Seven hundred thousand years ago Barbados, originally named Os Barbados (the bearded ones, likely because of the bearded fig trees, native to the island) emerged from the ocean. Situated in the Atlantic, roughly 100 miles East of the other West Indies Islands, makes it a popular destination for yachts arriving from the Canaries or Verde islands.

‘Dreamcatchers’ original trans-Atlantic passage ended in Martinique, although this quickly changed to Barbados, saving a further day’s sailing, we decided Barbados would also be a fantastic place to celebrate Christmas- we got that right…

The island is known for its ‘typically Caribbean’ beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise waters and relaxed ‘Bajan’ hospitality. Only a few hours ashore and the kindness of the people and the easy sun-soaked life, settled us back in to the swing of social existence.

Following swims, cold beers and stretched legs, we made our way to customs to declare arrival and check in. The customs officer, a lovely lady, took us through the process, ‘here’ I give you this money, you go to duty free and buy me lots of rum, and then I stamp your passports- big smile’. sure, we happily agreed, when in Rome…

After escaping the rum fiend, and her self-administered course of entry, we wondered off to explore Bridgetown, Barbados’ largest and capital, town. What a welcome assault on the senses, noisy, hot, busy, cars, bikes, and hundreds of people mixed together. Music playing, people spilling out of restaurants and shops, arms filled with Christmas shopping, we must have looked like the lost children of Babylon, wide eyed and mouths open.

A week spent eating delicious food- do not miss the traditional ‘Ham Cutter’ sandwich, or Oistins fresh fish market, perfectly grilled fish steaks to order. Snorkelling old wrecks in Carlisle Bay, riding rickety local buses to all corners of the island, surfing reef breaks, paddle boarding, cocktails at St Lawrence's Gap, partying with locals and soaking up the Caribbean charm, left us recharged, relaxed and ready to set sail to Saint Lucia for New Years Eve. We hear Spinnakers Beach Bar with their fireworks and famous Rum Punch is the place to be!