BLOG Circumnavigation

You can reach Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island's small capital, from Santa Cruz by speedboat – but there's also the option of taking an island hopper. "San Cristóbal is the Galápagos island where nature and everyday life blend particularly closely. While Santa Cruz is more heavily influenced by tourism and Isabela impresses primarily with its volcanoes, San Cristóbal offers a unique experience..."

Anyone seeing a marine iguana for the first time in the Galápagos Islands might almost think a small dinosaur had just crawled out of a volcano. With its black, spiky back, powerful claws, flattened tail, and a head often framed by a white salt crust, it's not exactly pretty. It looks like a small dragon—but it's a vegetarian. And that's precisely what makes it...

Blue-footed boobies... The locals affectionately call these charming birds "Boobies." The English name "booby" actually comes from the Spanish word "bobo," which means something like "foolish" or "clumsy." The name originated because the birds are not very shy on land and appear somewhat awkward even from a distance. With their bright blue feet and inquisitive gaze, blue-footed boobies look...

Isabela is by far the largest island in the Galápagos. Its distinctive shape, seen from above, resembles a seahorse. It was formed by the merging of several volcanoes, some of which are still active today. Despite its size, it has only a few thousand inhabitants. The center of island life is Puerto Villamil on the south coast – a relaxed coastal town with sandy streets, small shops, and more.

Anyone visiting the Galápagos Islands will sooner or later encounter their most famous inhabitants: the Galápagos giant tortoises. Their size and shell shape vary slightly from island to island – a detail that later became important for Charles Darwin's research. They are arguably the most recognizable symbol of the Galápagos Islands – stoic, calm, and impressively ancient. They were easiest to spot on Santa Cruz Island...

The pelicans of the Galápagos Islands are an integral part of daily life on the islands. They are especially prevalent in the small harbors and along the beaches – often just a few meters away. With a wingspan of up to 2 meters, brown pelicans are among the largest seabirds in the Galápagos. Weight: approx. 2–5 kg. Even in the early morning, the pelicans circle above the small...

When traveling through the Galápagos Islands, it looks almost like an alien tree: the giant Galápagos prickly pear cactus, usually called Opuntia echios. Reaching heights of up to about 12 meters, it is one of the largest tree-like cacti in the world and the largest cactus in the Galápagos Islands. Particularly impressive specimens can be found on Santa Cruz Island. Unlike the typical...

Mai 2026 Puerto Ayora – The Gateway to the Galápagos Islands. Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island is the tourist center of the Galápagos Islands and, for many visitors, the ideal starting point for exploring this unique archipelago. Along the harbor promenade, travelers encounter sea lions, pelicans, and fishing boats, while numerous restaurants, cafes, and tour operators create a lively atmosphere. The pier of...

April/May 2026 Three weeks of sailing adventure in Panama – traveling with Petra and Bernd. At the end of April, we set off for Panama for three weeks – an adventure we had been looking forward to for a long time. Our home away from home: Petra and Bernd's catamaran. Even the journey there was special. We set off together with Toni and Jonah – and indeed...

Mai 2026 The Galápagos Islands consist of 13 main islands: Isabela, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Santiago, San Cristóbal, Floreana, Marchena, Española, Pinta, Santa Fe, Baltra, Pinzón, and Genovesa. In addition, there are over 100 rocks and small islets. Only four islands are permanently inhabited: Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristóbal, and ...

Baltra – The Gateway to the Galápagos Islands 24.05.2026 Those visiting the fascinating Galápagos Islands usually land first on the small island of Baltra. This island, part of the Galápagos archipelago, is home to the main airport and thus serves as the gateway to one of the world's most spectacular natural paradises. Although Baltra itself appears rather barren and dry, the Galápagos adventure begins here. Just a few minutes...

Jamaica tour - from Montego Bay to Kingston... Easter holidays March/April 2026 The direct flight from Amsterdam to Montego Bay on Tuesday, March 31st, at midday went perfectly. I landed in Jamaica that same afternoon – with a seven-hour time difference. Since I slept soundly on the plane, I hardly noticed the jet lag in the following days. When Bernd picked me up in the dinghy at...

Page 28 - After the sailing season is before the sailing season... 15.05. - 22.05.2026 "Joline" is now ashore, and we are beginning preparations for leaving the boat for the next few months and for the next sailing season, which will take us to the Pacific. Before we set off to cross the Pacific and continue through the South Seas to...

A photo documentation... 15.05.2026 First, we maneuver the catamaran into the narrow entrance of the crane basin. We've had plenty of experience with this by now, and the dockworkers pull the boat forward with the lines as soon as we reach the basin. A sense of scale... this gantry crane is wide enough for Joline. The crane's lifting slings are lowered into the water. A diver checks underwater that the slings are correctly positioned...

Page 27 - Our 4th sailing season is coming to an end... May 10.05th - May 15.05th2026 After Jonah and Toni started their journey back, we drove with the rest of the crew to Isla Grande, which is about half an hour away by boat. It was bustling with activity; after all, it was Sunday and the locals were enjoying a day at the beach with loud music, jet skis, and plenty of...

29.04. - 09.05.2026 The San Blas Islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama are among the most pristine travel destinations in Central America and seem almost like stepping back in time. The present-day autonomous region is officially called Guna Yala. The name was changed from "Kuna Yala" to "Guna Yala" in 2010 because the indigenous population preferred their own name, "Guna." "Yala" roughly translates to "land" or "mountain," so: "land..."

Snorkeling in Guna Yala 29.04. - 09.05.2026 The underwater world of the San Blas Islands – officially Guna Yala – is among the most pristine marine landscapes in the Caribbean. Shallow reefs, turquoise lagoons, and seagrass meadows stretch between some 365 small coral islands, creating a particularly captivating environment for snorkeling. Unlike many other Caribbean regions, San Blas remained largely untouched by mass tourism for a long time – primarily because the autonomous territory...

A small part of circumnavigation 12.04. - 25.04.2026 As the grand finale of my four-month Latin America trip: two weeks of sailing in the Caribbean with my father. After nearly 30 hours of travel – from Guatemala City via Fort Lauderdale (simply the cheapest route) – I arrived completely exhausted at the Kingston marina. The idea still felt unreal: the next two weeks on...

11.04. - 25.04.2026 The sea, perhaps the greatest thing the earth possesses, I absorbed into my soul. (ADALBERT STIFTER, *Der Nachsommer*, p. 360) With *Der Nachsommer* as an e-book, a paperback by Gerald Hüther, light cabin luggage, and a heavy anchor winch, I was on my way to Kingston, Jamaica, via Hanover and London. The German Federal Police and Jamaican Customs were interested...

08. May 2026 Our penultimate stop in Guna Yala takes us to Dog Island. Isla Perro, also called "Perro Chico," is a tiny island with white palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and one of Central America's most famous shipwrecks: Isla Perro – a piece of the sunken boat protrudes from the sea on the left – a small tourist destination open to day visitors and a handful of overnight guests...

Anyone traveling to the San Blas Islands shouldn't miss the opportunity to eat fresh conch. While often called a "shell," conch is actually a large sea snail. The difference lies in the fact that mussels have two shells that open and close (e.g., oysters or mussels). Conch, on the other hand, has a single, spiral shell – typical of snails. More precisely...

Impressions of the transition from day to night in the Caribbean Sea... In Panama, or rather on the San Blas Islands, sunsets happen quite quickly – significantly faster than in Germany. Typically, it takes about 20–30 minutes from the first "sun touches the horizon" until darkness falls; the sun itself often disappears completely below the horizon in just 2–5 minutes, followed by a brief tropical...

Page 26 - To shark or not to shark, that is the question... 26.04. - 09.05.2026 Now that we're alone on board again, it's time for a big wash and a thorough cleaning of the ship for the next guests. On Thursday, we'll take Jonah, Toni, Marc, and Hanna on board, who are arriving via private transfer from Panama...

Page 25 - First days in Panama... April 21.04 - April 25.042026 Our first port of call in Panama was Portobelo. According to our information, this was where we were supposed to clear customs. This was our second visit to Panama – we had previously spent a day in the industrial port of Colón with the "Aida" cruise ship, and it was so unappealing that we didn't even bother...

