Rigging Repairs - Martinique

We were grateful that we were in Martinique when we required repairs to our rod-rigging (lower shroud). As they have huge yacht charter fleets operating out of the island, all yachting services are available; which is certainly not the case on many of the other islands.
Jacques at Sea Services in Fort de France was unable to work on rod-rigging so on his advice we rented a car and took the rigging down to Caribe Greementin in Marin on the south end of the island. In order to assist they needed us to bring them the fitting off of our mast. We drove back to Fort de France to retrieve the fitting but were unable to remove it from the mast (try as we may!). The next day we drove the boat, under-power to Marin (23 miles - 7 hours), where we joined the approximately 3 hundred yachts already there.
The rigging repairs were started and a new fitting for the mast was fabricated. 600 Euros lighter and 3 days later we set sail for St. Lucia with new lower shrouds.
While we waited in Marin it was great to have the time to catch up on some calls and emails. As well, we enjoyed some fabulous French cuisine (cheese, baguettes, espresso and wine).