A customs mistake in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico,
Seaduced
John & Jane Craven
Sat 5 Jan 2013 15:55
We realised we would have to move to a different port, San Juan is a port of entry and we were planning to head there anyway as it is en route to Fajardo. However, they wanted us to go Mayaguez on the west coast and check in with them at 8am. We couldn't stay where we were, even overnight so had to set off at 4pm to sail round the corner. The weather had been forecast as light winds, but the first couple of hours, we had huge 3 metre seas and winds gusting up to 28 knots! The boat was rolling like crazy until we got round the corner and started to head south down the Mona Passage, to the west coast of Puerto Rico. We arrived at 2am, and after three attempts managed to get the anchor down and holding, and went to bed for a well earned rest.
We had been told yesterday to report to the customs people again at 8am this morning to arrange to clear in. When we phoned we were told that the office is only open between 2pm and 4pm and we would have to wait! How do these people sleep at night?
Currently, we are stuck here in Mayaguez waiting for our appointment, after which we should be free to go - fingers crossed!