Category: Caribbean

We Are Sailing to Bonaire

After a lot of deliberation, we changed our minds and our plan. For hurricane season we are sailing to Bonaire.

Cancelling on Grenada

A few weeks ago we signed up to go to Grenada, along with our group of buddy boats. As the date approached, our doubts grew as to whether that was the right choice for us. We don’t want to do-over last summer, no matter how much we loved Grenada.

While we planned for Grenada, we were also researching the other options for hurricane season. We also talked to a few friends and authorities, and changed our minds. Bonaire is calling!

Why Bonaire

Bonaire was always our goal, Covid-19 just messed things up, just like it probably did for your 2020 plans. Bonaire is a marine park with excellent diving, and we love to dive. Plus, the island serves as a jumping off point for Colombia, Panama and the Panama Canal, which we would like to visit and cross, respectively, once we can.

Like most countries, Bonaire was closed for a period, but they are slowly and carefully opening their borders. After contacting the marina and the authorities, we have an almost-confirmed arrival of July 1st in Bonaire.

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Antigua and Barbuda Favorites

We have been in Antigua for over four months so we must know the island pretty well. Granted, a lot was shut down with the pandemic but we still had time to explore the islands, which have a lot to offer visitors. Here are our Antigua and Barbuda favorites for when you get the chance to visit.

Nelson’s Dockyard

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nelson’s Dockyard is a top site in Antigua for history buffs, hikers and sailors. Continuously running since 1754, the working dockyard site includes a small museum with historical exhibits and is surrounded by acres of land holding old forts and military buildings.

Nelson's Dockyard Antigua and Barbuda Favorites
Nelson’s Dockyard Copper and Lumber

Admiral Lord Nelson ran the English naval post here and many of the original structures are scattered about the grounds, including munitions and lovingly restored buildings.

museum Nelson's Dockyard
Museum at Nelson’s Dockyard
Nelson's Dockyard cannon outside the liquor store
Nelson’s Dockyard
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Planning for Hurricane Season During a Pandemic

Brian and I keep telling each other we are glad the pandemic didn’t happen in our first season living on the boat. This is because we are more comfortable and knowledgeable, Sava is in better shape, and we are used to the fluidity of cruiser life. Especially the last because this season it is very interesting planning for hurricane season in a pandemic.

Planning for Hurricane Season from Antigua

As you know, we waited out the worst of the lockdown in Antigua and it worked well. We had a solid group in isolation and were sheltered in a beautiful bay. All of the necessities were available or sourced easily by someone in our group.

Planning for Hurricane Season during a pandemic
Sava and some of her buddy boats at Great Bird Island, Antigua

But we can’t stay here forever, and as hurricane season approaches, borders are slowly opening, with restrictions.

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