Bonaire to Curacao; Dutch Antilles

Bootlegger of Mann
Frank Newton
Wed 5 May 2010 21:55


Bootlegger of Mann Log

05.05.10

12:04.289N 68:50.594W

Passage: Kralendijk. Bonaire to Spanish Waters, Curacao,
Netherlands Antilles [ 40 nm ]

Crew: Frank ( Skipper) and Karl Newton ( Crew)

Conditions: Weather: Fine and sunny. Wind : E 14 kts

14:00: 12:09.166N 68:76.741W Kralendijk, Netherlands Antilles


After a brief visit to the island’s only marina which we found effectively
closed with padlocks on every door we departed Bonaire for Curacao setting
a course of 263 degrees.

We came across Sally, an elderly American lady sailor in the Marina
who warned us about the perils of entering Spanish Waters through a very
narrow zig zag channel it could only be done around noon we were told. She
also told how bad the place once we got in. Seru Boca Marina where we
proposed to go was a building site with cement dust in the air that would
cover
the boat. ‘Best of luck’ she shouted after us as we made our way back to
Bootlegger.

Undaunted by the warnings and the negative comment we carried on
with the sail plan

Our stay in Bonaire has been a pleasant one. Got some diving and swimming
in. Popular with divers for its coral reefs ( whole coastline is a
national park
with anchoring prohibited to protect the coral ) the island is not really
geared
up for yachties with few facilities and a poorly equipped Budget Marine
(yacht
chandlery).

The population are a mix of Dutch, African and Hispanic origin. Its tourists
are mainly Dutch followed by Americans. The island attracts many cruise ships
throughout the season.

We have to be through the cut into Spanish Waters before dusk as we have
been advised it is a tricky entrance and should never be attempted from
dusk on.
Our ETA is around 18.30 hrs. With all sails out we motor sailed achieving an
average SOG of 7.6 kns.

18:30 Arrived off Spanish Waters. It has been an uneventful passage over
to Curacao. The narrow zig zag passage through the half mile cut from the
coast into Spanish Waters proved to be without difficulty taken carefully.
We finally dropped anchor in the dark on anchorage ref. A close to Curacao
Yacht Club.

19.:30 F.W.E. Made supper which we ate on deck before retiring.

Time taken for the 40 nm passage to Curacao: 4.5 hrs

FN 050510