19.04.2026 On our sailing trip from Jamaica to Panama across the Caribbean Sea, we were accompanied by a group of striped dolphins. The animals swam alongside us for quite some time, using their bow waves to gain speed with minimal energy expenditure. Typical of this species were the clearly visible dark stripes along their flanks and their slender, streamlined bodies. Striped dolphins usually stay in deeper waters...

16.04. - 21.04.2026 After clearing out of Jamaica on Wednesday evening with our guest crew Carsten and Miriam at the Royal Jamaica Marina in Kingston – as always with a long Jamaican wait – we set off on our crossing on Thursday morning. Since Carsten brought us an anchor winch from Germany, which Bernd installed immediately, hauling in the anchor is now no longer a problem...

By rental car from Kingston to the Blue Mountains, April 14.04th.2026 When people think of Jamaica, they often think first of reggae, rum, and idyllic beaches. But in the east of the island, stretching for about 45 km in length and 10-20 km in width, a completely different world awaits: the Blue Mountains – cool, green, mystical, and full of tranquility. The Blue Mountains lie northeast...

Page 24 - Last days in Jamaica... April 14.04th - April 15.04th2026 On Tuesday morning, we set off on our tour to the Blue Mountains. "Where are you headed?" asked Peter, the marina manager of the Royal Jamaican Yacht Club. "We're driving to the Blue Mountains," we told him enthusiastically, and he dismissed us with the words: "There..."

Kingston is the vibrant heart of Jamaica – a city full of contrasts, energy, and authentic Caribbean spirit. Between colonial history, modern urbanity, reggae rhythms, and the imposing Blue Mountains, travelers experience a completely different side of the island than in the classic beach resorts. First impression: Loud, colorful, and real. Anyone who comes to Kingston quickly realizes: This city isn't a postcard idyll, but rather...

Page 23 - On first-name terms with the immigration authorities... 10.04 - 13.04.2026 The next morning, Sabine heads to the airport very early, which is only a 5-minute drive away. We now have two days before the next guests arrive. First things first: laundry, repairs, and improvements. The local night herons...

Dinghy trip on Jamaica's longest river - a new beginning after the hurricane in October 2025 The Black River in southern Jamaica is one of the island's most famous and longest rivers – and at the same time a fascinating natural and ecological area that is far more than just a waterway. Especially around the town of Black River, a blend of history, ...

Savanna La Mar, the capital of the Westmoreland region, was located at the epicenter of the hurricane that struck on October 28.10th.2025 It made landfall in Jamaica with wind speeds of around 295 km/h. It was the strongest hurricane ever to hit Jamaica – the first Category 5 landfall in Jamaican history. One of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic. What happened? The storm hit the...

Page 22 - Of spicy vegetables and dangerous animals... 06.04 - 09.04.2026 We reach Black River on Easter Monday - this is where we met in October 2025 Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made landfall and left a trail of devastation. On the ocean side, we see no intact houses, and many boats have also been damaged. The Black River is...

April 2026 Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica – More than just seven miles of paradise. The name suggests a precise measurement, but in reality, Seven Mile Beach is only about 6,4 miles (approx. 10,3 km) long today. Nevertheless, it remains one of the longest continuous beaches in the Caribbean – and definitely one of the most beautiful. Beach life on Jamaica's most famous beach, Seven Mile...

Page 21 - Then there were only three left... April 03.04rd - April 05.04th2026 Early in the morning, Zsuzsanna and David leave the boat to catch the shuttle bus to the airport in Montego Bay. Meanwhile, Sabine – our swimming ace – explores the sea and the beach. Tourist boats keep dropping off guests past our boat to a reef where they then dive in groups...

02.04.2026 First impressions: More than just a bar. Rick's Cafe is no ordinary place. It's a combination of bar, restaurant, and adventure playground – built directly onto the rugged limestone cliffs of the west coast. Since opening in 1974, the spot has transformed from a simple bar in a sleepy fishing village into one of Jamaica's most famous attractions. Many visitors watch...

30.03.2026 The Green Grotto Caves are among Jamaica's most significant cave systems and are located on the north coast between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Entrance to the Green Grotto Caves: The limestone cave system extends for several kilometers, a portion of which is accessible via guided tours. The name Green Grotto comes from the green algae on the walls. Length: approx. 1.525 meters...

Page 20 - Down into the depths and up into the sky... March 30.03 - April 02.042026 Just outside Discovery Bay lies the Green Grotto – a cave system we plan to visit today. On our first visit, we came ashore via the Coast Guard barracks, or rather, we climbed over the Coast Guard boat – but the Coast Guard boat...

28.03.2026 Even at first glance, it's clear: Dunn's River Falls is no ordinary waterfall – it's a true natural adventure. Just a few kilometers from Ocho Rios, crystal-clear masses of water plunge over terraced limestone cliffs directly into the Caribbean Sea. A sight that is both wild and paradisiacal. Since we arrived by taxi, we entered the park from the...

Page 19 - About local conditions and tourist highlights... March 26.03 - March 29.032026 From Falmouth we continued on to Discovery Bay. The bay was smaller than expected, and the only landing point for our dinghy was the Coast Guard jetty. So we sailed up there, got permission to dock, tied our little boat to the Coast Guard speedboat, and climbed in...

25.03.2026 Luminous Lagoon (also known as Glistening Waters) is located on Jamaica's north coast near Falmouth and is one of the Caribbean's most spectacular natural phenomena. ✨ Why the lagoon glows: The secret lies in the water: Millions of tiny microorganisms (dinoflagellates) produce light as soon as they are moved. The paddle of our dinghy creates a radiant reaction from the plankton. 👉 This means: every step in the water creates a...

Page 18 - Traveling along the east coast of Jamaica... March 23.03 - March 25.032026 The sky is overcast on Monday morning. Bernd heads to the marina to pay the marina fees for clearing in. The woman there still hasn't quite accepted the overtime charge – but Bernd remains firm. Both officers had assured him that no overtime charge would apply...

Page 17 - Cleaning parties, dishwashing marathons and other pastimes... March 20.03 - March 22.032026 The crossing starts off a bit choppy, the wind also stirs up the sea. Nevertheless, it propels us towards our destination, Jamaica, at 8,5 knots. But as predicted, the wind dies down over time and shifts in the right direction for us. During the night...

Page 16 - Farewell and new beginnings... March 14.03 - March 19.032026 We're anchored off Georgetown again, and our time in the Cayman Islands is drawing to a close. We've decided against visiting the other two islands in the group: Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, as they would mean a detour and don't promise any new experiences. So we're checking again whether we...

Bioluminescence... March 11.03th2026 Anyone paddling across a dark lagoon at night and suddenly witnessing thousands of glowing sparks explode in the water might initially think it's magic. But this fascinating natural spectacle has a scientific explanation: bioluminescent plankton. On the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman lies one of the few places in the world where you can experience this phenomenon up close – the mysterious Bioluminescent Bay. Bioluminescent Bay on...

Page 15 - Grand Cayman between the North Coast and George Town... March 09.03th - March 13.03th2026 After yesterday's intensive dinghy tour, we plan to explore the area by land today using our e-scooters. A convenient dinghy dock is available at the opposite marina, Kabo. There, after a friendly inquiry, we can leave our dinghy during our tour...

Under stingrays... 08.03.2026 What is Stingray City? Stingray City is a shallow sandbar in the ocean off Grand Cayman. The water is shallow enough for people to stand about waist-deep. The resident stingrays are attracted by feeding them octopus and can be observed up close by visitors. People can even interact with them...

Page 14 - Encounter with not-so-"wild" animals... March 08.03th 2026 We're anchored at the northern end of Grand Cayman, right in front of Starfish Beach, and watching the bustling activity of visitors coming and going all day long on boat shuttles. We're not used to such a crowd anymore. On Sunday, after the cruise ship...

Page 13 - Traveling along the coast of Grand Cayman... March 02.03nd - March 07.03th2026 With our onboard first-aid kit and targeted exercises, Bernd is slowly getting back on his feet after his back spasm on Saturday. We'll spend the next few days on board so Bernd can properly heal his back. By Thursday, he feels fit again for new adventures. We'll set off with...

