For most of our three week stay in the Dominican Republic, we were trying to figure out where to go or at least how to reach the US coasts. Most of the surrounding Caribbean nations were already in lockdown or were about to get into it. The Bahamas, a logical mid-route hop to the USA, were in total 100% lock down and not letting any passing boats even refuel or re-provision.
So ultimately the decision was made to reach the US East Coast. It had to be done in one single passage as stopping at the Bahamas was not an option. Cuba was definitely not an option either but for different though obvious reasons! But this was not the end of our problems. Even though the US was not closed to returning citizens or residents, most of the local cities and counties had regulations that were not so welcoming. We started to look at a number of marinas in different localities in Florida, working our way from the southern tip up north. Everything we found at the Florida Keys was in full lockdown to transient boats. Farther north in Miami was the same thing. Besides, their prices are mostly ridiculous like $10/ft./day with 100ft. minimum which translates to $1000 per night for my 53′ AMEL! Eventually after some back and forth thru e-mails and phone calls, we found our destination: Port Canaveral Yacht Club! Though not a commercial marina, it turned out to be a great place run by very friendly and helpful people, and the prices were more than reasonable!
After re-fueling and re-provisioning, we finally cast off on March 31 and started making our way east towards the entrance of Bahia de Samana.
All along this passage, we experienced some of the best weather so far taking into account that it covered almost 8 days. We had a steady westerly 15 knots winds from starboard broad reach quarter! Hardly any sail trim changes were needed all the way thru!
Imminent landfall! Port Canaveral in our view.
Docked at Port Canaveral Yacht Club.
Ready to get ashore at pandemic stricken USA!