Rodrigues Arrival

In dredged channel approaching Port Mathurin - freighter on main dock

Great to have fresh vegetables again!

Port Mathurin

Rodrigues Arrival

June 6, 2016

As planned, Maggie arrived Monday am. It was good that we were not too early as a cargo ship was also arriving at about the same time. All the anchored sailboats needed to vacate the harbour to leave enough room for the large ship to manoeuvre to the dock. Afterwards, they all returned, with us at the back of the pack. A repeat of that is due Wednesday when it leaves. An entrance channel and inner basin have been dredged out of the coral. It is a very convenient anchorage, out of the wind and close to a dock for the dinghies. You are then right in the centre of town. It was great to finally get rid of the garbage. But after that first bag, no more plastic bags, as they are banned on the island. It will be interesting to see how that works.

Most of Monday was spent getting all the formalities of checking in accomplished. Two departments visited the boat and another four we visited on land. Alicia from On Verra showed us around to the necessary locations, including the bank, cell phone office, tourist info, and bakery. That was an appreciated gesture. Also, Chris swung by in his dinghy with a loaf of bread and an offer to take us to shore and back. That saved getting the dinghy off the deck and back working. Everyone had a rough passage, so they knew we would be tired. We went to bed right after dinner for a good, long sleep.

There are currently a dozen boats in the anchorage. Three boats had left on Tuesday, as the wind dropped off with the passage of the front. Two more arrived Tuesday, including Gaia. As well as those from Cocos, some have come directly from Sumatra, Chagos, and the Maldives. Most boats have had to do some repairs. Amazingly, Chris has been able to order a new forestay and parts directly from England and have them arrive in 10 days.