10/17/2005
Curacao
We left Bonaire this morning before 8am and sailed over to Curacao arriving and anchored down just after 3pm. Fairly light winds so we motor sailed most of the way and then just motored in the end but we got to run the water maker and make water all day so some good came out of not being able to sail. We are anchored in Spanish Waters a VERY protected natural harbor, you enter through a narrow channel and then the main bay opens up with lots of finger bays. There are lots of boats here so we are sure we will find a few to make friends with. We had become good friends with four boats in Bonaire but they are all going the other direction or staying in Bonaire, too bad.
We had decided to stay in Bonaire longer than a week to do Bonaire Regatta Week on the same boat we raced in Tobago. Unfortunately the boat went on the beach in Curacao during a wind reversal so it did not make it to Bonaire for racing. Fortunately the boat was towed off and floated but sounds like there is still a fair bit of damage. Still good that Steve, the owner, is safe and the boat did not sink. He was anchored at a small off shore island, safe with SE winds; unfortunately they get wind reversals that can come up quickly. The wind generally blows from the SE so on the west side of the little island Klein Curacao, where he was anchored, is generally safe as you hang off shore. But when the wind shifts to the SW the back of the boat is now just off the shore and with the anchor set in the other direction you can easily drag. Of course this happened at 11:00 at night. We have decided to remain anchored in snug Spanish Waters during our stay here so we are not faced with the same situation. So no regatta for us in Bonaire but we enjoyed watching as we were moored right near the first mark and the finish line.
We are about a half hour bus ride from Willemsted, the main city here, we will need to go there to clear in with Customs and Immigration. After Bonaire where you can walk almost everywhere this will be a bit different taking the bus. We are looking forward to exploring the city as we have heard it is very nice - traditional Dutch buildings but all painted an array of pastel colors. Plan is to explore the city, do a few projects, then look for a weather window to head for Cartagena. We will let you know when we head out.
Hope all is going well with everyone. Take care, stay in touch - hugs -- Suzette and Paul