Although we wanted to leave for Puerto Rico, the weather was not conducive for the passage ahead. Finally we left Spanish Water on 7th December, calling on our favourite places on the way. We saw friends in Bonaire whilst waiting for a favourable forecast to move on. We left there at 4.30 am, 16th Dec., East bound for the Aves Islands, Venezuela. Our Radar lost screen totally. It was affected by the Short Wave transmitter, off Bonaire Airport, sending God around the world, thank goodness it returned to normal few miles later. We experienced exactly the same phenomenon passing the US Radar site on the East end of Vieques Island.
10 hrs later we anchored behind the reef, in Aves Sotovento Island. It is a strange feeling to hear and see the pounding sea in the middle of the Ocean, whilst enjoying the relative calm behind the barrier reef.
The weather was still blowing gusts of 30kt with isolated showers.
During our wait the Venezuelan Coastguard paid us a visit. The senior Officer, about 30 yrs. old, had been aboard Scorch on previous occasions, but his 4 juniors were new to us. The youngest two (looking no more than 18) were carrying machine guns. This was a first for us. Despite my look of horror and protestations at their weapons, they were sent in first. They were bare footed, resulting in them stubbing their toes on our Genoa fairleads. At my show of concern for their wellbeing they relaxed and sat in the cockpit. Whilst Chris served them orange juice (they did not much like our home brewed Ginger beer), biscuits and Ginger cake. The armed crew ask to check below, no doubt for drugs or illegal persons. They actually are scared for their own safety.
After 45 minutes of forms filling and jovial sign language conversation, they departed with the medicine we had bought for them, some fish hooks and a cake. Their cries of appreciation made it all worthwhile.
They are young lads, away from base and their Mums for 30 days at a time, in a tiny deserted Island with no luxury whatsoever – even their outboard motor on their launch breaks down regularly. We had to launch our dinghy to the rescue. They waved us goodbye like old friends. Life is not easy for them but probably better than on mainland...
Finally the four day weather window needed for our journey North came. We hoisted sails and pointed Scorch Northwards. We only had to motor for about a day in the middle of our journey due to lack of wind.
We saw no marine life during our trip. Gulls and blue, yellow beaked Boobies, kept us company for most of the time. It is extraordinary how they sit on the water to rest for long periods.
The skies were at times fantastic day or night.
Galloping Horses?
We had short seas caused by the North/East winds and a ground swell coming from the East making a strange motion.
The American Bonine seasickness tablets, recommended by a friend were amazing. Chris took one whilst I took ½ once a day. After trying so many remedies during the last 9 years these seem to help me greatly. We can hardly believe it. I am keeping my fingers crossed!....
Chris had to change the primary diesel filter, just as we approached the Puerto Rican coast. Not a pleasant job in disturbed seas....
We knew we had arrived on American territory. Within 12 miles of the coast we were called by a Coastguard vessel requesting all our details. There were helicopters and a Spy balloon in the Sky. We knew Scorch had been noticed and surveyed. The plus point is that we felt safe.
The VHF was very active sending Mayday calls, as a result of a military helicopter ditching into the sea, East of Puerto Rico, killing 6 people aboard. The frustrating part was we could not understand anything due to the accent and speed of transmission.
On 22nd Dec, after 3 ½ days at sea we anchored in Boqueron, West Puerto Rico.
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