We have spent the last week exploring the Dominican Republic with a rental car. It's a beautiful country and the people have been so friendly. More details and photographs to follow when I have time to write something up!
It was an early morning departure from the marina, the military arrived at our boat to complete the paperwork and give us a despacho at 06:15. Gusty crosswinds made for a difficult departure from our marina berth through the pilings and, despite Nic's best efforts, we have further damaged our paintwork. Our early departure meant no help from a marina rib to keep Irony straight. It truly is the worst- designed marina we have encountered in almost 9 years on Irony.
As we headed out into the Mona Passage we encountered good-sized waves and high winds which made for a fast but uncomfortable downwind passage south to the island of Saona. Our guests were looking very green by the time we reached the calmer waters of the nature reserve and anchored of a stunning white sand beach fringed with palm trees.