Thread: Belize Cruising
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Old 31-10-2008, 04:59   #23
JamuJoe
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Durango, CO
Boat: Leopard 42 - JAMU
Posts: 39
Chartering in Belize

Redbull, although I've got my favorite anchorages after five years of owning a yacht with The Moorings in Belize, I would suggest that following their recommended itinerary and chart briefing is best for first time charterers in this area. Don't worry about 'following the crowd', as this is a very lightly used charter area. The Moorings will provide a copy of Capt. Freya Rauscher's guide, but be aware that it is quite dated and inaccurate in many places due to the continual rearrangement of the cays by mother nature. The onboard chartplotter will be reasonably accurate, but very attentive visual navigation in good light is critical. Anchoring is a challenge due to thin sand over hard coral, so I would recommend use of the mooring balls that have been installed by a local NGO coalition whenever you can. These were free to use when I was last there, and will do much to protect the reefs and the yachts. It's a wonderful area, enjoy your charter!

Smooth Sailing,
Joe Donnaway - Durango, CO
S/V JAMU - Rio Dulce, Guatemala
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