Placencia - Belize - Rally's End!!!
Shamal
Thu 7 Apr 2016 16:16
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16.30.65N 88.21.92W
We set sail in a group of 5 boats from Utila island
in Honduras on Tuesday the 5th April, just before sunset and headed west. Apart
from a brush with a squall which passed just behind us (our new radar is great
for spotting squalls at night and taking avoiding action) which increased
the winds for a while, we had a steady 12-15kts from just aft of the beam, with
fairly flat seas. So a not-too-bad sail of the 70 odd miles to a
coral island that marks the Ranguana Pass through the Belize barrier reef,
arriving at about 8am.
Getting through the pass was no problem as the
charts were accurate (for a change) and we dropped anchor in company with a
couple of charter boats, in the lee of Ranguanna Cay. A few hours later we
were hit with another squall and then tropical rain (very heavy!!!). Two of the
charter boats dragged their anchors..... and although all ours held, we were'nt
happy with the holding (a sprinkling of sand over rock). So rather than risk
"lots of excitement" if another squall hit in the night, all agreed to up-anchor
and head the last 16 miles to the Belize mainland and Placencia Harbour in the
daylight. This was done in torrential rain, so we all got soaked..... but
the boats deck is the cleanest we have seen it for
months.
Today however dawned bright and sunny. So we have a
day to explore the town here. We then need to head into the nearby marina for
yet another welcome ceremony/speeches from the tourist ministry. We then have
our rally farewell party. It will be kinda sad to say cheerio to the people
that have become a sort of 2nd family for 3 months. We will however see a
few again as its a small world and we will no
doubt meet up with them in the future.
We are also going on an organised tour within
Belize for 2 days. I will post an update in about 1 weeks time with a
summary of the tour.
That's all for the meantime.
Best Wishes,
J&G
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