Onwards west to the Dominican Republic
Shelena
Phil Scourfield
Wed 18 May 2016 05:03
17th and 18th May, 2016
We felt prepared for our next passage knowing it was 285 NM and so at least
36 hours passage. When planning such passages it is best to aim to arrive at
new places before dark. Unknown waters have hidden rocks. Although we
departed San Juan at 0630 it was a bit trying. The yacht was aft too, so two
lines held our stern to the pontoon whilst two bow lines secured the bow
between two piles. We wanted to leave early but marina staff were not going
to be around to assist in early morning. We left safely enough but the
procedure is a little complex and time consuming. When we finally were under
way, motoring out of the marked channel we had to give way to a large car
carrier boat that was under pilot boat so with limited ability to manoeuvre.
Why do I mention these things? Well, it is my excuse for failing to arrive
at Ocean Marina in the Dominican Republic before dark. The wind turned light
so speed dropped off and it soon became clear that when the sun set at 1915
local time we still had 16 Nm to passage. So nearly 2 hours passage when it
would be dark. No problem with darkness in general. It is the last mile
close to shore that is the head ache. What to do? Our options were limited
because there are not many anchor places on the north coast of the DR. It is
the Atlantic coast and not well protected from the wind. More to the point
there were shoals closer to shore which you simply are unable to negotiate
except in good light. Fortunately, the satellite phone came to our service.
I was able to speak to the marina Dock Master, Robert, who confidently
informed me that the night buoy lights were reliable and it was no problem
arriving in the dark. We could berth at the fuel depot over night until the
morning. We decided to do this. It was a peach. We arrived in the dark and
once alongside had time to wash down Shelena. It has become our first task
when arriving at a new place after passage to wash the decks down and
usually the saloon too. The fact is that salt needs to be removed asap
because it is corrosive and we do not want it spoiling Shelena's good looks
and condition.
Ocean Marina is next to an Ocean Park with sharks and the like to view in
huge tanks. We decided not to go there preferring to get a complimentary car
to the nearest town for more provisions. After departure DR we had some 700
Nm to go with view opportunities to stop. Now was the last chance to have
sufficient food for 5 days at sea. After shopping Helen set to prepare meals
for the next 5 days that could be easily heated in the microwave since rolly
seas make food preparation something that is prepared well in advance. That
all done we expect to depart for the Bahamas and Great Inagua for a short
anchor to sleep over before continuing all the way to Fort Lauderdale. We
are now under pressure. Sarah will be joining us at F. Lauderdale one week
from today! Better get a move on!