Venezuela update

[holmek]

I would like to leave my boat in a Venezuela yard/marina, perhaps Cumana, on an on-going basis, to go cruising the offshore islands each year. What are conditions like there at present.? Anyone know of any inherent bureaucracy, - Taxes/permits/zarpa's or whatever. Any info welcome. Thanks. K.

[MBLittle]

Originally Posted by holmek

I would like to leave my boat in a Venezuela yard/marina, perhaps Cumana, on an on-going basis, to go cruising the offshore islands each year. What are conditions like there at present.? Anyone know of any inherent bureaucracy, - Taxes/permits/zarpa's or whatever. Any info welcome. Thanks. K.

Venezuela is an incredibly volatile area at the moment. In fact a cruiser was boarded and shot to death last week if I remember correctly. Lots of crime and corruption.

Have you considered Bonaire instead?

[holmek]

My inherent laziness attracts me to the Eastern end.! I would specifically prefer to cruise Margarita/Heraduras/Los Roques/ both Aves. I was hoping to avoid the beat to get there! K.

[sardinebreath]

Venezuela may be the leading kidnapping for ransom spot in all of North and South America, and that's saying a lot. But as long as you don't look rich (like own a boat, say) you'll probably be ok.

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by sardinebreath

.......as long as you don't look rich (like own a boat, say) you'll probably be ok.

or have an adequate supply of toilet paper...... Troops take over Venezuelan TOILET PAPER factory because of chronic shortage | Mail Online

[belizesailor]

Have friends there right now, volatile, lots of anti American rhetoric and they are starting to see it on the streets too. They are traveling by land and trying to get out of Venezuala ASAP, currently delayed waiting on visa for Brazil.

Excerpt from recent email..

"... Still in Venezuela jumping thru hoops to get visa for Brazil. Maduro is kicking out US diplos and thunderring on TV Yanqui go home! Fuera de Venezuela!"

They have started to see these slogans on car windows too.

[neilpride]

Wow!! planing to stop at margarita?? Nuts!!!

[Boatguy30]

Was a story on NPR today about how bad inflation is. Sounds like you could get a great deal for stuff on the black market with cash and everyone wants either cars, electronics or US cash to hedge against there worthless peso or whatever.

I had a friend on an old 25' sailboat with an outboard engine, held up at gun point there 10 years ago and I understand it is MUCH worse now.m