Caribbean Compass Yachting Magazine - December 2019

december 2019 CARIBBEAN COMPAss pAGE 4
Info & Updates
Buoys Mark Grenada No Fishing Zone
Cruisers in Grenada report that in mid-October several white spar buoys with red
stripes around the tops were laid around the Pandy Beach area, just south of St.
George’s. These buoys delineate the new Grand Anse Marine Protected Area’s
(GAMPA) “fish sanctuary” zone, meant to protect fish stocks and enhance snorkeling
and diving.
The yacht anchorage limits remain the same. The northern anchorage limit is the
line defined by the range lights/boards on Pandy Mountain (132°T). The limit in the
south is a line straight west from Falledge Point. The Port Authority is reportedly considering
putting some buoys out to show these limits.
The entire Marine Protected Area stretches from the entrance of Port Louis Marina
in the north to the southernmost point of Point Salines, and includes the island’s most
iconic and populated beach at Grand Anse. It includes zones for recreation and
diving, such as the famous Bianca C shipwreck, as well as designated zones for
yacht anchorage and priority fishing areas. Grand Anse was identified as a critical
site for protection due to the large amount of recreational and economic activities
in the area, the possibility for conflicts between resource users, and the impacts
such uses can have on the environment.
Resource for Missing-Boat Searches
Glenn Tuttle reports: Boatwatch.org, formerly known as International Boat Watch
Network, was established in 2001 as a public service to the maritime community. It
now has new ownership and managers. My wife Eddie and I accepted the responsibility
in July and have been busy with a new and updated website
(http://boatwatch.org) as well as an accompanying Facebook group called Boat
Watch. We will continue the operation and management of the organization, serving
as a conduit between the family and friends of overdue and missing cruisers and
the many governmental agencies responsible for search-and-rescue operations
throughout the world.
The new website makes it easy for you, your family members or friends to file a
report to Boat Watch regarding a missing, overdue or stolen boat, or other urgent
message. We will then make contact and try to help you, your family or friends.
Many times it is cruisers rescuing others, assisting authorities or relaying the lookouts
that lead to a good result. Of course, notifying your local rescue authorities is the first
course of action. The website’s resources page contains links to rescue centers
worldwide, float plans, safety courses and radio nets.
Boatwatch.org is supported by the Seven Seas Cruising Organization’s HF Radio
Service KPK, which broadcasts daily on SSB radio frequency 8.104 at 0715 hours EST
or 0815 EDT (1215 hours UTC). Boatwatch.org is a partner of the Caribbean Safety
and Security Net, helping keep cruisers advised of crimes against yachts throughout
the Caribbean.
Radio Station KPK effectively covers the area from Nova Scotia to South America,
and out to Europe and is available daily to assist any cruiser with our land-based
resources, such as radio checks, phone patches to medical or mechanical professionals,
or whatever we can do to assist vessels in remote locations.
Check Boatwatch.org for current watches, unresolved cases, resolved cases,
resources, float plans, and interesting stories of actual rescues, as well as
what you can do to be a well-prepared and educated cruiser.
If you have a rescue story or news regarding safety at sea, we would be glad to
post it on our website. We also have an easy-to-use form for filing a report of a
missing or overdue vessel.
See related article on page 7.
Eight Bells
PAT LINDSAY 1936 - 2019
Nicola Down reports: World business traveller, alternative lifestyle cruiser, and charter
yacht chef Pat Lindsay passed away recently in Northampton, England, after suffering
a major brain haemorrhage a year ago.
—Continued on next page
The Renaissance Marina, located in the heart of
Oranjestad is part of the Renaissance Aruba Resort and
Casino and can accommodate more than 50 yachts.
Located at 12° 31' 2.3124'' N 70° 2' 16.8'' W, Renaissance
Marina is the island‘s most beautiful marina. It stretches over much
of this picturesque waterfront community combining the largest
entertainment and shopping facility in Aruba with the natural
beauty of the Marina.
The marina supplies fresh running water and
110/220/360V 60Hz electricity, satellite TV with security
guards on duty 24 hours a day. For your convenience
there are showers and ice machines available.
Contact us by phone at +297 588-0260
or visit our website: www.renaissancemarina.com
Operating Hours: Mon - Sat, from 8am to 6pm