Venezuela

[bnb]

I have heard mixed reviews about Venezuela and margarita island. Some say it is extremely unsafe and the security is minimal to sailors.
I would like to chat with other sailors that have experienced the waters there and some of the procedures of going there.
We in south Carolina and I don't know for sure where the consulate is for this are. SC NC GA FLA appear to be in Venezuela. ?

[neilpride]

I don't think you are going to found in this forum cruisers with recent Venezuela sailing area experience and me think there is no boats in Margarita at the present moment...
As far I know Venezuela is a no no goo area....

[MarkJ]

Embassy in Grenada is where you visa up.

Neilpride is correct.
Its a total no go area. Last cruiser in Margareta left in a body bag.

[skipmac]

I have some very good friends who are from Venezuela and they say it's too dangerous to visit.

Why would you want to go to Venezuela? There are so many other places you can visit.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by skipmac

I have some very good friends who are from Venezuela and they say it's too dangerous to visit.

Why would you want to go to Venezuela? There are so many other places you can visit.

I have Venezualan friends too who have left the country and still know people in country....VERY bad there now, especially in the capital. Not quite so bad in the more rural areas or the islands.

Some friends of mine, 2 of them Venezuelans, did stop in at Blanquilla and Los Roques recently on a run from Grenada to the ABC's. No problems, but these islands are further from the mainland than Margarita.

As a USA citizen, I would be much less comfortable with those stops. Its not a bad run from Grenada to the ABCs, why take the risk?

Hopefully, after the almost certain collapse of Maduro's govt, Venezuela can recoup and eventually become a great cruising stop again.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

I have Venezualan friends too who have left the country and still know people in country....VERY bad there now, especially in the capital. Not quite so bad in the more rural areas or the islands.

Some friends of mine, 2 of them Venezuelans, did stop in at Blanquilla and Los Roques recently on a run from Grenada to the ABC's. No problems, but these islands are further from the mainland than Margarita.

As a USA citizen, I would be much less comfortable with those stops. Its not a bad run from Grenada to the ABCs, why take the risk?

Hopefully, after the almost certain collapse of Maduro's govt, Venezuela can recoup and eventually become a great cruising stop again.

I thought things would improve after Chavez but it just got worse. When oil prices were up, regardless of the corruption the government managed to funnel just enough to the people and food subsidies to keep order. After oil prices collapsed there wasn't enough to steal and feed the people so guess who lost. I'm afraid things are going to get worse before they get better.

[tribusue]

I am Venezuelan, living abroad. I would not suggest Margarita at this time.
Personal safety, lack of food and medicines are very serious right now

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

(...)

almost certain collapse of Maduro's govt

(...)

I have friends there too. They live in Porlamar. They say Maduro and earlier Chavez were elected in a democratic way. Maduro has plenty of local support. He may get overthrown by foreign interests but otherwise his govt is unlikely to collapse. Think Cuba and Castro.

The problem is not Maduro. The problem is crude too cheap on global markets.

b.

[Emerald Sea]

There are more discussion on Venezuela lately including this one...

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...la-167602.html