. It has numerous excellent restaurants and bars ashore, and the anchorage has great holding in about 15 feet of water and remains protected in all but a north swell.

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