We had a big change of plans as we were getting ready to leave Bonaire. We had a nice 2-day weather window (best we'd seen all summer) and were looking forward to exploring a few of the outer islands of Venezuela. We had 3-4 stops planned and figured to spend a week or two; doesn't sound like much time but we weren't planning to check in with the authorities so we didn't want to hang out too long at any one spot.
Hmm, what's that swirly thing on the grib file (later to become Ernesto)? Decision time: do we leave immediately and get to Trinidad in front of the storm or do we hang in Bonaire and wait for the next weather window? The fact that we're in Trinidad gives you that answer and it worked out fine. Although there were times when faced with 2+ kts of counter current and the last 24 hours of rolling in big beam seas, we wondered if we'd made the right call.
We're not sure we'd recommend this southern route for eastbound passages; with the mainland of Venezuela essentially off-limits these days, it’s a real test of your patience. We’re glad it's behind us. The only damage done was to one of the fish; we’re not sure if we hit something or if it just blew as a result of age/stress. Now on to more important things - like new paint and gel-coat for Hobo!
Here’s the trip summary: Bonaire to Trinidad: 425 miles. We had contrary current of at least 1 knot and as much as 2.5 knots for the entire trip. The first half we had lighter head winds and less current. We typically cruise at 6-6.5 knots, burn 1.8 gph and get 3.8 mpg with light winds and no current.
First 224 miles: 4.9 knot average SOG, 3.2 mpg, 1.5 gph
Last 201 miles: 4.0 knot average SOG, 2.0 mpg, 2.0 gph
Attached are a few pictures: Commercial salt operation in Bonaire that makes/processes 400,000 tons/year, one of local wild donkeys, a visit by the Venezuelan Coast Guard, the commercial/recreation harbor in Chaguaramas, and the broken fish before and after.
Hmm, what's that swirly thing on the grib file (later to become Ernesto)? Decision time: do we leave immediately and get to Trinidad in front of the storm or do we hang in Bonaire and wait for the next weather window? The fact that we're in Trinidad gives you that answer and it worked out fine. Although there were times when faced with 2+ kts of counter current and the last 24 hours of rolling in big beam seas, we wondered if we'd made the right call.
We're not sure we'd recommend this southern route for eastbound passages; with the mainland of Venezuela essentially off-limits these days, it’s a real test of your patience. We’re glad it's behind us. The only damage done was to one of the fish; we’re not sure if we hit something or if it just blew as a result of age/stress. Now on to more important things - like new paint and gel-coat for Hobo!
Here’s the trip summary: Bonaire to Trinidad: 425 miles. We had contrary current of at least 1 knot and as much as 2.5 knots for the entire trip. The first half we had lighter head winds and less current. We typically cruise at 6-6.5 knots, burn 1.8 gph and get 3.8 mpg with light winds and no current.
First 224 miles: 4.9 knot average SOG, 3.2 mpg, 1.5 gph
Last 201 miles: 4.0 knot average SOG, 2.0 mpg, 2.0 gph
Attached are a few pictures: Commercial salt operation in Bonaire that makes/processes 400,000 tons/year, one of local wild donkeys, a visit by the Venezuelan Coast Guard, the commercial/recreation harbor in Chaguaramas, and the broken fish before and after.
