PETITE MARTINIQUE (GRENADAN GRENADINES)

The island was occupied by the French as early as the 18th century. They came from its big sister, Martinique, and some think this is how it got its name. Others look at its shape, a 200m truncated cone, and recall Mont Pelée, or they say that the fer-de-lance snake is found here, as it is in Martinique. The last hypothesis is demonstrably false since the island’s shores harbour no venomous snakes or other dangers. On the contrary, its 700 or so inhabitants are amongst the Grenadines’ most welcoming. The majority of them are descendants of fishermen and still make their living mainly from the sea. In the past, so folk tales have it, they were also smugglers. They’re also still working boat builders; sometimes on the beachfront you’ll see the timbers of a hull being built, then swiftly planked up with rough-hewn planks, trimmed with an adze and fitted in the traditional manner. Here in Petite Martinique there’s local racing in which well-sailed, small boats with thoroughbred lines come head to head. Another, more modern and motorised island specialty is a sort of local ‘cigarette’ with a powerful outboard. The houses are typically either traditional wooden cottages or more modern small houses, most with two storeys, tucked into the hillside. Other than a few small shops and restaurants, there’s not much tourist development. As a result, for the moment Petite Martinique retains an authentic feel like its neighbour Carriacou. A fast ferry connects these two islands and goes on to Grenada. There’s a road, extended here and there by tracks and footpaths. This means you can explore much of the coast and scramble to the island’s summit. From the latter there’s a wonderful, panoramic view towards Carriacou and the neighbouring islands.

Pilotage
Petite Martinique is part of Grenada and in principle all boats coming from the St Vincent Grenadines should as a preliminary complete clearance in Carriacou. That said, at the moment it seems that the proximity of PSV means some latitude exists for those making short calls between the two islands without formal clearance. Albert Bay anchorage is a little clogged with mooring buoys and local craft but is nonetheless pretty extensive. Be sure to stay clear of the shoal ground off the N coast.

The most important things for cruising boats are the fuel and water facilities (B&C Fuels Co Ltd) at the end of the big jetty. They are among the most reliable and inexpensive in the Grenadines, which is worth noting. Alongside the jetty there is 5–6m. Another jetty a bit further E is reserved for ferries. Do not block their access when mooring.

Ashore There are no clearance facilities (see Carriacou) and few nautical services other than a small shop with some chandlery and hardware items. A small supermarket nearby has adequate supplies for reprovisioning and provides internet access. A couple of other shops, a bank and a pleasant restaurant complete the services on offer on the island. The restaurant is S of the pontoon and has a garden which borders the beach (Palm Beach VHF 16).