113. Journey So Far

My Journey So Far

I’m now a long way away from the Windward Islands. Heading back there will mean going east – into the wind and waves, for 1200 miles. I re-registered my EPIRB with the US Coastguard.

I’ve met a few sailors recently recommending Cuba; I could sail North to Cayo Largo and then follow the coast to Santiago. From there it would be easy to sail down to Haiti and Ile a Vache. It would be a good way to go, but it would mean missing Jamaica.

Jamaica is my nearest hurricane hole, way too far away. There are plenty of mangroves nearby, but I need a better hurricane plan than hiding behind a bush if I’m going to spend another hurricane season in the zone. I’ve got a few months to come up with one.

Pirates in the Marina

112. Starfish Point

On my day off I motored across North Sound to Kaibo beach. I wanted to give my engine a good run; it seems to be working better than ever. The new exhaust is giving me more power/speed. 

Kaibo Beach

I tied up on Kaibo Pools dock, and went for a snorkel. I saw lots of starfish and a couple of stingrays. After, I swam under Sonic Boom, checked my zinc and cleaned my prop. My zinc needs replacing, but my bottom paint still looks good; no growth or barnacles.  

I had lunch at Kaibo restaurant, went for a walk around, had another swim and headed back to Governor’s Creek.

111. Rum Point

Immigration have approved my one year visa, so I plan to leave the dock and go back on my anchor in the creek to save money. Meanwhile Customs have said after six months I need to either leave or pay import duty on Sonic Boom. So now I’m arranging for an appraisal of Sonic Boom and completing another stack of paperwork.

Beach Suites

Dana left to Cuba; it was sad to see her go, and very tempting to go with her, but if I can get through customs, I’ll stay here for a while longer. I can get free of debt and save up a little and then take my time sailing to St Martin. My only worry would be spending another hurricane season in the zone, on an island with no protection.