Where to now?

Current Date: Friday 13th March (hmm)
Current Location: Le Marin Marina, Martinique

Just over a week since we arrived in Martinique during which time the world has gone mad. Our plan was for me to fly back to the UK for a couple of weeks to see my Mum after two weeks chilling here and Dominica.

But now the emphasis is on getting the boat somewhere away from hurricanes and us somewhere where we might have to spend months if flights back to the UK are cancelled. Not what we wanted as Gilly in particular is still tired from the crossing.

Our options were:

1. Stay in the eastern Caribbean. But it's 24 different countries each with their own virus plans. And anyway that would leave us in the hurricane belt (late June onwards) having to flee southwards at the first sniff of a hurricane with dozens of other boats. We could get back to the UK I guess but Mehalah would then be left at risk and uninsured.

2. Go south 450 miles to the ABC islands. Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are Dutch islands and away from any recorded hurricane. We did consider this (and we might still be directed here) but islands off the Venezuelan coast might well get forgotten if things get really bad. We don't think islands are the best option.

3. Colombia. Until recently a dangerous country known mainly for its drugs barons Colombia in South America is now trying hard to turn itself around. It has an excellent marina at Santa Marta, around a week's sail from here, and plenty of fresh local food. Two of our favourite boats Carpe Diem and Sassoon are there too and a supportive group might be a valuable asset in the next few months.


So Colombia it is. Who knows if this is the 'right' decision. My trip to the UK will be put on hold and we'll have to wait and see what transpires. We may take a young Irish couple with us as Mariel is off to St Lucia tomorrow to join another northbound boat. Most of the important jobs have been done, we've booked a place in Santa Marta marina and hope to leave on Monday if we can. Let's just hope Colombia hasn't closed its borders when we get there!

Meanwhile our thoughts are with those back at home and of Jenny in Spain. Stay safe guys.

Get ready for an unpredictable ride!

JnG x