{"id":13086,"date":"2023-02-27T08:46:39","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T13:46:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sailpandora.com\/?p=13086"},"modified":"2023-02-27T08:46:39","modified_gmt":"2023-02-27T13:46:39","slug":"the-martinique-yole-not-a-flash-in-the-pan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sailpandora.com\/?p=13086","title":{"rendered":"The Martinique Yole, not a flash in the pan."},"content":{"rendered":"

We are anchored in Grande Anse a lovely and large cove on the western side of Martinique.\u00a0 We expect to be here for a few days before heading over to St Anne, the southern most harbor in Martinique.<\/p>\n

The mile long sandy beach is lined with many beach bars to choose from.\"\"There is a very nice promenade along the water behind the bars. \"\"Of course, Pandora at anchor.\u00a0 Yes, you do have to look hard to see her in the center.\u00a0\"\"When we were near Fort de France, we were treated to a number of races by these amazing traditional sailing boats that I have learned are known as Yoles.\u00a0 These narrow, unballasted open boats are decedents of traditional fishing boats and are unique to Martinique.<\/p>\n

This link gives an excellent overview<\/a> of the history of these fascinating craft.\u00a0 \u00a0These races are hotly contested and a major source of pride for the locals.<\/p>\n

The races begin with the boats all lined up on a beach.\u00a0 \"\"And then they are off.\u00a0 When the gun goes off, everyone scrambles to get the boats going.\u00a0\u00a0 \"\"I took this short video while waiting for a ferry to take us to Fort de France to go to Carnival for the day.