Page 12 - When someone goes on a journey... 26.02. - 01.03.2026 It's time to take care of my lost filling before the toothache sets in. Now our e-scooters come in handy. The nearest dentist's office is a good 2 kilometers away. Riding the e-scooter is always a pleasure, and once again we realize how well they work...

Blue iguanas, agoutis and lots of orchids... 24.02.2026 Nestled in the tropical heart of Grand Cayman lies the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, a 65-acre garden and nature reserve. Opened in 1994 by Queen Elizabeth II herself, the park is now a wonderful place to discover the islands' unique flora and fauna. For me, it was an excellent opportunity to...

Page 11 - Weather vagaries... 20.02. - 25.02.2026 George Town. After three days of travel, we treat ourselves to a day of rest, and I take a dip in the crystal-clear sea. However, the current is very strong around the boat – swimming isn't an option, just cooling off. The dinghy motor survived its swim without any problems, so on the second day we set off...

17.02. - 20.02.2026 We are now unexpectedly heading to the Cayman Islands. We hadn't originally planned to stop here, but the situation in Cuba has forced us to change our itinerary. Sailing to the Caymans from our direction isn't so easy; the wind and waves are unfavorable. The wind usually blows from the northeast or east, and...

February 2026 Petra: In Belize, we snorkeled out in the ocean with sharks and big fish – here in Guanaja, we can observe the underwater world right from the beach in the inlets. We did this last April, but since it was such a highlight, we want to do it again. The small island of Michael Rock is...

Page 10 - Reunion with Guanaja... February 13th - 17.02th2026 Here behind the reef, we're anchored in exceptionally calm conditions. It promises to be a relaxing night, and in the morning the sun will greet us. Since we already stopped here last April on our way from Cuba to the Rio Dulce in Guatemala, we're quite familiar with the area and...

12.02. - 13.02.2026 At 13 p.m., preparations for our departure are complete – Bernd quickly replaced a fan belt on the engine – and it's time to weigh anchor. First, we have to find our way through the Belize Barrier Reef – there's only one narrow passage, which also takes a sharp turn, and we have to follow the...

Page 9 - Due to the situation in Cuba, we have to change our travel plans... February 10.02th - 12.02th2026 Today's plan is to cross to Cuba. The weather conditions are – as planned – very good for the crossing. However, we've received news that planes are grounded in Havana due to a fuel shortage. This has set off alarm bells for us and our guests...

Page 8 - Cuddling with sharks... February 08.02th - February 09.02th2026 From Cay Caulker, it's just a stone's throw to San Pedro and Ambergris Caye. This is the customs post, the main tourist town of Belize, and home to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which we head straight for on our approach, only to be promptly chased away by the ranger. "Only in the national park..."

Page 7 - Small places, small fish... 03.02. - 07.02.2026 The next day, after breakfast, we set off for the anchorage off the small town of Placencia. While attempting to anchor there, the anchor winch broke down; the gears were worn out. From now on, it's a matter of cranking up the anchor – because a replacement part won't be available until Belize Town at the earliest. More likely, though, not until...

02.02.2026 We're anchoring our catamaran Joline off the mouth of the Monkey River in Belize and have booked a local guide, Winsley, who will pick us up the next morning in his lancha to show us the flora and fauna of Belize here at the Monkey River. 🌿 What is the Monkey River? The Monkey River is a river and nature reserve in southern Belize...

Page 6 - Coastal sailing: Only 16 nautical miles separate Guatemala and Belize... January 29.01 - February 02.022026 Yvonne and Sascha arrive at the Rio Dulce on Thursday, and we have our first guests on board this sailing season. In the evening, we immediately take them to our favorite Mexican restaurant, where we enjoy Mexican specialties and live English music. We pick up our guests with the dinghy...

Between tradition and tourism... May/November/December 2025 and January 2026 We spent almost three months in Guatemala, giving us plenty of time to get to know the people better. We found their mentality to be relaxed, warm, and strongly community-oriented. I was particularly struck by how important family and togetherness are in everyday life. Guatemalans greet strangers kindly, but initially reserved. Openness develops...

January 2026 Sun, moon, and stars. Crossings with Joline mean: driving through the dark night. My first night crossing was a profound experience. I never imagined the night could be so dark... In the city, even in the countryside, a night isn't truly dark at all. There's always some artificial light on somewhere: car headlights, streetlights, house lights... Light pollution is what's called...

Page 5 - While you're planning, life happens... January 17.01th. On Saturday morning, things finally get underway – right on schedule for once. Joline is to be launched back into the water, and the marina crew assembles to get our 16-ton behemoth into the water. Our catamaran is too wide for the gantry crane – so it has to be lifted in by the slipway trolley...

Page 4 - Rio Dulce and no end in sight... January 01.01st - January 16.01th2026 The new year begins as the old one ended... with work. All the many parts that Bernd brought in now need to be installed. Of course, the new equipment isn't identical to the old setup, so it all needs to be reconnected and adjusted... The new devices don't fit...

September 2023 Hot springs, rugged coastline, tea and flowers: São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, immediately captivated us with its diverse landscape. Hardly any other place offers such a compact area of ​​volcanic craters, lakes, cliffs, hot springs, and lush green pastures – all surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. We quickly realized – it's not called the most diverse of the Azores islands for nothing...

September 2023 Why does tea grow in the Azores – and why is it unique in Europe? Nestled between volcanic soil, Atlantic mist, and rolling hills lies a nearly forgotten success story. This travel blog takes you to the origins of tea cultivation in the Azores, tells of pioneers, plantations, and why a visit here is now considered one of the most authentic experiences in Portugal. 🌱 How...

05. - 10.12.2025 From Lake Atitlán, our journey takes us deep into the jungle. Even the shuttle bus ride there, which takes over 10 hours, is an adventure. We travel at a snail's pace along bumpy, unpaved roads, over narrow bridges, and along seemingly endless switchbacks through the Guatemalan highlands, past villages, quarries, and through lush, overgrown vegetation...

Page 3 - Christmas Eve under the catamaran and between Christmas and New Year's in Miami... December 24.12th - 31.12st2025 Patricia and Toni von der Twende invited some sailing friends over for Christmas Eve. To accommodate so many people, they found a pragmatic solution – where is the most space on a catamaran when it's ashore? Of course: underneath it... which also protects against the rain...

A look at our encounters around the Mediterranean and on the European islands in the Atlantic. "You must be Danish or Dutch," the Portuguese concierge guessed. "No, we're German." "I wouldn't have guessed that—you don't seem German at all." "What are Germans like then?" "Very distant, reserved, and not very communicative," he summarized. We've already...

Traditional handicrafts in a riot of colors and patterns... December 2025 On our trip to Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, we witnessed how traditional Mayan weaving is still alive today – and how cotton is transformed into a vibrant, colorful fabric. Traditional Mayan weaving in San Juan La Laguna. San Juan La Laguna is considered one of the most culturally authentic villages around...

02. - 05.12.2025 Visiting the Mayan villages on Lake Atitlán... Lake Atitlán in Guatemala is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Nestled between steep volcanic slopes, surrounded by small villages, and deeply rooted in Mayan culture, it appears peaceful and timeless today. But its origin is dramatic – and a mysterious story lies at its bottom. The birth of a lake from...

Page 2 - Back on board... 18.10. - 23.12.2025 On December 18.12th, we return to the boat as planned – however, the boat isn't floating in the Rio Dulce as intended, but remains on land. The first order of business is a massive laundry day at the marina's laundromat – after two weeks of cruising and a week in a hotel, quite a lot has accumulated. We spend the...

Lived Faith December 2025 Guatemala is more than Mayan ruins and dense rainforests. This country in the heart of Central America is a vibrant example of how colonial history, indigenous spirituality, and Christian missionary work have intertwined to form a unique religious mosaic. This article explores how the Church and Mayan religion coexist today and why this syncretism (the blending of different belief systems) is deeply rooted in everyday life. On special occasions...

30.11.2025 Where Mayan worldview and Christian faith overlap... Sometimes it's precisely the unplanned days that linger longest in the memory. November 30th was just such a day for us when we suddenly found ourselves in the middle of the Fiesta de la Concepción in Antigua Guatemala. A festival deeply rooted in everyday life. The Fiesta de...

