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Puerto Rico
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Puerto Rico
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Mention the Virgin Islands, and most people think of the U.S. Virgin or British Virgin Islands. Yet, just fifteen to twenty miles from these islands, and only six miles to the east of Puerto Rico, lie the Spanish Virgin Islands, also known as the "Passage Islands." Ceded to the United States in 1898, this area is made up of the islands of Culebra and Vieques along with their surrounding islets and cays. These islands have always been a well-kept secret, even back in the days of Bluebeard and other famous pirates who used the islands for hide-outs. The fact that the Marines and U.S. Navy used them for bombing practice until 2003 also kept land developers, commercialism, and an abundance of sailing charters away. The result is pristine and unspoiled islands, with spacious deserted white sandy beaches; crystal clear turquoise blue water, and healthy intact reefs teeming with fish, coral and crustaceans. There are hills to climb and explore; nearly empty anchorages, and the natural charm of the BVIs of thirty-five years ago.
The itinerary is tentatively as follows: Day 1: We fly from US to San Juan, then take a Publico to Marina Puerto del Rey in Fajardo, about fifty miles East of San Juan. After last minute provisioning, we will board our boats. Day 2: Sail to Carlos Rosario Marine Preserve on Cayo De Luis Peña off the southwest coast of Culebra. This will be a great sailing day close hauled into fifteen knot winds. Day 3: We snorkel until early afternoon and then head on a short sail to Ensenada Honda, a great protected anchorage. This night we might have dinner in the small town of Dewey. Day 4: A layover day to explore Culebra, and visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – Playa Flamenco – on the north shore. Day 5: A short sail takes us to Culebrita where we can spend the day snorkeling amongst pristine coral reefs. Day 6: It’s a beam reach to Bahia Salinas del Sur on the southeast end of Vieques for more snorkeling. Day 7: After some early snorkeling, we have a short sail to Puerto Real and the town of Esperanza. Dinner ashore. Day 8: We stay at anchor to explore the town and to take a night tour of Puerto Mosquito, the bioluminescent bay. Day 9: We have a great sail to Palomino Island off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Day 10: A great sail back to Marina Puerto del Rey and a group dinner ashore. Day 11: We clean the boat and make our way to San Juan airport for the trip back home. The cost of the trip is $1,400.00 per person (Skippers - $700.00). This price covers charter fees, boat insurance, travel insurance, and fuel. Food, airfare, and other incidental expenses are additional and will be handled by each boat’s crew. A $250.00 deposit is required to hold your position. Please make your check payable to The Sailing Club, Inc. and mail it, along with your completed reservation form, to Julio Menendez at the address below. Reservations will be processed beginning April 8, 2011 with a random draw of those received by that date. All reservations received after that date are on a first-come, first-served basis. The balance of $1,150.00 will be due as follows: A second payment of $300.00 will be due August 1; a third payment of $300.00 will be due October 1, a fourth payment of $300.00 will be due December 1, and the final payment of $250.00 will be due February 1. NOTE: A separate cancellation policy applies to this trip. A full refund will be supplied if cancellation is received by the Trip Leader until 12/31/2011. Any cancellations after that date will forfeit the $250 original deposit, unless a replacement is found. A pre-trip meeting will be held at a time and place to be announced. All crewmembers should make every effort to attend in order to meet your crewmates, plan your meals and discuss travel plans. |
Trip Leader |
Assistance Trip Leader |
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Julio Menendez
12 Francis Court Robbinsville, NJ 08691 609-259-2698 juliosailing@gmail.com |
Jack Buckley
254 West Shore Trail Sparta, NJ 07871 973-729-6783 jack@atmohawk.com |
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