Yes, indeed, we’ve made it to Boqueron, Puerto Rico. We waited out the strong trade winds for over a week in Luperon and finally got a break. We cleared out of Luperon with “plans” to go to Samana, 120 miles down the coast and could have tucked in there if the light winds didn’t materialize. But they did and we had an incredible trip across the Mona Passage which has a reputation for being brutal. We anchored up in Luperon at 0500 Saturday morning and dropped anchor in Boqueron, P.R. at 1140 Monday morning. Saturday was spent beating and tacking into 15-20 knot winds but things did calm down that night into Sunday. The light easterly winds picked up enough Sunday evening to actually sail (without engine) for some of the way. Continuing on the second night was a first for us. Actually, it is easier to get some sleep when you’re off watch the second night, because you’re so tired from the first night.

We’re back in the USA and will take a taxi to Mayaguez Tuesday morning to clear customs and hit the Wal-Mart there! Our next task will be to traverse the southern coast of Puerto Rico, fighting the strong easterly trades all the way. We’ll stop in Salinas for a few days to reprovision and meet up with Laddie and D.J. from Houston, who will be in P.R. on business. Then it’s on to the Virgin Islands. We’re really gonna make it.

Oh, the hood ornament. Sunday evening, in the Mona Passage just before sunset, a large tern made several approaches at our boat attempting to roost on the spreaders of the main mast. We assumed he was tired and was looking for a place to rest up for the night. All attempts at landing were unsuccessful. He made a few attempts at the mizzen with the same results. Finally, exhausted, he perched himself on the rail of our bow pulpit, tucked his head and slept through several headsail adjustments and the rise and fall of bow over waves. Just before 3 AM, we cut the engine and unfurled the genoa. We figured that that either woke him up or he realized that we were taking him back to Puerto Rico and off he flew!

Buenos noches,

David and Claudia