28 April 2008 | Guatemala
17 April 2007 | Colon, Panama
23 February 2007 | Cartagena, Colombia
07 November 2006 | PLC, Venezuela - Still!
21 October 2006 | Bahi Redonda, PLC
Back in the Eastern Caribbean Island chain
22 April 2010 | Antigua
After leaving Guatemala in late 2008 found myself in Isla Mujeres, eastern Mexico early December. As back to single-handing, and feeling a little lonely, returned to UK for Christmas/New Year.
On return had to wait nearly three months whilst tied up in marina before suitable weather for long passage east to Key West. Angela my sister joined again for two week break, which helped occupy the time.
Eventually left early March & made the 360nm to Key West in 48 hours (my longest single-handed passage) with considerable help from the Gulf Stream. After a couple of weeks there continued east through the Bahamas, getting delayed in southern Bahamas and Dominican Republic with unsuitable weather to make easting to my intended destination in the BVI's. This delay also included heart stopping moments when the engine failed twice in the middle of the night off coral encrusted eastern coast of DR, resulting in 40nm sail back to Samana with no engine.
Continuing weather delays meant I missed celebrating my 60th birthday in the UK in June. However had a great celebration on the day with fellow yotties in Ponce, south Puerto Rico. Finally had boat lifted in Virgin Gorda for storage in hurricane berth whilst I returned to UK for 2009 summer.
On return in October and after the usual maintenance, cruised the BVI's until my visa ran out, then had a long days motoring to tax free Saint Martin where I spent way too much money on replacement sails and general maintenance. Eventually left for overnight passage to Antigua mid March this year, where I am now.
Really enjoyed the recent race week watching the worlds biggest and best sailing yachts in action. Plan to have the boat lifted shortly in English harbour and stored in welded cradle whilst I return to Val in the UK and enjoy? the summer.
Up the Rio Dulce
28 April 2008 | Guatemala
Richard
After a slightly disappointing second time in the San Blas, mainly because of weather, we spent two nights at sea sailing to the beautiful Colombian holiday island of San Andres with our friends on Moustache.
Spent a month there celebrating Christmas & the New Year before heading to the bay islands of Honduras via the remote Vivario Cays.
Thoroughly enjoyed Guanaja, Roatan & Utila with a mainland visit to La Ceiba. Here we took a minibus to Copan Ruinas where we explored ancient Mayan ruins & enjoyed the quaint little town.
My sister joined us in Roatan for a two week break whilst Hula was tied up at Fantasy island allowing us to enjoy the resort facilities. In Utila I qualified as a PADI open water diver with Jeremy & Sonia from Moustache.
After waiting for the highest tide we ploughed through the sand of the shallow river entrance & then motored up the wide Rio Dulce in Guatemala. After crossing Golfete lake we arrived 20nm up river by the town of Frontera.
Hula will be lifted shortly at RAM marina & stored ashore whilst we return to England for the summer?
Fabulous San Blas
17 April 2007 | Colon, Panama
Richard
Really enjoyed my five weeks in the San Blas islands. Now in Shelter Bay marina hoping to help as line handler for boats transiting the canal.
In a couple of weeks will be heading west to Bocas del Toro where Hula will be laid up whilst I return to UK.
Val & I will return in early September & plan to visit San Blas again before heading north via Providencia to Honduras