The Catholic Church of the Mercedarian Order "Our Lady of Mercy" from the 18th century. 30.11.2025 A market with stalls is located in the small park in front of the Church of La Merced. The church was built between 1749 and 1767. It was founded by the Mercedarian Order and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The founder of the order, Peter Nolascus, is said to have...

Page 1 - Murphy's Law... 27.11. - 17.12.2025 We're starting our journey back to our catamaran, Joline, and will be traveling via Madrid and Bogota to Guatemala City. We also took this route in the summer, but this time we don't have a longer stopover planned in Madrid. The start on Thursday morning is already hectic – the online car deregistration didn't work and...

30.11. - 02.12.2025 Images of the city of Antigua: Antigua was the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala from 1543 to 1773. Several earthquakes devastated the city, and after the Santa Marta earthquake of 1773, it was completely destroyed. Although reconstruction began, the Spanish rulers at the time decided to relocate the capital to a more earthquake-resistant area and founded a new city about 40 km away...

Traveling independently. May/November/December 2025 Exploring Guatemala on your own is – almost – straightforward. Locals use "chicken buses" to connect the country's sights. These "chicken buses" form the public transportation network both within cities and across the countryside. For a more comfortable option, you can use the tourist shuttles that run daily between numerous destinations. Several private companies offer these services...

Contents Prologue Installation diagram Water inlet for the watermaker Pump unit Central unit with membranes and energy recovery Watermaker wastewater Drinking water outlet & test sampling Connection to the water tanks Overview of materials & components Production of drinking water with the watermaker Operational experience & conclusion Prologue On a bluewater yacht, water is not simply a comfort, but a central issue for safety and independence. At the latest when sailing for extended periods away from harbors, one cannot ignore it...

Travel period: June 02nd – 07.06th2025 On our way from Guatemala to Germany, Madrid was originally just planned as a stopover. A week to soak up the city atmosphere – nothing more. But after just a few hours, it was clear: this city had us hooked. Clean, friendly, elegant, and full of energy – Madrid captivated us with its blend of magnificent architecture, vibrant squares, and relaxed atmosphere...

A Roman Catholic cathedral with architectural surprises... June 2025 As early as the 16th century, there were plans to build a church on this site, but it wasn't until 1883 that King Alfonso III commissioned the construction and laid the foundation stone. Construction continued well into the 20th century. Inheritance disputes and the civil war repeatedly brought the construction project to a halt and led to numerous...

Visiting King Felipe VI... 05.06.2025 In Madrid, located in the region of Castile, the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the largest palaces in Europe, stands on the banks of the Manzanares River. Built in the 18th century in the Baroque style after the old Alcázar was destroyed by fire, it no longer serves as a permanent residence, but...

Back in Europe - Madrid - Düsseldorf... 02.06.2025 - 07.06.2025 In the afternoon, our flight departs for Europe – we're now so far from Germany that non-stop flights are no longer an option. We've chosen the Colombian airline Aviancia, so our first hub is Bogota. Upon boarding, we fail the first security check – our...

Haul - Out in the RAN - Marina in Guatemala - Rio Dulce 24.05.2025 This season, we've chosen the Rio Dulce as our hurricane-season retreat. Deep in the interior and surrounded by Guatemala's lush jungle, there are numerous marinas that long-distance sailors often use for a weather-related break. We had catamaran sailor friends as references who had sailed here...

The White City... May 2025 After the former capital of Guatemala, Antigua, was severely damaged by an earthquake, the new capital, Guatemala City, was built on a high plateau about 40 kilometers away in 1775. In 1782, the capital had a population of just 13.000. It has a temperate climate, but the city is repeatedly shaken by earthquakes. After the...

We explore Guatemala City by Uber, bicycle, and on foot from May 30.5th to June 01.06st.2025 We've booked a three-hour bike tour for today. We'll be picked up from our hotel and driven to the starting point. We'll be equipped with mountain bikes and helmets and then assigned an exclusive escort... Two guides, one in front, one behind, and the two of us in the middle... Guatemala - ...

Of wild animals and trusting giraffes... 28.05.2025 In the heart of Guatemala City lies a 14.000-hectare zoological garden, considered one of the most beautiful of its kind in the Americas. The macaw and toucan are native to Guatemala. The entrance portal – even here, the staff are busy at work... There's a nature and species conservation program for flamingos. The zoo...

First impressions of a city of millions - Welcome to Guatemala City... May 28.05th - 29.05th2025 At 6 a.m., the hotel shuttle takes us to Flores Airport. The ride only takes a few minutes, and the airport is manageable. We're flying with the Colombian airline Aviancia and are excited about what awaits us—we'll also be flying with this airline...

In the footsteps of a great past culture... 26.05.2025 Shuttle buses depart from Flores to the archaeological site of Tikal. After a good hour's drive through the rainforest of the Peten region, we reach the entrance to the national park. The main area of Tikal covers 16 square kilometers and contains approximately 3000 excavated structures. The entrance ticket costs 150 quetzals (approximately €17) per person.

We'll become landlubbers again and visit the island town of Flores, following in the footsteps of the Mayans... May 25.05th - 27.05th.2025 The next morning, we take a taxi—a tuk-tuk—to the shuttle station in town. After cramming ourselves and our luggage into the small vehicle, we head off to the pick-up point. Taking a tuk-tuk...

Count down in Rio Dulce... 18.05. - 24.05.2025 After the celebration comes the rude awakening – mountains of dirty dishes pile up in the pantry, and it's time for a dishwashing party. With temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius (XNUMX degrees Fahrenheit), this is a particularly sweaty experience... Today is a flea market at the Nanajuana Marina, as Renate informed us yesterday, and we...

Livingston - Jungle Trip - Fronteras... 16.05.2025 The 43 km long Rio Dulce begins in Lago Izabal, the country's largest lake, and cuts deep into the dense jungles of Guatemala before flowing into the Gulf of Honduras near Livingston. Due to its location, it offers good anchorages and, above all, protection during hurricane season. The Rio...

Birthday in Guatemala... May 16.05th - 17.05th2025 After a very pleasant crossing weather-wise—but exhausting, because skipper Bernd had to slalom fishing boats for several hours—we reached Livingston, Guatemala, around noon. Here we had to clear customs. Before we reached Guatemala, we received a visit from a booby—our welcoming committee. This time, the procedure was handled by agent Raul. We have...

Magically colorful island world of the little ones of the Bay Islands... 15. - 16.05.2025 The small island of Utila lies off the north coast of Honduras and is part of the Bay Islands – a true insider tip for sailors and diving enthusiasts. Here, Caribbean ease, relaxed island flair, and fascinating underwater worlds meet. Whether anchoring in front of colorful wooden houses or enjoying a sundowner at the bar on the jetty – Utila is...

Parrots, monkeys, iguanas and history... 13.05.2025 Roatan's West Bay is the most touristy part of the island. It's also home to the largest park, covering over 20 hectares. Anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the colorful natural world has come to the right place. The otherwise impenetrable jungle is accessible via natural trails. Visiting the park is only possible with a guide. Insight into the biodiversity...

Impressions and impressions... May 2025 Brady's Cay shares its private island with Big French Key and is separated from the other resort by a green fence. We met its owner in the dinghy, who was enjoying the evening sun on the dock. He told us that his father, Brady, bought this part of the island in 1967 and that he now...

Personal impressions and thoughts... May 2025 "Big French Key" shares the second private island near French Harbour with Brady's Cay. Originally, the French settled here in the 18th century—hence the name. It was inhabited by several families until 1974, when (half of) the island became private property and was converted into a beach resort. A sheltered bay lies...

Personal impressions and thoughts... May 2025 We're moored with our catamaran Joline in French Harbour Bay, between the island of Roatan and two private islands. On one of the two private islands is the "Little French Key Resort." View of the tip of the Little French Key Resort. After we dock at the dinghy dock, the Little French Bay Resort awaits us...

West End of Roatan - it's getting touristy... May 10.05 - 15.052025 A day behind schedule, we set off for the final leg of Roatan's journey - West End. The wind has calmed down as planned, allowing us to continue our journey relatively calmly. West End is a marine national park, and it's time to get back to the buoy. In...

