TRADITIONAL LAUNCHINg - Caribbean Compass

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Akela’s skipper says, “The next morning, Mr. Bruno from the restaurant ashore
called the coast guard for us, who came immediately and took our statements. We
have since heard that the police arrested two suspects. We are glad that nobody
was hurt and would like to remind the cruising community that in such circumstances
to avoid violent confrontation at any cost. Stay calm and avoid drama.”
A November 17th report on local television stated that law-enforcement patrols on
the leeward coast of St. Vincent would be increased.
NOVEMBER, ISLA BORRACHA, VENEZUELA
On Saturday 8 November, the US-flagged yachts S/V Chill and S/V I’Lean were
anchored for the night at Isla Borracha, an offshore island near Puerto La Cruz.
Cruisers Ken and Cathy Peters and Steve and Gloria Davis had gathered aboard
I’Lean to discuss their plans for the following day.
At about sunset, they saw three men in a pirogue approach Chill and shouted
over that there was no one on board. The men then came to I’Lean and asked for
water, which they were given. Guns came out on the pirogue, and 55-year-old Ken
was shot twice, and apparently killed instantly. Steve was shot once and wounded
in the thigh. Gloria retrieved a gun from below which Steve fired at the pirogue and
the three attackers sped off. Gloria then called a MAYDAY on the VHF and, since
they were only a few miles from the marinas in Puerto La Cruz, the incident received
immediate attention.
The Coast Guard arrived about an hour later, put a soldier on I’Lean to assist Cathy
and Gloria to take the boat to Bahia Redonda marina. Steve was able to move
Chill to the marina on his own. Steve was taken to hospital upon arrival and Ken’s
body was removed from I’Lean, which tied alongside at the Coast Guard dock. All
have been questioned by the police and reports submitted. The American Embassy
had a representative on site within a couple of hours.
Thanks to Melodye Pompa and others for information in this report.
For information on reported crimes against yachts in the Caribbean
visit www.safetyandsecuritynet.com.
Cruisers’ Site-ings
The Renaissance Marina in Aruba has redesigned its website, making it a source of
information not only for guests of the marina but also for visiting yachts in general. In
addition to information about the marina, there is also information on the clearing
procedures for Aruba, which are a bit different than most other places. There are
charts and aerial pictures, provided by the Aruba Port Authorities, to assist visitors in
visualizing the entry to the harbor of their choice. Customs and Immigration forms
can be printed out and filled in before arrival, making the clearing procedure faster.
For users with a slow internet connection, the website has the option of being downloaded
in low bandwidth. Check it out at www.renaissancemarina.com.
The website for Grenada’s unique underwater sculpture gallery has been updated
with new images documenting some of the amazing marine life that has colonized
the works over the past year. Take a look at www.underwatersculpture.com/pages/
gallery/underwater-gallery/index.htm.
Available in five languages, NauticExpo — www.NauticExpo.com — is one of the
most visited nautical exhibitions online. Every month, a million marine amateurs and
professionals source from over 2,400 manufacturers and 15,000 products. Essentially
a “virtual boat show”, NauticExpo exposes brands and products to new markets
worldwide in a comprehensive and simple-to-use site.
Ringing in the New Year in Bequia
The fireworks crew reports: If you are wondering where to drop your anchor on
New Year’s Eve, Admiralty Bay in Bequia is an excellent place to be. The popular
anchorage teems with yachts over the holiday period, building up to the climax on
“Old Year’s Night” when the whole island is in full party mode. The climax comes on
the stroke of midnight with a spectacular 15-minute firework display that bursts over
the harbour. Don’t miss it!
Your Extras Can Assist Carriacou Students
The CCEF reports: Help the Carriacou Children’s Education Fund (CCEF) exceed
EC$100,000 in nine years of fundraising. The CCEF provides deserving students on this
Grenadine isle with school uniforms, supplies, lunches, and scholarships to TA
Marryshow Community College. Leave your unneeded boat gear, household
goods, clean gently-used clothing for children and adults, school supplies and cash
with Trevor Stanislaus at the Carriacou Yacht Club at Tyrrel Bay. Major fundraising
activities — including an auction of all that donated “boat stuff” — will take place
from July 28th through 31st, 2009, directly preceding the annual Carriacou Regatta
Festival.
For more information contact boatmillie@aol.com.
Welcome Aboard!
In this issue of Compass we welcome new advertisers Caribbean Marine Electrical
of Trinidad; LED Lights, Caribbean-wide; Old Fort Estates of Bequia; Psychic Readings
by Diana of Antigua; and www.catamaran.at, Caribbean-wide; all in the
Caribbean Compass Market Place on pages 52 to 54. Good to have you with us!
WILFRED DEDERER
DECEMBER 2008 CARIBBEAN COMPASS PAGE 7