Ocean outlook: Caribbean, Atlantic and Mediterranean
by Noonsite 26 Dec 2022 09:49 UTC
Caribbean Sea © Noonsite
Caribbean Sea:
Caribbean Compass, the free monthly online boating publication for everything Caribbean, came under new ownership this month. Sally Erdle and Tom Hopman launched the magazine in 1995 after a five-and-a-half-year circumnavigation and have passed the helm to fellow sailors and media professionals Dan and Kelly Merton. The magazine now has a Facebook page and is on Instagram. Their December issue has many good articles including a useful report on Sailing to the Caribbean in the Fall.
Caribbean Compass have passed on the good news that following an upsurge in yacht break-ins in St. Vincent and the Grenadines the Coast Guard have now increased patrols on land and sea and improved police presence at yacht facilities in the islands.
Joe Karpinski, SSCA host in Antigua, reports that those onboard private yachts are still being asked to show Covid vaccination documentation when clearing into the country (even though all restrictions were lifted in August 2022 for air passengers).
In Bonaire fees are increasing as of January 1st, 2023. The daily mooring buoy fee of US$10 will be increased to $35 (with no services included). Add to this the $75 entry fee per person, plus the $40 nature fee per person, and Bonaire just got way more expensive.
Keep a look out for fishing debris when cruising in the Caribbean Sea. A Panama Posse 63' motor yacht on passage from Port Antonio, Jamaica for Boca Chica DR, became entangled in a massive bunch of fishing line just after rounding Cabo Beata recently.
Watch out when eating ashore in Tobago Cays, SVG, and ordering a beach BBQ experience this festive season. Whilst it's the perfect way to enjoy this beautiful place as the sun goes down, be sure to agree costs beforehand as cruisers warn you might get stung with highly inflated costs, particularly for lobster.
Cruisers in Trinidad have been assisting with clean-up and rescue operations following severe flooding at the end of November. Flash floods and landslides have also affected Tobago.
More Noonsite Ambassadors have shared their cruising experiences, this time fossil-free yacht Ya who report from Cartagena, Colombia and Bocas del Toro, Panama - both very different places but memorable.
Remember, that as of next month (January 1st, 2023), Panama tolls for small vessels will increase and will continue to do so for the next three years.
Atlantic:
A useful reminder for any non-US boats planning on cruising the coast of the USA, as reported by UK yacht SY Shimshal. Domestic reporting to CBP is still required, even after clearing-in and obtaining a Cruising License/permit.
On the other side of the Atlantic, GTOA will shortly launch an App for the transfer of cetacean sighting data, making reporting easier as public participation in the orca citizen science program increases. The work of GTOA and their involvement with the Atlantic Orca is well explained by John Burbeck of the CA Orca Project Group at the bottom of this report.
Brazilian circumnavigator Silvio Ramos, who organises the BRally Amazon, is also planning a northbound "sail together" for foreign yachts wishing to visit Brazil in 2023. Commencing in Ubatuba, the fleet will stop at São Paulo on their way to the Amazon Region, stopping and participating in sailing events along the way.
Mediterranean:
Marmaris Bay Cruisers website, run by the vibrant and friendly cruiser Gwen Bylund, has served the Marmaris and Turkish cruising communities for nine years. However, times have changed and readers have moved on to other methods of communication, so this month the site is being retired. Thank you Gwen, for your years of great service to the cruising community.
Winter Cruising in the Med just got easier as Tunisia health authorities have finally lifted all Covid-related entry restrictions this month.
If cruising to the Mediterranean through the European Canal network appeals, winter time is when to do your research. See Noonsite's Guide to the inland waterways of Europe and Yachting Monthly's useful article on how to prepare you boat and crew.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com