Topless woman on a beach on St. Barts

Posted on April 29, 2008 04:07 AM | Permanent Link: I guess this is news? | Comments (0)

The Figaro Transat AG2R is a trans-Atlantic boat race from France to St. Barts. Phil Sharp of England is competing this year and there is an excellent website with a "Race Tracker" that shows the positions of the boats and lots of other information in real time.

Posted on April 28, 2008 08:36 AM | Permanent Link: Figaro Transat AG2R | Comments (0)

The president of the regional committee of fishermen of Guadeloupe, Jean-Claude Yoyotte, was recently on the island to meet with Gilles Brin, the president of St Barth’s association of professional fishermen, and representatives of the Collectivity. Several months ago, the St Barth’s fishermen blocked access to the harbor in Gustavia to protest the high price of gas. The agenda of this meeting was to discuss the price of gasoline and the question of fishing in the natural reserves. The latter subject was not touched upon due to lack of time.

According to Yoyotte, the professional fishermen in Martinique and Guadeloupe do not pay the tax on gasoline, making their prices 0.78 euros and 0.82 euros per liter, respectively. Why is it then that the fishermen on St Barth are paying 1.28 euros per liter? Yoyotte agrees that the price of gasoline for the fishermen of St Barth should be lowered. However, even if the tax were removed, the fishermen would still be paying 1.20 euros per liter. The representatives of the Collectivity were earnest in their discussions and agreed to research the details of the gasoline and its price when leaving the refineries of Martinique and arriving at the pumps in St Barth. They will also investigate other distributors in the hope of finding one who can deliver gasoline that meets the European standards at a better price. Their hope is to revisit this issue in two to three weeks.

But with the continuing increase in the price of oil, they fear that removing the tax may not be enough to allow the fishermen to make a decent profit. Yoyotte mentioned that a large conference on this subject will take place in September with the national committee for fishing to request government assistance.
In mid-January, Michel Barnier, French Minister for Agriculture and Fishing, announced that the government will earmark 310 million euros to be distributed over a three-year period to assist the fishermen. Of this amount, 10 million euros were allotted to the French overseas territories, including 4 million to Guadeloupe, which will include St Barth. With perhaps up to 50% of this money, they hope to purchase more efficient engines that will burn less gasoline. Yoyotte also hoped that the St Barth fishermen can come up with a more efficient was to fish, suggesting that two or three fishermen go out in the same boat to conserve gasoline. These men work hard and face danger everyday to bring us fresh mahi-mahi, tuna and langoustes. Let’s hope that some relief is in sight for them.

Posted on April 27, 2008 01:48 PM | Permanent Link: Important Meeting for the Local Fishermen | Comments (0)

Looking for something a little different to do on Sunday evenings? Every Sunday, the Association des Retraités de St.Barth (the Association of Retirees) holds an "Afternoon Dancing" at the Hot Spot Café in Lurin from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Go spend a few hours dancing the tango, waltzes, the cha cha and the Madison. Admission is free and open to all. For more information, call 05 90 27 52 80.

Posted on April 25, 2008 09:36 AM | Permanent Link: Voulez-vous danser? | Comments (0)

There has been some local rumor of the possibility of a casino opening on St Barth. Here's the latest, but remember, this is just hearsay at the moment. It was proposed that St Barth open a "Cercle de Jeux." This would allow people to play poker in a controlled environment. The "house" would take a percentage of each pot and split the profits with the Collectivity. Apparently, these are not uncommon in France and are strictly controlled by the Federation Français de Jeux. It's rumored that the organizers want to buy an old building between the restaurant Le Repaire and the shop Bulgari in Gustavia for 6 million euros! This would house the facility plus a restaurant. Stay tuned for updates.

Posted on April 25, 2008 09:34 AM | Permanent Link: Casino Rumors | Comments (0)

The Littoral Conservancy is a French public institution that was created in 1975 with a mission is to protect natural areas and landscapes along the coasts of French oceans and lakes. The Littoral Conservancy actually acquired Fort Karl in Gustavia five months ago.

This past week, Bernard Gérard, the associate director, and Magali Cerles, the associate overseas director, visited St Barth to determine the future of Fort Karl. They plan to renovate the fort, which was built during the Swedish era, so that it can be appreciated as an historic monument. To start with, the access to the fort will be improved and the underbrush will be removed. This work will be done in collaboration with a botanist to ensure that no important plants are removed. Clearing the underbrush will reveal the small walls and granite that add to the fort's allure. Once the fort is renovated, the Littoral Conservancy will work with the Academy of Sweden and the Historic Service of the Defense of Vincennes to trace the history of Fort Karl. The history will be made available at the site although they have not yet decided how that will be done. When all of the work is finished, the management of the fort will be under the jurisdiction of the Collectivity of St Barth.

As far as future plans on St Barth, the Littoral Conservancy can only acquire areas that the Collectivity asks them to acquire. Under consideration are the salt flats in Saline. It is possible that one day these salt flats may be rehabilitated.