21.01.2025 - 03.03.2025 It's better in the Bahamas!?... The Bahamas are one of the most beautiful sailing areas in the world, consisting of over 700 islands and 2.400 coral reefs stretching out in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida. Crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and sheltered bays offer ideal conditions for sailors of all experience levels. Bahamas - Caution: Shallow Waters - Area The Bahamas sailing area is primarily...

Catch of the day... 04.05. - 09.05.2025 At first glance, French Harbour Bay appears to be very straightforward. Since this is a marine national park, docking at a mooring is required—a challenge with a catamaran, as mentioned several times. This, too, turns out to be an exciting experience. The buoys have no lines and...

Roatan Honduras - Lifestyle in Port Royal and Jonesville... April 29.04 - May 03.052025 In the morning, the sun greets us again, and so we set off to sail to the next island, Roatan—or rather, motor, since the wind has largely died down. Roatan is the largest of the three Bay Islands, and we'll make several stops here. From Guanaja...

Guanaja 20.04. - 29.04.2025 Guanaja is the easternmost of the three inhabited islands of the Bay Islands of Honduras. It was discovered—how could it be otherwise?—by Christopher Columbus in 1502. It is 20 kilometers long, and its highest point is 400 meters high. It lies 70 kilometers from the mainland of Honduras. The island has a population of approximately 10.000,...

Chilling in El Bight Bay... April 23.04rd - 28.04th2025 Culinary highlights in Bonacca? On Wednesday, we head to Bonacca around noon. We want to try the local food and then do some fresh grocery shopping. There are several small snack bars where locals offer their culinary skills. Everything is very simple but clean. The cook rattles off her offerings,...

Guanaja - Welcome to the Bay Islands of Honduras... April 21.04st - 22.04nd2025 Arriving in the Bay Islands of Honduras. After a good rest from our crossing, we head to Bonacca – the small town just off Guanaja – to clear customs. Of the handful of boats moored here, three are already German. The world is sometimes...

A wild ride across the Caribbean Sea... April 18.04 th - 20.04.2025 thXNUMX On Maundy Thursday, we reached the westernmost point of the Cuban coast. The Los Morros de Cabo San Antonio Marina is our port of clearance. Marina Los Morros - Cabo de San Antonio. This has little to do with a marina, though. A lonely customs house in an otherwise almost deserted bay, two...

Along Cuba's north coast deep into the west... and beyond... April 14.04 - 20.042025 On Sunday, the weather window is good, as hoped, and we dock at Hemingway Marina. George and the marina staff wave goodbye to us. Checkout at the customs dock goes quite quickly, as does the boat inspection, and then we set sail. First, we have to...

09.04. - 13.04.2025 Visit to the Hemingway Marina... On Wednesday, everything is pointing towards a visit – we've invited Dirk to dinner with us at the Hemingway Marina. After three days away, the first thing to do is "clean up the boat." We're checking out what the kitchen and the boat have to offer and planning the menu. Until Dirk arrives at 17 p.m. with the...

Mar. 2025 Anyone who thinks sailing is a relaxing affair with champagne in a hammock and seagulls singing to you about your lunch has never been out with Petra, Bernd, Florian, and two curious crocodiles. But let's start from the beginning. Jet lag, dinghy, cabin—welcome to Florida! After a 14-hour flight (in human time: about two seasons of Netflix and three sluggish meals), we landed...

Between splendor, modernity and decay... 05. - 08.04.2025 I pity those people who make a fuss about the transience of things and lose themselves in contemplating earthly trivialities—after all, we are here to make the transient imperishable—and that can only happen if we appreciate both. This reflection by Johann Wolfgang von ...

Nostalgic ride through a city with a rich history... 07.04.2025 With a photo documentation of our vintage car tour through Havana, we captured the various facets and impressions of the city... without words. We were traveling in a 1956 Ford Sunliner...

A magnificent historic building is brought back to life... 07.04.2025 The magnificent National Theater building opened in 1914, located in Havana's Central Park. Renovation of the building complex in the neo-baroque style began in 2013, and since 2016, guided tours have been available several times a day. Entrance portal: The sculpture on the right depicts Cuba's most famous ballet dancer, Alicia Alonso. Staircase...

Where rooms still have famous names... April 2025 Perched atop Taganana Hill in the Vedado district, the impressive Hotel Nacional de Cuba stands enthroned. The eight-story building was designed by New York architects, financed by the New York City Bank, and operated by New York investors. The hotel first opened its doors in 8. Since then, it has been the setting for...

06.04. - 08.04.2025 Sights and impressions of Havana... On Sunday, we wake up after a restful night—we slept well in the large bed on the gallery—and climb the third floor of our Casa Particulares. A daring staircase leads us up to the roof, where breakfast has been set up. There's toast, freshly squeezed guava juice, and eggs. Something...

A motorized journey through time... April 2025 At the beginning of the 20th century, the economy was dominated by American companies and investors, and Cuba was a popular travel destination for Americans. Wealthy Americans lived, worked, and vacationed here. With the Cuban Revolution in 1959 under Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, the Americans were forced to leave the country, and their property was nationalized. Left behind...

See you in Havana... 05.04.2025 Since the Hemingway Marina is located about 17 kilometers outside of Havana, we decided to stay in the city for three days. To experience the true Havana feeling, we opted for a casa particulare—a private house—the B&B Alhabana in the Central Havana district. Here, you're supposed to...

02.04. - 04.04.2025 Getting used to it - we dock at Hemingway Marina in Cuba... We've chosen a good weather window - moderate wind and moderate waves - but we have to cross the Gulf Stream again, which is blowing in at around 2,5 knots. This makes the journey in the area of ​​the main current very rocky for a few hours. On...

23.03. - 01.04.2025 Welcome to the Conch Republic... A travelogue about Key West. Key West—the southernmost point of the USA—was a very special moment for us on our circumnavigation. From 1830 onward, European immigrants from the Bahamas became the first inhabitants of Key West—they were popularly called Conch. From the 20th century onward...

Not always sunny days in Key West... March 29.03 - April 01.042025 Saturday morning we plan to leave for the final shopping trip - but it's raining. Okay, a little later then... At noon it's still raining... Shortly after 13 p.m. the weather has calmed down and we're just about to leave when Jan arrives with his fully functional dinghy and gives us a thank you gift...

There were only two left... March 25.03th - March 28.03th.2025 Tuesday begins with a farewell – Florian is the last crew member to leave the boat today, and we continue our journey alone – presumably until the end of the season. Around noon, he sets off, well-provisioned with the last block of tofu... to travel back to Miami by Flixbus. Farewell to Florian. On...

21.03. - 24.03.2025 There were only three left... Since the old railroad bridge in Marathon is broken and has a gap, we can sail through it with our high mast and continue on our way. First, we sail past the 7-Mile Bridge, which connects Marathon to the next island, Bahia Honda. A lot of concrete was used here...

19.03. - 20.03.2025 And firstly, things turn out differently, and secondly, not as you expect... Susi and Gordon left on time with the Flixbus, but then we received a message saying their bus couldn't continue - the mangrove forests in Key Largo were burning, and the heavy smoke had closed the highway until further notice... The Keys are burning - the...

Mar. 2025 The Florida Keys – A Natural Paradise for Animal Lovers The wildlife of the Florida Keys is incredibly abundant. We have never been to a country with such a rich fauna on land, in water, and in the air. Most animals in Florida are protected, and so many wild animals move quite freely around humans. Animals in the wild...

17.03. - 18.03.2025 Stranded in Marathon... It's Susi and Gordon's last day on board. We want to explore where we can take them ashore tomorrow by dinghy. We also want to visit Marathon Island and the Turtle Hospital. After a more than sumptuous breakfast, we set off along the coast in the dinghy...

13.03. - 16.03.2025 Encounters with crocodiles, Portuguese man o' war, and manatees... For our first leg, we motor a short distance to Adams Key in calm conditions, where we spend a night at anchor, and then continue on to Key Largo the next day. To get to Key Largo Bay, we first have to drive quite a distance...

10.03.2025 In the intoxication of the senses... After a four-year planning phase, the Superblue Museum 2021 opened. The Superblue sees itself as an art gallery. It showcases the possibilities of digital art, which can be designed experimentally and interactively. The Superblue Museum offers immersive art—that is, experiencing art and being in the middle of it, rather than being too close... Exterior facade of the Superblue...

