Kralendijk,
Bonaire
12.09.849N
68.17.088W


43.8 NM
5.8 Avg.
7.3 Max.
7.35 Hrs.


We lifted anchors at 8am and unfurled our main sail for the trip to Bonaire. With only 10-12 kts from directly astern of us, there wasn’t enough speed to get us in before nightfall, so we turned on the engine and motor sailed the whole way.

Bonaire, particularly the southern end of the island, is very low and cannot be seen until you’re almost upon it. We rounded the southern end in very deep water and passed by the salt flats which had mountains of salt piled along the shoreline waiting for cargo ships to carry away. Brightly colored obelisks that once served to guide cargo ships into the loading areas still stand starkly against the blue sky. We looked for the flamingos that are famous here but didn’t see any, so we’ll have to take a tour of the island to find them.

We rounded again along the western coast and approached the town of Kralendijk. Orpailleur took advantage of the sudden onset of apparent wind by cutting the engine and sailing again, so we followed them in and waited for them to select a mooring ball. We were in the process of taking the one next to them and slightly closer to shore, when a neighboring boat called across to tell us that they had been getting some strange winds which would blow you towards shore in the night. So, we moved further down and found another mooring ball about the same distance from shore as Orpailleur. Its amazing how clear the water is here. Particularly this close to town with commercial ships coming and going. We can’t wait to jump in. Each mooring ball is designated as a dive sight.

We had just enough time to shower and change for a dinner in town. We stopped at a place on the waterfront called Karel’s Bar which had thatched roofs along a pier out over the water and a dinghy dock to the side. We tied up and grabbed a couple of cold drinks. Strangely, after the first drink we realized that we were all fading fast. We crossed the street and ate at the Zeezicht restaurant where our conversation dwindled to nothing. As I’ve said many times in the past, fresh air and sunshine will kill you; we were all exhausted and couldn’t wait to hit the hay early.


Photo of salt mountain from camera of Orpailleur.