Another GREEN Island, Dominica

Tue Mar 18th 11:42 am

We had a delightful sail down from the Saintes. Beam reach (wind at 90 deg) in 18-20 knots at 7+ . Only took 2 1/2 hrs. Just off the island we were passed by this boat. I had seen it before in St Thomas a few yrs back, It's a replica of the same Jboat we saw in the Saintes.

Construction is of carbon fiber, not wood. Beautiful sail plan...and as you can see almost a perfect sail trim. We anchored in close, yep great Internet from that same company. We had been warned by Miles and Lisa to call ahead and ask for Martin on Providence to be our "Boat Boy" Dominica is one of the poorest islands in the Caribbean. Other than bananas and coconuts they have no real product except the beauty of their island. For many years the cruisers and cruise ships have passed them by. I have been here a few times and was amazed by the number of cruising boats anchored here yesterday.

In the past the boat boys were like flies on dead meat. The would all run out and compete for you business banging their boats into your topsides. There were a lot of security issues, stolen dinks and motors. Seems this Martin guy got things together and set up some rules. Once you declare your boat boy....the others will leave you alone. These guys are a wealth of info and organize trips around the island...we are going tomorrow on on...$$$$$ ..we will see. These people are proud of their Island. Martin told about customs and immigration...where to eat..and the new security patrols that have been organized by the Boat Boys and financed by some of the local business. Of course we will use those businesses. We decided to take the bikes and ride to customs. We stopped on the way to get some EC...Eastern Caribbean Dollars from the local ATM. Damn thing ate my card and no $$. Joyce tried but got here card back. So we went down the road to the National Bank. ATM there also down but got our cards back. Joyce went inside to get cash..seems the line was around the room. I waited outside watching the bikes which were a hit with the locals. With EC in hand we rode on down to Customs. Now 1:30pm..still at lunch till 2. Guess they are copying the Frenchies....2 hr lunches. At 2 we check in ...customs babe asks for my check out papers from the USVI. I said American boats do not have to check out...she says yes..better not to piss her off so I say yes Mam. She was going to charge me 20EC for not having papers...said she would let it go this time but would fine me 20,000 EC nextime. A few things about the black English Islands. The Islands the Britain owned for the last 100 yrs or so were given their independence from The British Empire in the late 60's or 70's. If you think we have race problems in the US visit the black English islands. They are owned by blacks, governed by blacks and they are sure to let you know who is in charge. Checking in and out can be a frustrating experience. Don't piss them off or they will not let you in "their" country. There are a few islands I avoid because of this. Well we checked in..but not out. Usually you can do both, but now we have to check out in Roseau....my punishment for not having my exit papers from the USVI.We rode back had a beer at the Purple Turtle for the use of their dingy dock and went back to the boat.

On the way out we ran into literally a couple off a green Haylas . They were checking out their boat...not looking...We rafted up and chatted for about 15 min as the wind pushed us thru the anchorage and out to sea. They invited us over for happy hour. . They were on this beautiful Hylas 49. Dark green...we compared stories and they will be over tonight...more on that later.