Welcome to Sint Maarten!!

​Current Location:  Simpson Bay Anchorage, Sint Maarten
Miles Traveled:  98
Weather:  Mostly sunny, breezy (10-15), high-70s
Highlights: We left Maho Bay with XYZZY (our buddy boat) at noon on Sunday, and motored through the Drake Passage, out through the channel between Peter and Salt Islands, and east into the Anegada Passage and the open Caribbean.  Winds were on the nose most of the way (we raised the jib twice for a short time only), and we had 4-5 foot waves on our port bow the entire trip.  We had planned to average about 5.5 knots in order to arrive after sunrise the next morning, so we used one engine most of the way, and arrived pretty much on schedule, dropping anchor just after 7AM (19 hours).  Grabbed a couple hours of sleep, then went into customs office to clear in.  After paying the fees ($27.00) and getting an unsolicited lecture about how the US needs to provide departure papers, we were finally legal in Sint Maarten.  Took a quick tour of the inner lagoon, stopping at Budget Marine to introduce our selves to Jovyon, who is setting up a corporate account for us, it was back to the boat to relax and nap for the rest of the day.  Black beans and rice for dinner tonight while watching a beautiful sun set, then some research and itinerary planning for the rest of our trip before turning in for the night.