Ajaya affected by Swine Flu ! - 18:26.466N, 64:44.987W

AJAYA'S CRUISE
Phil & Nikki Hoskins
Sun 3 May 2009 23:41
May 1st 2009
Well sort of !!
Our plans certainly were affected as, having already visited Sopers to collect the gas and almost died of shock at the $57 filling cost, we had wanted to clear from Jost Van Dyke which gave us a nicer approach to St Johns. We'd heard the immigration officials were also very friendly there as well. Well, having left Sopers and sailed across to Jost Van Dyke - about 4 or 5 miles as the pelican flies we then spent a pleasant night in Great Harbour ready to hit the immigration office first thing. However, on entering the office we were immediately met by notices plastered all over the walls and counters stating that effective from the 1st May due to the swine fever or flu or whatever, yachts would not be cleared either in or out of Jost Van Dyke but would have to clear at SOPERS HOLE!!! So, a LeMans style race back to the dinghy and back to the boat at top speed to hard motorsail back to Sopers to clear there! The demeanour of the officials at Sopers reflected their increased workload in clearing extra craft in and out whilst the official at JVD couldn't have been more friendly, considerate and laid back given that his rubber stamps would be staying safely locked away in the safe for the foreseeable future in order to save the good people of Jost Van Dyke the ghastly perils of Swine flu. Yes it even affects tiny islands scattered around the Caribbean.. Anyway, onwards into the USVIs.