2001: A Sea Odyssey

The Dominican Republic

[Received 8/2/2001]

Sunday July 22 Addendum:  The Bicycle Caper.  I was having a difficult time tracking down Jose to get my bicycle back.  Even in my naiveté, I began to suspect something was amiss.  While working with Fianchi, I suggested to him that something might be wrong.  He took it upon himself to track down Jose and the next day informed me that there is indeed something of a problem.  Jose is saying that I gave (not loaned) the bicycle to him.  A regalo.  And Jose doesn’t even work at the port; his brother does and he is just living with his brother.  So, maybe el Comandancia doesn’t have jurisdiction here.  Looks like the usual mess in which I frequently become embroiled..

In the company of Alren, who was helping me download my e-mail messages on diskette, I approach the Comandancia’s quarters anxious to get this mess straightened out, in my favor.  Alren, who has been cruising at least 20 years, speaks both Spanish and English and turns out to be a skillful negotiator.  Finally, Jose fetches the bicycle which now has both tires flatten, chain dislodged, bike lock missing and two new bright yellow Latino handle grips.  Once the lock and key are returned, el Comandancia advises me to keep the bike locked on my boat from now on. I do, and keep the handle grips as well.

 

Monday July 23.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!  At high tide (as indicated on my GPS—what technology), I move the Sirius II over to the anchorage by the commercial dock, intending to leave the next day at daybreak.  I check with the Comandancia to get my despacho.  About mid-morning the s/v Islandia anchors nearby to check in.  Aboard are Peter and Brunni, people whom I had met in Key West, now are on their way to Puerto Rico after spending nearly two months in the Bahamas.

 

Tuesday July 24 – 27.  Depart for Luperon with a stop scheduled for Monte Cristi Bay to sit out the afternoon trade winds.  I just barely arrived ahead of the winds, which howled across the bay at 30 knots.  The anchor dragged several times, so I got no rest.  At sunset, headed out for Luperon.  The winds never ceased, as they are supposed to after sunset.  After two hours of watching the same landmark, I turn back to Manzanillo, arriving just after midnight.  Islandia is still at anchor.  Later that day, the two of us move into Estero Balsa for protection from the approaching tropical wave.  The good thing about this change of plans is that I got to know these good folks.

 

Saturday July 28 – 29.  With Islandia, the two of us depart before daybreak from the anchorage at the commercial dock for Luperon.  Both of us were delayed a bit because our respective anchor rodes were caught in the rocks. We each received despachos saying we are to leave the country:  New law is the explanation!  Arrived in Monte Cristi much earlier this time, still took a few attempts to get the anchor to hold.  Winds only about 20 knots this time.  Heard from Islandia later in the day to learn that they had turned back:  Engine failure.  Underway again about midnight, this time the seas were still rough, but passable.  This nighttime passage was made the entire distance without benefit of adequate charts.  I relied on the waypoints as provided in the book The Gentleman’s Guide to PASSAGES SOUTH.  Not recommended.  Arrived just after 0900 and was guided in by the folks on Nomad, and still dragged in the mud!  What is this about guides, anyway? 

 

Monday July 30 - .  Winds howled through the night.  Some say up to 50 knots.  I was too tired to care.  Finished checking in and was “informed” that the Comandancia from Manzanillo had called to ask if I had checked in.  What does this mean? 

Several rain squalls continued during the day, giving the Sirius II a much-needed bath.  Now, do I stay here or continue along the north coast of the DR and head for Mayaquez, Puerto Rico?  From here, it is a two-day trip, if the trade winds would ever quit.  Otherwise, it might take a week or more.  And will not be a pleasant trip.

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Contact: siriusii@hotmail.com