Posted on April 24, 2008 09:25 AM | Permanent Link: The Littoral Conservancy Acquires Fort Karl | Comments (0)

St Barth will be hosting yet another major sailing event this December. The Bucket Regatta has just finished, and the bi-annual Transatlantic Ag2r race will take place in May. At the end of the year will be the first edition of the Transat Classique Lagassé, with the boats arriving in Saint Barth a few days before Christmas. This transatlantic race is open to classic sailing vessels built as one-of-a-kind or limited sailboats. They will set sail on August 17 from the port of Douarnenez in Finistère, France. After a stopover in Agadir, Morocco, they will set sail for St Barth on November 28. This is the only transatlantic race for classic sailboats. As of now, 31 boats are registered and another 64 have expressed interest. (Where, oh, where will all of these boats dock during the already full port of Gustavia around Christmas time?!) The race will have three winners, one in each of the following categories: Vintage, for boats built before 1975; Modern Classics for boats built with more modern materials such as welded steel, molded wood and polyester; and Neo-Classics for boats built after 1975 as replicas of traditional vessels. The largest boat is over 100', the smallest is a mere 32', and the oldest was built in 1913. Most of these boats have an interesting story behind them. For example, the Mistral, an 82' schooner, first set sail in 1938 and served in the German navy as part of submarine surveillance operations during WWII. If you want to be present for this first-time exciting event, be sure to make your reservations early as Christmas and New Year's is always a popular time on St Barth. For additional information: www.transatclassique.com. Below is the schedule of events. In traditional St Barth style, there is sure to be music and dancing on the quay, probably on December 23.

December 15-20, 2008
Boats begin to arrive in Gustavia

December 21, 2008
Official cocktail reception

December 22, 2008
Promotional race around the island

December 23, 2008
Official dinner reception and awarding of the prizes

Posted on April 22, 2008 09:18 AM | Permanent Link: First Edition of the Transact Classique Lagassé | Comments (0)

The organizers of this year's annual Bucket Regatta raised $175,000, which they donated to FEMUR, St Barth's Foundation for Emergency Medical Equipment. The money will be used to help pay for recently purchased equipment for the new Radiation Center. Jimmy Buffet surprised everyone Saturday night, March 29, with an unannounced appearance with some members of his Coral Reefer band on the quay in Gustavia. He donated his T-shirt to the more generous donator.

Posted on April 21, 2008 09:29 AM | Permanent Link: The Bucket Donates $175,000 to FEMUR | Comments (0)

Every year, Le Tamarin restaurant in Salines hosts a large "yard sale" on their grounds. This year's will take place on Sunday, April 27. Go early because everyone else does!

Posted on April 16, 2008 09:35 AM | Permanent Link: Big Sale at Le Tamarin | Comments (0)

The O'Corail Restaurant, a beach snack bar, opened April 14 in Grand Cul de Sac between Le Sereno and the previous La Gloriette in front of Ouanalao Dive. The restaurant is open seven days a week and serves breakfast from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and lunch from noon to 5:00 pm.

Posted on April 16, 2008 09:33 AM | Permanent Link: New Restaurant Opens in Grand Cul de Sac | Comments (0)

April 2008-June 2008
Archery Competitions: April 26, May 24, June 7-8

April 16-20, 2008
International Book Day

April 20, 2008
9th Edition of the Transat Ag2r. Arrival in St Barth will be approximately three weeks later.

April 25-30, 2008
13th Annual St Barth Film Festival, A.J.O.E., Lorient

December 15-23, 2008
Transact Classique Lagassé

Posted on April 15, 2008 09:37 AM | Permanent Link: On The Horizon - April 15 | Comments (0)

On Friday, April 18, Le Tamarin restaurant in Salines is hosting an evening of opera with South African tenor Etienne van der Nest, who trained at the conservatory of Pretoria. Dinner, for 75 €, will be accompanied by his powerful voice with selections from his opera repertoire and Neapolitan songs. The dinner includes a cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, an appetizer, the main dish, dessert and petits fours. For reservations, call 05 90 27 72 12.

Posted on April 15, 2008 09:30 AM | Permanent Link: An Evening of Opera | Comments (0)

If you weren't able to buy the winning painting at the auction held at the end of the painting competition sponsored by Saint B'Art, you can now buy a pre-stamped envelope with an image of the painting. The painter, Marie-Laure Pichon, is known for her maritime scenes and painted a picture composed like a postcard of a typical beach scene with palm trees, seagulls and traditional fishing boats. A total of 10,000 of the envelopes are for sale at the three post offices on the island: Gustavia, St Jean and Lorient.

Posted on April 15, 2008 09:15 AM | Permanent Link: Pre-Stamped Envelopes with the Winning Painting | Comments (0)

One of the most anticipated events on the island is the annual Film Festival, which takes place this year April 25-30. As always, this year’s line-up of films is sure to captivate the audience. Unless otherwise noted, the films are projected on the large white wall at the A.J.O.E. tennis courts in Lorient, where non-alcoholic drinks, popcorn, T-shirts and baseball caps can be purchased. Admission is 5 € per night or five nights for 25 €. All films are either in French or have French subtitles. Many thanks to Ellen Lampert-Gréaux, a founder of the Film Festival, for making the following information available.

Continue reading "13th St Barth Film Festival Starts April 25" »

Posted on April 15, 2008 04:44 AM | Permanent Link: 13th St Barth Film Festival Starts April 25 | Comments (0)

Newport, RI (April 4, 2008) The 13th Annual St Barths Bucket was once again blessed with perfect sailing weather which provided some of the most spectacular sailing on the most spectacular yachts in the most spectacular sailing neighborhood. With a consistent 15-22 knot trade wind, the fleet was fully powered up and the racing was startlingly close. Some of the finishes were described by participants as "closer than Farr 40 finishes"! This was previously unheard of in the superyacht world and this year's St Barths Bucket was declared the "best ever".

Continue reading "13th Annual St Barths Bucket Regatta Results" »

Posted on April 10, 2008 09:31 AM | Permanent Link: 13th Annual St Barths Bucket Regatta Results | Comments (0)