Wont Seasnin’ wit Dat?: 30 Sep 08
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| Sunset over Venezuela - that's South America, folks! |
Well, we’ve not got long to go now so it’s time to be a bit reflective about our trip so far. What’s been most important to us? Weather; security; and good ol’ communication!
Hurricanes. Need I say more? Our whole itinerary was planned around the consequences of the weather, in particular hurricanes. If we could get internet connection by hanging upside down over hot coals, our first search was always for weather; hurricane reports as well as local weather. We had a few favourite sites such as Jeff Masters, NHAA and CaribWX; with a little American weatherdotcom smooze thrown in for good measure. The Cap’n perused our cruising guides (all 5 of them) to ascertain the best hurricane safe harbours. We talked to “old hands” and read books on hurricane survival strategies. Thankfully, our only experience was to have those regular trade winds knocked over by north passing “significant features” and so see way too much wind action from the SE.
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| Montserrat |
As if wind watching wasn’t enough, we had to keep a weather eye out for volcanic activity & earthquakes. Lessons from the past, including recent activity on Montserrat prevented us visiting some areas. In Montserrat you need special permission to land because at least half the island is an exclusion zone. (There was an eruption on 28 Jul 08. Luckily we were in St Martins!) The obvious lava flow near St Pierre (Martinique, 1902) was a reminder of the devastation an eruption can bring – not to mention tsunami and other troublesome worries for nautical types. We prepared…it was like being in Nepal all over again!
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| Saba Rock Resort |
Of course, and it seems strange to mention it because after all that’s why we’re here, but we did have to keep an eye out for coral reefs. Beautiful yet treacherous; too many have unwittingly succumbed. In Tyrell Bay, Carriacou, they call one reef “bare boater’s alley”. Despite the wonders of modern navigational aids, “eyeball” navigation in good light was considered the best means for avoiding a good grinding or at worst a sinking!
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| Taking Security Seriously |
A newspaper published monthly, the Caribbean Compass, gave us an eye on the cruising community; hot topics, news and views. It made for good reading although we were concerned about news of killings and robbings, especially in Venezuela and even St Vincent. Security is a huge issue, and unlike some gun-totin’ Yankees we met, we chose to just be cautious, lock up and ask locals questions. We left our dingy strapped firmly to WJ3 & out the water in Dominica.
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| Boat Watch |
In St Martin and St Lucia we waited to launch until confirming with marina staff that dingy theft was not an issue. BW decorated our outboard with paint and removed evidence of its horsepower. We also invested in chain & locks. Security net is also a helpful compilation of reported crime, which makes for interesting reading & useful advice. Lastly, we have finally come upon the Cruisers Net on VHF Channel 68. This is daily weather, security, information and social updates for cruisers. SSB radio seems to be somewhat “old hat” given new generation internet availability, so we found it difficult to tune in.
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| Researchin' Trini style |
With the proliferation of internet access, many cafes and marinas are turning to wifi. That doesn’t mean those little radio waves are always buzzin’…. Interference comes in many forms – most usually in the shape of superyachts and hot water boats with big antenna & lots of electronics. Otherwise, our anchorage was out of line-of-sight; just too far out; swinging the wrong way or a multitude other such technical mysteries that my little computer could not cope with! Enough to drive you to drink! Mmmm, now that’s a good idea!
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