11.03.2025 We cruise between Miami's skyscrapers on the driverless Metromover... The Metromover connects the neighborhoods of Downtown Miami, Brickell, Park West, and the Art & Entertainment District and, along with various trolley lines, is part of the city of Miami's free public transportation system. One of many Metromover stations—the next train always leaves only a few...

11.03.2025 Frost - the 3-in-1 museum: aquarium, planetarium, and science exhibition... The science museum originated in 1960 in the Coconut Grove neighborhood. After its closure in 2015, a new building was built in downtown Miami. It reopened in 2017. The Frost Science Museum is named after its patrons, Phillip and Patricia Frost, who also donated millions...

Mar. 2025 Street art and Miami-style food culture... Wynwood - Miami. In the 1920s, the textile industry settled in the Wynwood district, and Wynwood became Miami's fashion center. This attracted primarily Puerto Ricans to the area in the 40s and 50s in search of jobs. The district is therefore also called El Barrio. At the beginning of the millennium...

09.03. - 12.03.2025 By trolley and Metromover through Miami... A catamaran vacation begins, as is traditional, with provisions. Five people need to be provided for 10 days, then we'll be cruising the Florida Keys, and then we'll continue on to Cuba, where provisions are supposed to be difficult – which means for Bernd and me, pre-provisioning for at least...

03.03. - 12.03.2025 Palm trees, parks, and mega-skylines in the "Magic City"... As you approach Miami from the Atlantic, the first thing that catches your eye is the enormous skyline of modern skyscrapers. It seems strange at first that, according to the last census in 2020, the city of Miami has a population of just under 445.000. However, the Miami-Dade metropolitan area...

03.03. - 08.03.2025 Welcome to the Sunshine State of Florida... Early Monday morning, we set sail for the USA. Although we only have 55 nautical miles ahead of us and the weather conditions are good, we have to cross the Gulf Stream, which will slow us down considerably. After about 12 hours, we can finally drop anchor off Miami. The sailing conditions were...

February 2025 Hotel, marina, casino, amusement park, aquarium... the art of creating vacation dreams... Across from Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, on the island of New Providence lies Paradise Island. Although up to six cruise ships dock in Nassau daily and approximately 6 cruise guests are welcomed, the capital is characterized by vacant houses and businesses and a state of disrepair. Paradise Island, which is connected by two bridges...

24.02.2025 - 02.03.2025 Caribbean shitty weather... On the way back to Nassau, we stop again to see the piggies on Athol Island. After all, we've been busy collecting garden waste over the past few days and can now make ourselves silly piggies with full bags... After arriving on the island, the mess gradually settles in, and after we're with the pig family...

22.02.2025 Between calm waters and rough seas lies only a narrow strip of island... The Bahamas island of Eleuthera is 180 kilometers long and in some places less than 1 kilometer wide. Thus, the calm coastline, protected by the island, and the rugged Atlantic coast, which meets the island from the open sea, are sometimes just a few steps away. This is the case at Goulding...

20.02.2025 Spanish Wells Bahamas – Golf Cart Tour of Island Paradise Hidden between turquoise waters and powder-white sand lies Spanish Wells, a charming island town in the Bahamas, part of Eleuthera – and best explored by golf cart. Far from mass tourism, you'll find a true island feeling here, with colorfully painted houses, fresh lobster directly from the fisherman, and the feeling of...

16. - 26.02.2025 Sailing and vacationing between Nassau and Eleuthera... In November 2024 The opportunity arose quite spontaneously to sail on the Blue Joline in the Bahamas from February 16-26.02. I didn't have to think twice, because you don't get to take a vacation like this every day. I'd known Petra & Bernd for a long time through my friendship with their daughter...

18.02. - 23.02.2025 Eleuthera, beautiful freedom... After the girls' crew has thoroughly pored over the Bahamas guidebook, a lot of places on and around Eleuthera are on the list we want to see. We draw up an initial course plan and set sail for our first destination – Eleuthera is home to a Sapphire Blue Hole and a Preacher's Cave. So we set off with...

20.02.2025 Snapshots of a special moment... Your magical smile... ... went right through my bones... ... I was allowed to be... ... so... ... carefree... ... selfless... ... happy... ... for a moment. Poem by Hans-Christoph Neuert (1958 - 2011) ...

February 2025 Us and the pig family... Just a stone's throw from Nassau lies Athol Island – where wild pigs have now settled. During the day, they are visited by tourists from Nassau. In the afternoon, they are back among themselves. Once the tourists have left, the way is clear for us to have a very personal encounter. We had...

28.01.2025 3. Drone Flight The lonely expanses and the incredible play of colors of the water captured on a drone flight from our catamaran...

Sailing in the Bahamas 1 to 15 February 2025 — a guest post by Jill van Veen and Maxim T. Best Gimme the sipsip! Before we set off, we were often asked if we already knew our hosts, fellow sailors, and skipper. Many were surprised when we said that we had spoken with Petra and Bernd for about an hour via...

15.02. - 17.02.2025 A skipper and five girls... The next morning, everyone is up early. Suitcases are packed, the final touches are made to the cabins for the new guests, and of course - a cascade of activity... Dani from Michigan arrives in the morning, and Sonja and Matthias also set off in the morning - so there's a flying...

2024 Sailing and weathering during the hurricane season in the Leeward Islands. During our sailing season 2024 We spent several weeks on the ABC Islands and moored our catamaran ashore at the Varadero Marina in Aruba during the hurricane season. Reports on the sailing areas: Sailing area and island impressions – Bonaire, Curacao sailing area – a sailing area report...

12.02.2025 4. Drone flight...

12.02. - 14.02.2025 Sheep's Head and Spring Awakening... Our two Munich guests are passionate crime writers – they've written and published three books so far, and they brought us a gift copy of their latest crime novel, "Spring Wanted," with a personal dedication promised. So there's something else to browse right away, and I quickly get drawn into the plot...

11.02.2025 Not much foam at Rachel's... Our next expedition takes us to Rachel's Bubble Bath. We anchor at Compass Cay and take the dinghy ashore. The tour can only be conducted at low tide, as otherwise the area is flooded... We land in our dinghy, "Socken." An incredible display of nature's colors awaits us. We continue on foot across...

06.02.2025 - 11.02.2025 Iguana Trauma... Our next anchorage is Radar Cay – there's supposed to be a sunken mermaid statue and a piano here... We set out in the dinghy, but despite an intensive search, we can't find anything. The island is privately owned – supposedly belonging to Nicolas Cage... David Cooperfield also has a few islands here... Well, you can't treat yourself otherwise. Without...

05.02.2025 Among the rock iguanas... On Leaf Cay, a colony of endangered rock iguanas awaits us. Accustomed to tourists, they come running in droves to be fed by us. We can feed them by hand and even let them pet us... The rock iguanas wait on the beach for visitors - the island is said to have been named after Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage...

03./04.02.2025 Turbo pigs on the move... At Long Island's White Cay, we encountered wild pigs for the second time. But while the first pigs were still quietly staying on land, these are already a step ahead... As soon as we approach in the dinghy, several pigs plunge into the water and swim towards us... They are highly motivated and give...

01.02. - 05.02.2025 Between swimming pigs and pink iguanas... Saturday morning we start early to prepare for the arrival of our new crew. Sonja and Matthias, both from Munich, arrive on board just in time for lunch. They already have some sailing experience, and our joint trip to Nassau is planned as a relaxed coastal cruise. Along the Exhumas, there are plenty of...

28.01.2025 Visiting the Island Pigs - Cute and Wild We'd already heard about the swimming pigs on the Exhumas, but now Bernd had read on the long-distance sailing community site Noforeigenland that there's supposed to be an island with wild pigs here in the Southern Bahamas. So we set out to find them. Navigating in the Southern Bahamas is difficult due to the...

28.01. - 31.01.2025 Lucky us... The water between the islands is sometimes very shallow, and we have to navigate our way through the many shallows in the catamaran. We anchor in Conch Cay, where an island is said to be home to wild pigs. Our evening tour, while interesting, yields no sightings. After further research in...

