Bonaire, First of the ABC Islands
Trip Start
May 20, 2010
1
155
180
Trip End
Ongoing
Bonaire, Bonaire, International
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The wind topped out at 36 knots and the seas were quite "spectacular" to say the least. Thankfully we were down wind running, I wouldn't have liked to be going the other way! With a triple reefed main and a reefed poled out genoa we were still doing speeds of over 8 knots and fair flying down some steep slides.
It was good to see the coast of Bonaire and to get into some sheltered waters, although it was only the sea state that calmed the wind over the low lying island was still pumping.
The town faces the anchorage which is mooring buoys only and because of the weather the place was quite busy. All the moorings at the "quiet" end were in use so we could only pick up the last two available ones...............right outside Karel's Bar! Still it was a short ride (or swim) for a drink. It was also very close to the cruise ship dock and the next morning we were woken with a ship's bow literally hanging over our cockpit!
Bonaire is delightful. Dutch, Spanish,English and a local dialect is spoken. It is a relaxed easy town to get to know and with lots of cute shops, cafes, and happy people. Some of the best diving in the world is to be had here but we're not sure how long our stop will be. Along with Awaroa we want to push on to Cartegena in Colombia and want to pick a good weather window to do the 500 nautical miles.
Comments
Hi Irene & Chris, been watching your progress over the last few months, wish I was with you guys,loved all the photos, enjoy while you can.
Stay safe
Regards Alan & Ngareta
hi guys, glad all's going to plan, great blogs and photo's!!, keep safe, thinking of yuo often, all well here, love Corrie and David xox
Hi guys, good to hear from you - you sure are having an amazing time. All good here - apple season kicking in, so we are starting into yet another 'career'... Enjoy, love Heather and Allan
Just spent a very cold, wet and windy week up in the Bay of Islands, not what we had planned. Do not rush too quickly out of Bonaire, some snorkeling and diving is a MUST. Fair winds to your next POC. Much love Ta-b