66. Boca Catalina

Sonic Boom anchored off Hadicurari

After another few days on Hadacurari, we sailed to Boca Catalina; a small quiet cove, great for snorkeling. Sally’s friend Becky arrived, so now I’ve two crew. Even though it’s not very far, it was a tricky sail. Leaving Hadicurari we bumped the bottom and got stuck for a few minutes, which was quite scary. Underway, it’s still so windy I just put out a reefed main and we were still doing 6 knots. When we arrived I had trouble setting the anchor; the bottom was just a thin layer of sand over rock, but on the third try I managed to hit softer ground, and we anchored for the night.

Sally and Becky at Boca Catalina

The sail back to Oranjestad was a bit better; straight out into deep water, then we sped down the coast with a reefed main. But we got stopped and boarded by the coastguard. Annoying, but after reading how they’re scared of pirates, I was interested to see them. After they left us (unimpressed), we rounded the island and were headed straight into the wind and waves. I kept the main up and motored, but still we were doing less than two knots and it took over an hour to get to the marina. Happy to arrive, have some lunch, wash the boat, do laundry and have a swim and shower.

65. One Happy Island

Aruba is now one of my favorite ABC islands. ‘One Happy Island’ is what’s written on the T-shirts and taxis; one windy island would also work.

Hadicurari

Chilling on Hadicurari beach is cool. There are showers all along the beach, but we also found inside ones. We even found a hot Jacuzzi. So far the Marriott has the nicest pool. There are water and ice machines everywhere, nice bars for happy hour beers watching the sunset; it would be easy to stay here for a long time.

Pirates going for a sail

After getting busted at the Hyatt, our new favorite place is on the beach next to Moomba. There’re cheap sun lounges and a nice bar with free Wi-Fi.

64. Hadicurari

Today we sailed from the marina to Hadicurari beach, on the west coast of Aruba. Just with my jib we averaged around 7 knots, so it only took an hour or so. My furlex is much better; while I was in the marina I took it apart, cleaned, de-rusted, re-greased it and replaced the old furling line. Although the sail still rolls up the wrong way, enough boat work; I’m going to be a beach bum for a while.

Hadicurari Beach

We’re anchored alongside two pirate ships, quite far from shore, but even here we’re in only about 8 feet of water. After anchoring, we launched the dinghy and went for a walk on the beach, had a swim and rum cocktails to celebrate a successful passage.

My new neighbors

Hadicurari and Palm Beach are absolutely beautiful. Lovely white sand and clear turquoise water. And very built up – huge Marriott, Ritz Carlton and Hyatt hotels. All have slightly different beach towels; I’m starting a collection. Seems like mainly American guests, some South American, it feels like I could be in Miami, watching Hot Bench and Are you Faster than a Redneck simultaneously on TVs in Starbucks.

Palm Beach in the distance