Crew Wanted: Curacao to Grenadines

[m1ke]

Boat; 45 Columbia, Time-frame; 2-3 weeks to start early February, 2012; From Curacao to Bonaire then via Venezuelan outer islands (Los Aves, Los Roques, La Blanquilla) to Grenada; I am a Canadian, retired teacher, married, age 61 and a neophyte owner still learning the ropes "lines". Last April I solo'd to Bonaire and back on this boat. I am looking for an experienced shipmate or 2, preferably an 'old salt' comfortable with electronics, diesel engines, anchoring etc., who doesn't mind the 400 mile upwind slog and who is willing to act as a mentor. My plan is to wait for acceptable weather windows for each leg; skin/scuba diving, fishing, a sundowner G % T, thus the 2-3 week time-frame for what will really be 4 day/or night sails and 2 longer legs of 24-30 hours. I will provide grub(shared prep.) and all boat related-expenses. You will need to cover your own transportation to/from the boat. ***If we mesh as crewmates, I would be open to the possibility of an extended onboard stay while we explore the Grenadines and perhaps points farther north for a few months.

[s/v Moondancer]

It is a lot easier to sail 'best course to windward' north across the Caribbean to one of the northern islands and then work your way down the Islands to Grenada for hurricane season.

Much easier than 400 miles into the wind and waves!

Plus there anecdotal reports on the VHF in Bonaire of the Venezuelan CG causing problems in the Aves and Los Roches and demanding bribes. One good friend paid $400 in Los Roches.

[m1ke]

Thanks for the advice Phil. I have thought about this possibility, particularly for the Cuban or Domincan "Esplendidos" at a reasonable price as another benefit. I will give this some more thought.

[knotnow]

M1ke, Can I assume that’s Mike?

Anyhow we will be making pretty much the same trip and starting from the same place but heading for St. Lucia sometime shortly after 5th Jan. What’s the name of your boat and where will ya be in Jan. Maybe get together for a toddy or three.

Rick

[m1ke]

Hi Rick, I will be in Curacao, Spanish Waters, Kimakalki Marina from the end of the first week in January getting Pelican ready. It would be great to meet and compare plans over a wee toddie.

[George]

Sailing Apuej Bien Blog: Press Release Venezuelan Intervention with Apuejbien

Thought this report might be of interest.

[s/v Moondancer]

Now more than anecdotal...This is a report of a US boat sunk because of the Venezuelan CG in Los Roches.

It appears that the CG told them were to go and they ran aground.

"The escorting VZ Patrol Boat, which was directing the sailing vessel course of travel prior to this incident, did absolutely nothing to assist the floundering vessel and/or its crew safe rescue."


http://www.sailnet.com/forums/genera...ur-vessel.html

Sailing Apuej Bien Blog: Accident in Los Roques

[m1ke]

You know, I have been advised that people overblow safety concerns (for example the thread leading to 2007 Venezuelan incidents is a little redundant now) and that stories grow as they are passed along but I also realize that when adding all available information together, Venezuela and, it would appear it's outer islands now, at the very least, is a questionable area to cruise in. I would love to sail from Curacao to the Venzuelan mainland and using Bruce Van Sant's upwind sailing tactics, make my way along the coast to Trinidad, then Grenada. This, especially single-handed, appears to carry greater risk than reward for now. I am going to change my mind, follow my intuition and the advice rendered and steer a more favorable course north, avoiding Venezuela completely. It is a shame that things have come to this for a country with coastal communities so desperately in need of the money that cruisers can provide not just through provisioning and fees but to the marinas and haul-out facilities that need our business. From all I have seen, the Venezuelan interior and coast are beautiful places to visit, so in the end, I too am deprived of an otherwise wonderful place to sail and to explore.

[knotnow]

Yo M1ke -

Guess will miss you by a couple weeks. We plan to slip lines around the 10th weather permitting. We will also be in Spanish Waters but at Plantation. Maybe will see ya in the Grenadines.

Rick

[m1ke]

This crew position(s) status has now changed. I am now looking to leave from Curacao and intend on making a Leeward Island or a Puerto Rico landfall, depending on weather. Still looking at early February but now anticipate a 5-6 day passage. Interested? Mike