Made it - Longest Sail So Far!
01 December 2017 | George Town, Grand Cayman
Helen
We had great winds and lighter seas all the way into George Town Harbour. Apparently we had some good current pushing us as well that explains us regularly being in 8 knot range. The moon stayed up all night to help light our way. We were two miles out when we furled the jib, started the engines and lowered the main sail. Port Security was great at guiding us to a mooring ball in the dark with shore lights making it difficult. We were off soundings until we got to the anchorage area. It was much flatter water. We put things away and hoisted our Q-flag, which indicates that we had not cleared customs yet. Then, we both got some well needed rest. Waited all morning for Custom to call us. They called on the radio and sent out a patrol boat to escort us to their dock. The dock was the same one that we remembered being ferried to when visiting there on different cruise ships that anchored in the harbour. We were then expecting the three- hour drug search that others reported, but no one came onboard. We received many documents to fill out and when asked about firearms we said we only have a spear gun. Those are prohibited in the Caymans and we had to surrender it to the Customs and Immigration Officers. When we leave, they will give it back. Both officers were extremely pleasant to deal with. We were happy to be back onboard Charabia, selecting a different mooring ball that is closer to the free dinghy dock. No fees charged for entering this country or for the use of the mooring ball for our time here. That is a huge deal! We then took the dinghy to shore and secured it to the public dinghy dock. Walked a half block to Burger King for a late lunch. They had free wifi and a perfect view of our boat moored off the main channel with the Carnival Splendor anchored behind us. We tried to get my phone service working but the hardware does not support the connection available here. It would take getting another part, which may happen in Panama. Until then, we still have our satellite connection for messaging. It's limited to 160 characters, but you can send more than one as we have unlimited service. Please send us an email if you don't have the link. We went looking for Kirk's marine store as it was recommended and close by. They also had a Kirk's grocery store beside it. I went to find some fresh fruit and look around. Their prices are high and they accept the US dollars at a horrific 30-35% premium. Don't remember that in the past. It is now 4:30 pm and we will take a short rest and then upon recommendations from the marine store go to a good bar to watch the Stanford game tonight. Go Cardinal!