25.01.2025 A visit from curious nurse sharks... Between Crooked Island and Long Island lies Hogsty Atoll. Atolls are actually found in the Pacific, and it's one of only two atolls said to exist in the Atlantic. So we set out to visit this unusual place. Most of the circular land or reef area of ​​Hogsty...

23.01. - 27.01.2025 Hogsty Atoll in the middle of the Atlantic... We set off as planned in the early morning hours. Since fishing is permitted in the Bahamas, we cast our lines in deep water, and luck is on our side. First, Mona pulls in a wahoo, and then Simon hooks a tuna. For both of them...

2022/2023 A summary: Sailing from marina to marina from the island of Djerba to Bizerte... We sailed (almost) along the entire Tunisian coast. In summary, the marinas are simple, but clean and safe. The fact that the country suffers from many shortcomings is also evident in the marinas. Provisioning options are decent, and prices are low. That's why we spend the winter here...

22.01.2025 Salt flats, salt crystals, and West Indian flamingos... Great Inagua is home to the largest flamingo colony in the Western Hemisphere. We were curious, so we took a closer look. The main source of income for Great Inagua Island in the Bahamas is salt production. An area of ​​approximately 300.000 hectares is flooded with seawater, either naturally or by human activity, and after the water evaporates, salt remains, which...

14. - 20.01.2025 Turks & Caicos Islands - In the middle of nowhere... On our route from the Dominican Republic to the Bahamas, the Turks & Caicos Islands were on our way. I hadn't heard much about this island chain, but a visit to this remote and rarely visited area was highly recommended. So we set out to see for ourselves...

From Grenada to the US Virgin Islands... In a sailing season from December to May 2023/2024 We followed the Lesser Antilles island chain. We visited the following islands and recorded our experiences: Sailing area: the Caribbean island of Grenada – a report Sailing area: the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines – a report Sailing area: the Caribbean island of St. Lucia Sailing area: Martinique – a report Sailing area: Dominica – a...

21.01. - 22.01.2025 On the way to Great Inagua... Matthew Town. After a brisk night's travel, we were traveling so fast that we had to slow down to avoid arriving before first light. Thus, we reached our first destination in the Bahamas in the early morning hours. We anchored in front of the harbor, and Bernd was the first to go through the customs clearance procedure. Everything went smoothly as usual, and we were allowed...

14.01.2025 - 20.01.2025 Lots of nature and few people... We've waited for a good weather window for the crossing from the Dominican Republic to the Turks & Caicos Islands; the often rough coastal swell is as flat as a mirror. So we begin our first overnight trip in good weather and calm seas. It gets surprisingly cool at night, so blankets...

13.01.2025 We're often asked what sails we use on our catamaran Joline. Downwind sailing, in particular, is a topic many crews avoid. We've compiled our experiences from over 10.000 nm and an Atlantic crossing here and would like to encourage you to consider it. Photo documentation - Spinnaker sailing on a catamaran. We chose spinnakers as our downwind sails on Joline for a...

08.12.2024 - 13.01.2025 Traveling with the dispatch... Last season, we skipped the Dominican Republic and sailed directly from Puerto Rico to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonair, and Curacao). Back then, we were put off by the fact that you have to get a dispatch from the Armada every time you want to sail further; more on that below. On our way from Aruba...

07.01. - 13.01.2025 Adios Dominican Republic... After enjoying our first dinner together, Bernd's fun is over. He suspects he ate the meat too raw. In any case, he struggles with diarrhea and vomiting all night and is completely out of sorts the next day. Luckily, we have a comprehensive...

05.01.2025 Among dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and parrots... Next to the Ocean World Marina is the Ocean World Adventure Park. A large amusement park with various animal shows and a swimming pool. View of part of the Ocean World Adventure Park complex. The complex is located directly on the sea and consists of many interconnected swimming pools. The main attraction is the dolphins. Twenty dolphins currently live...

01.01.2025 - 06.01.2025 Off to new shores.. North coast of the Dominican Republic The New Year 2025 has begun, and we, too, are setting out to continue circumnavigating the Dominican Republic. Jonah and especially Toni are still keen on the memories of the Mona Passage, but since the wind and waves are on our side for a relatively relaxed tour of...

26. - 29.12.2024 We explore Jurassic Park... The Los Haitises National Park covers 826 square kilometers and is the green lung of the Dominican Republic. This karst region, with its numerous caves and underground waterways, was already inhabited by the indigenous people – the Taino – whose petroglyphs can still be found here. The national park may only be entered with a guide – by sailboat...

10.12.2024 A cable car as public transport... After Santo Domingo put the first section of a cable car over the city into operation in 2018, 2023 The second section has been opened. This project will connect the outskirts of the city with the center and simultaneously relieve congestion on the roads. A state-of-the-art cable car station – you feel like you're in a ski resort – without snow. Around...

24.12. - 31.12.2024 Caribbean Christmas, a birthday, and then off to the New Year... There's plenty of room for us at the Bahia Samana Marina, so we can easily dock in a berth, and help is also available. After the formalities are cleared up, we explore the marina – there's no Christmas menu at the marina restaurant – all the tables are booked. So, cooking...

January 2025 2. Drone flight...

08 - 11.12.2024 In the footsteps of Christopher Columbus... Santo Domingo was founded at the end of the 15th century by Bartolomeo—Christopher Columbus's brother—at the foot of the Ozama River and was the third attempt by the Spanish to settle the island. This makes it the oldest colonial city in the New World. His son, Diego, served as viceroy here for a long time. What...

01.07.2024 To the countryside for the summer... Joline was last in July 2023 She's on dry land in Arrecife, Lanzarote. Back then, we were getting her ready for the Atlantic crossing. Now, after many thousands of nautical miles, she's due back on dry land. It's time to check everything's in order. The stresses on the boat on such a long journey with wind and waves...

December 2024 1. Drone flight...

20.12. - 23.12.2024 To Samana Bay and Baccardi Island... On Friday, it's time to cast off again. With two stops along the way, we plan to reach Samana Bay, located on the north side of the island. The officials arrive on board punctually in the morning, there's the next dispatch—then refueling—and the journey can continue... The catamaran...

15.12. - 19.12.2024 The two of us continue... Our 30-nautical-mile journey takes us to the first anchorage. There's little wind, so we have to motor most of the way. At one point, a heavy rain front passes over us. We anchor in the bay off Catalina Island, also touted as the "Island of Dreams." Hundreds of deck chairs await excursion guests from La Romana...

10.12.2024 Descending into the cave world of the "Three Eyes"... Santo Domingo has several national parks. Today we set out to explore the "Los Tres Ojos" National Park. Getting around is easy and inexpensive with an Uber. However, demand for Uber rides is significantly higher than supply, resulting in wait times... We descend into...

09.12.2024 A tribute to traditional cigar making... I was astonished to read that the Dominican Republic is a larger cigar producer than Cuba. The CAOBA cigar factory, founded in 1992, is located in the heart of Santo Domingo's old town. A great opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of cigar making. In the historic old town of Santo Domingo, the cigar factory has established itself in the chic shopping center...

12.12. - 14.12.2024 Music smog... On a relaxing day trip—albeit with rain showers—we reach the shallow bay of Boca Chica. The small marina is mostly occupied by large motorboats. We moor at the outer dock and stay there for the next few days, as the berths are too narrow for our catamaran. In the sheltered, shallow bay,...

09.12.2024 Photo impressions of the 16th-century Basilica Primas de Americas – the first church built in the New World... The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Annunciation is the first church built in the New World. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. After the island of Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic) was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492,...

08.12. - 11.12.2024 We explore the capital, Santo Domingo... On Monday, we reach the Dominican Republic and dock in the marina of Santo Domingo. This is the largest city we've visited so far, and the smallest marina so far... The marinero quickly clears a spot for "Joline" in the marina. We receive a friendly welcome, and I can...

05.12. - 08.12.2024 From the Netherlands Antilles back to the Greater Antilles... We set off relaxed after breakfast from our anchorage off Oranjestad. First, we pass the runway's navigation lights, which are still in the water, and head for the customs dock. Before we reach the narrow customs area, a storm with strong winds and gusts of rain develops, and we wait...

