Finishing Cuba and heading back into the wind to DR, which
we sneaked out of (never checked out
with immigration and customs) as we couldn’t stand anymore extortion, and on to
Puerto Rico for a rest up at Gilligans Island. Off then to Vieques where we
spent some time partying and visiting the bio-fluoresent lakes. A great sail
and kingfish gudgeons lunch onto St Croix listening to old flashback 70’s music
station to pick up crew for the Caribbean Sea crossing south to Bonaire, and
then to haul out at Curacao while we headed back to Aus.
Steve, our crew for the crossing, we met in St Maarten a few
months prior, was lined up and our dates set for the crossing as a return
flight from Curacao was booked. Steve
arrived a couple of days prior to intended departure for a drive around St
Croix, with the obligatory visit to the Cruzan Rum factory on the ‘don’t hurry
island’…..island time again. It is said you don’t get a hangover with Cruzan
Rum due to the amount of filtering during distillation, which I think we agree
with.
Boat provisioned, a few bottles of Cruzan bought, pick up
the anchor and off we go. Steve made the first meal, turkey chilli, which was
great and lasted well throughout the crossing. Steve had been on plenty of
boats before, though not many sailing, and we were leaving on the back of a
front that moved through to ensure we got some wind heading south.
We only just
left the shores of St Croix and after the meal was made Steve needed to put his
head down. He soon recovered to pull in a great Dorado!...and later to have
huge one ‘get away’! Steve put up a good fight and at times I wasn’t sure who
was going to land who, but the line gave way and both fighters returned to
their corners. It was a steady crossing
with the occasional squall, which always seem to come through while I am
downstairs and remaining so in the dry. I did hand up a dry towel!
Our entry to Bonaire was spectacular with us rounding the
island to find a great storm cell with lightning engrossing a tanker not too
far in the distance. Reduce sails and engine on, we needed to get in before
this hit us. There was not a lot to worry about as we rounded the next point
and heading straight for the marina. Following every crossing a marina for a
day or two is a blessing; comfort and safety, no anchor, no dinghy, easy access
to refreshments and plenty of local information. We packed up and washed the
boat, cleaned the fridge, and settled in for a nice big breakfast with the
obligatory spicy Bloody Mary with clamato juice, mixed by Steve the New Yorker.
We stopped in Bonaire for a few days to have a look around,
amazing clear blue water and being a protected zone plenty of sea life right at
the shore and around the mooring. We found some nice steak and Steve’s culinary
skills came to the fore again with a pepper pistachio (left over from the 2kg
bag from New York) crusted steak done on the bbq.
It was sad to leave Bonaire as we had to get Steve to
Curacao for his flight. Marion and I have vowed to come back for some diving as
soon as we return from Aus. The trip to Curacao was a pleasant day sail into
Spanish Water which is a wonderful anchorage. Marion checked us in with the
authorities, Steve packed his bags, and I rested due to an injury (yes John,
those damn canvas clips ripped open my foot!)
Another crossing, taking in three nights, generator and main
engine impeller replacements, occasional squalls (I don’t really see the big
deal in a little rain) enough fish….and the one that got away! Our crew and new
friend, Steve, was great who was on hand at all times and had great boat
etiquette cleaning regularly and being proactive with meals.
