Mona to DR
13 March 2012 | Samana, Dominian Republic
Kevin
As we prepared to leave Salinas Puerto Rico we were very excited to visit the Isla de las Muertos 20 miles away on the south coast. It was billed as a don’t miss. Very disappointing, after anchoring we realized we could have missed this place. The swell was bad, little to do ashore and we rolled all night. We socialized early with RomantaSea and at sunrise the next morning we headed out for Gilligan’s Island. The real name of the Island is Cayo Aurora, but it looks so much like the TV show Island it earned the name. RomantaSea and Nuvo Jour anchored with us and we enjoyed some long dinghy rides through the mangroves and some social time back on RomantaSea. The Island really does look like the show but we were there on Saturday and lots of local people were in the tidal pool and on the beach. The island is a park and has picnic tables and barbecues in the trees with some small shack like shelters. They were all full with the locals who come over by ferry from the mainland. Gilligan and the Skipper too would have been rescued pretty fast, probably by jet ski.
The plan was to sail to Boquerón on the east coast of Puerto Rico on Sunday to stage to cross the Mona Passage to Samana Bay in the Dominican Republic on Monday or Tuesday. The Mona Passage is something to respect. It is about 70 miles wide and 5000 feet deep with a current running north. Any wind against this current and you are having a bad day. The other factor is the hour glass shoal in the north east side of the passage. The shoal is down about 200 feet but all that water traveling north really deep hits the shoal and it can make the surface a mess. Sailboats our size navigate around that area if they are smart.
In Boquerón, I planned to take on more fuel, tighten up a few things on the boat, get some passage food ready then get a good night’s sleep for the crossing. Boquerón is known as a fun place, lots of bars and restaurants. In the guide book it says “If you missed sophomore year of college or really enjoyed it you will like Boquerón. That didn’t happen, we didn’t get to see the town.
Departing Gilligan’s Island before 7:00 AM we rounded the south west cape of Puerto Rico and the wind that had behind us was now on the beam. Nice sailing. RomantaSea called on the VHF and suggested we cross now to Samana DR. So much for getting ready, resting, etc. From the South west coast of Puerto Rico to north west DR was about 162 miles, 28 hours. Eileen and I did 3 hour watches which made for a nice passage.
Arrival time was 11:30 AM at the Puerto Bahia Marina, Samana DR. Many of cruising friends recommended a marina while in the DR because of problems with customs officials. Puerto Bahia is a beautiful resort with pools, restaurants, and bars. The marina looks out for their guests. Still five customs officials came aboard the boat, none spoke English. It went smooth but the process could be intimidating. Once the officials were on their way we got some rest.