We took off downwind for a 3 day passage on route to Bonaire. We haven’t done a lot of downwind sailing until this passage and I have decided that I LIKE IT. The new sail plan of two wing ‘n’ wing ‘code Zero’ foresails worked a treat and we coasted all the way to Los Aves, a pristine Venezuelan archipelago nestled around 80 miles off the South American mainland.
Venezuela is currently a no go zone for yachts and has become so unstable that Colombia has closed it’s borders with it’s troubled neighbour. But the offshore islands are a little too far away for Venezuelan pirates and are deserted apart from a few fishermen, a whole bunch of birds and one impressive looking scorpion who joined us for a beach bonfire on our second night at anchor…
Los Aves translates to ‘The Birds’ and it was thick with frigates, booby birds, feathers and guano…
We took a dinghy trip around the east side of the island and up the extensive channels that wind their way inland. We got to ooh and aghhh over a squillion white, fluff ball booby chicks that we found perching throughout the emerald green foliage fringing the tidal, mangrove waterways. Los Aves was a lovely, isolated stop before we took off to the Dutch Antilles…
Next Post: Bonaire!
This entry was posted in The Sail.
It is a shame about Venezuela. Such a beautiful country. Can’t believe what greedy politicians can do to a country and its people. ?
I agree Vicky…The islands were gorgeous and I know the mainland coast is beautiful. It used to be a favourite cruising ground for yachts… Hoping your country and it’s people will find stability in the future.
Another great post!