19 March 2004

News No 9:

Luperon to Samana

Hi,

Much has happened and many experiences have been had since I last corresponded. We left Luperon on Wednesday evening in a light wind and sailed all night and the whole of the next day, and although we tried to make it straight for Puerto Rico, we had to change tack and run for Samana as we were making no progress into the lumpy sea with both motors.

FRIDAY MORNING:
Only 130 nmiles to get to Mayaguez which is where you should meet Allan and company on Monday. We tried to run for it last evening but got klapped on the nose with 30knots and terrible seas so had to change course and run for Samana for shelter got here in the dark again, hairy entering port at night, luckily a fishing boat overtook our creeping progress and we followd him in. Anchored and passed out after a strong gin and tonic and a whopping bowl of steaming pop corn. Woke to a beautiful sight this town is so picturesque suppose we were'nt supposed to miss it! Moved boat out of the harbour and anchored off a cay at the entrance to the bay cause we don't want to be ripped of by these thieveing banditos of customs officials who ripp you off every time they climb on board $68 when arriving at Luperon and $20 when leaving they think we're loaded.

A weather window to allow us to cross the Mona Passage should appear on Sunday night/Monday will endeavour to be there by monday by the time they arrive.

In the meantime swam ashore here lovely little island all full of stalls and bartering Dominicans will go back for lunch and have some local fare! Not bad in Paradise!