The beaches here in St. Martin are going to see some big waves now. I didn't pay attention to the weather (apart from seeing light winds for the next couple of days) and missed the onset of a 2m+ north swell with 13 seconds or more period (the higher the number, the more energy is packed into the waves). I wish I could head inside the lagoon as I'm rolling around here at anchor, the waves have just started getting stronger. But I have videoconferences that intersect with the inbound bridge openings.
I should have put in a disclaimer - "Warning, not advised for those susceptible to vertigo or on strong medication". I can't wait to finish my conference calls and get ashore!
The waves in Simpson Bay are coming from the south because the real waves from the north swell are wrapping around the island and redirecting them. This link give an idea of what is happening: Windy Graph
I just returned to the boat and it is still uncomfortable. I spent the last half-hour at the SMYC bar commiserating with one of the local party-boat captains about there being no beaches where he can take his guests tomorrow. He had 3M swells hit his catamaran today and all the local skippers ended up at the same beach because it was the only good one.
It was one of the beaches here in Simpson Bay, I can't remember the name but assume it is tucked in close to the airport runway somewhere. I know I saw big surf at Karakter from the boat, so it must have been further in. It is still uncomfortable out here today, but there's hope in sight for tomorrow.
Zanshin, I enjoy reading your comments about the island based on your perspective as a boater. And yes, that video was enough to get me, much less riding out a couple of days on the boat!