SAPODILLA BAY, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS
Moorglade's Voyage
Ted Wilson
Thu 1 Mar 2012 19:42
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Our position is 21:44.50N 72:17.20W
After breakfast and a brief rest off French Quay
and with the sun sufficiently high to observe underwater features, we proceeded
along the advised route to a waypoint off South Dock Provdenciales, one of the
Turks & Caicos Islands. Nothing untoward was spotted although we
enjoyed spectacular views of dolphins gambling in the shallow, clear turquoise
waters. At the waypoint, a slight course alteration to port brought us
into Sapodilla Bay where we anchored at 1400 local (same time zone as
Bahamas and east coast USA but one hour earlier than the Dominican
Republic) on Tuesday 28 February, a total passage distance of 146 NM. We
had a helpful radio conversation with Simon of South Side Marina who briefed on
local issues and confirmed our draft prevented overnighting in his
marina, transitting the approach channel at high tide would be
essential.
After lunch we proceeded ashore to clear Customs
and Immigration at South Dock, a short dinghy ride to a convenient dinghy dock
followed by a short walk. There we were greeted by a cheerful official
with a generous figure (the classic shape of the region) who completed
formalities and charged a US$100 fee which included a permit for up to 7 days
cruising. However, we were unable to pay because her superior had
absconded with the receipt book and we were asked to come back the following
day. We then returned aboard for supper and an early night.
The following day we returned ashore and paid our
dues before heading towards the centre of habitation. However, the lack of
public transport, limited success at hitching and uncomfortable heat forced
a decision to return early to Sapodilla Bay where we enjoyed a most
satisfactory late lunch at a nearby resort. The evening was spent aboard
preparing for the passage to Long Island in the Bahamas.
After assisting a nearby single-handed New Zealand
sailor to stow his dinghy, we departed from Sapodilla Bay at 1000 local,
heading west through the Sandbore Channel.
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