28.06. - 04.07.2024 and 25.11. - 05.12.2024 The Aruba Islands - B - C - of the Netherlands Antilles. The last island in the Netherlands Antilles we visit is Aruba. Here, once again, different rules apply than in Bonnaire and Curacao. The only port of entry for pleasure craft is currently Barcadera. Mega yachts can enter the islands through an agent in Oranjestad, but...

28.06. - 04.07.2024 and 25.11. - 05.12.2024 The smallest of the Aruba BC islands... Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, presents itself from the waterside—modern and sophisticated where the cruise ships dock, historic in the background, and forgotten from the third row onward... thus began my article about our first stay in Oranjestad in June/July. Upon our return at the end of November,...

03.12. - 07.12.2024 Farewell to Aruba... Today, for the first time this season, we want to sail a bit, explore the coast, and find a better snorkeling spot. First, the new guests will receive a safety briefing, and life jackets will be fitted and tested. Yvonne and Sascha are ready for the trip on the high seas. The weather conditions are ideal and...

29.11. - 02.12.2024 Joline is swimming again... On Friday, it's time to pack our bags and head back to the boat. Joline is scheduled to go back into the water at 13 p.m., and we need to get everything onto the boat by then. Bernd has finished the work on the exterior, and now it's time to make the boat livable again inside and put everything we brought over from Germany...

25.11.2024 - 28.11.2024 I think it's starting again... The start of the next sailing season is just around the corner, and we're starting our journey back to the boat with an adventure. Our flight is from Amsterdam to Aruba – which means we have to reach Amsterdam first, so we've opted for a train journey. We'll have to change trains twice...

29.09. - 04.10.2023 Traveling in a wicker sleigh like Ernest Hemingway once did. Ernest Hemingway himself took a wicker sleigh ride during his visit to the island of Madeira and described it as one of his most memorable experiences. However, back then, he slid about 5 km down gravel roads from the high-altitude town of Monte all the way to Funchal. Today, the route is on paved roads...

29.09. - 04.10.2023 The capital city of Funchal and the traditional houses of Santana. The capital city of Funchal. Settlement on the island began in the early 15th century, and Funchal (translated: place where fennel grows) developed into the capital due to its favorable location on a navigable bay. Nestled in numerous parks, the capital is very tourist-friendly and offers, above all,...

29.09. - 04.10.2023 Madeira - flowery but not lovely... We fly to the Portuguese island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is 741 square kilometers in size and has a population of only around 250.000. However, the number of tourists annually exceeds one million. When tourists think of Madeira, the first thing that comes to mind is the "Island of Flowers" and hiking...

02.11.2024 After more than 14 months of long-distance travel, it's time to return to our hometown of Germany... A village idyll instead of the open sea, home isolation instead of living with and in nature—sharp contrasts. At the end of June, our catamaran Joline will be lifted out of the water in Aruba, and we'll be packing up to fly back to Germany. At the end of April, 2023 we started in Tunisia, ...

04. - 07.10.2023 Where the port wine flows... The city of Porto, located in northern Portugal, played an important role even in ancient times due to its strategically favorable location on the Atlantic Ocean and its sheltered harbor on the Douro River. The ancient Greeks settled here, and the Romans developed the town into a trading port. Then came the Visigoths, later the Moors, and finally...

September 2023 A pleasantly warm bath... The thermal springs on the Azores island of Sao Miguel offer various options for bathing in warm thermal waters. The most famous are the pools of Caldeira Velha – a natural monument nestled in the middle of the jungle. To regulate the flow of visitors, you must pre-book a 1,5-hour bathing slot online. Picturesquely situated in the jungle, four pools with different temperatures are available...

September 2023 Good things from the earth's kitchen... The Furnas Valley on the Azores island of Sao Miguel is known for its geothermal activity. Hot soil, so trees prefer to grow their roots above ground... Even from afar, visitors are greeted by clouds of steam, and the smell of sulfur fills the air... The area consists of nearly 30 thermal fields. With temperatures up to 99 degrees Celsius,...

14. - 18.09.2023 Pleasure, decay, history, and a few sardines... It's hard to describe Lisbon as a city – there are stylishly restored buildings, magnificent churches, azulejos built to last, beautiful locations with food that enchants the palate... there are dilapidated and abandoned houses covered in graffiti, and homeless people in the streets. Lisbon was originally founded by the...

September 2023 Where cod is a cult... This industrial area from 1846 has been revitalized. Artists offer their works for sale in the restored factory buildings. Container art. The local restaurants offer a diverse table setting. Art on the wall of the rooftop bar of the LX Hostel. The Portuguese food is truly outstanding; with such a vast selection, it's hard to decide...

22. - 27.09.2023 Windswept land and rugged coastline: At 447 square kilometers, Pico is the second largest and, at 250.000 years old, the youngest of the Azores islands. It takes its name from the volcano Ponta do Pico, which is not only the highest point in the Azores, but also in all of Portugal. The island of Pico was discovered by the Portuguese in 1439 and settled from 1460 onwards...

September 2023 On the road with the Carreira 28E dos Elétricos de Lisboa. A trip on the 28E railway line is an absolute must for anyone visiting Lisbon. The railway line, which began operation in 1928, connects several districts on a approximately 14-kilometer circular route, leading through narrow streets past numerous sights. It climbs in some sections...

October 2023 On the former site of the Mosteira de Sao Bento de Ave-Maria monastery, built in 1518, construction of the Sao Bento train station began in 1916 under the direction of architect Jose Marques da Silva. The artistic design of the vestibule was entrusted to the painter Jorge Colaco, who worked in the typical Portuguese style of azulejos (painted and glazed ceramic tiles).

26.09.2023 Meeting point for circumnavigators. Sailors sailing from the Americas back to the Mediterranean traditionally choose the route via the Azores, located in the middle of the Atlantic. A famous port of call is the port of Horta, the capital of Faial. Sailors immortalize themselves on the stones of the quay walls and visit the Peter Cafe Sport at the harbor. Port of Horta. The quay walls are covered with...

04. - 28.06.2024 The AB - Curacao - Islands of the Netherlands Antilles. Spanish Water, the anchorage of Curacao. All sailors who call at Curacao first land in Spanish Water. Before entering an anchorage, you are expected to radio in. You will receive an immediate response and the go-ahead to enter the lagoon and anchor there. There are various anchorages within...

June 2024 Caribbean lifestyle meets Dutch flair... Willemstad was the capital of the Netherlands Antilles until its dissolution in 2010. It is now the capital of Curaçao and, with approximately 125 inhabitants, still the largest city in the ABC islands. The foundation stone of Willemstad was laid in 000 by the Dutch West India Company. The four oldest city districts include...

June 2024 A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Willemstad, Kura Hulanda Village is located in the Otrobanda district of Willemstad. Dutch colonial houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, grouped around several courtyards, have been lovingly restored and now house restaurants, cafes, artists' studios, small shops, a hotel, and a museum. At the entrance to the site are several sculptures by local artists. A...

12.06.2024 Light and shadow... Together with Renate and Peter from the SY Amira, we rented a car and decided to explore the island. The list of sights listed in the island guide is long, so we decided to spend two days exploring. Day 2 On the second day, we set off north by car and first pass...

28.06. - 04.07.2024 Our sailing season is coming to an end, and Hurricane Beryl is hurrying to say goodbye... With the first rays of sunlight, we set off for Aruba in the morning. We plan on about 12 hours of sailing and would like to have cleared customs and dropped anchor before dark... Early in the morning, we leave Spanish Water on Curacao - we pass the SY ...

21.06. - 27.06.2024 Papiamentu for beginners: Bon bini - Welcome... Bon Dia... Good day... Bonochi - Good night... With so many locations, events, and encounters, there's hardly any time to take care of Joline. But as always, boat-related activities are on the to-do list, and so the weekend is used to get a few things done. The sailing season is coming to an end for...

11.06. - 20.06.2024 We're on the road again... The rental car handover right at the dinghy dock went smoothly, and the car made a good impression. We've planned two tours to explore the island's sights. The first tour takes us on a circular route to the east coast of the island, with the main goal being a visit to the Hato Caves. The second tour will then take us...

June 2024 The rise and fall of a historic district... The history of Scharloo begins in 1634 as a plantation of the Dutch West India Company. From 1870 onwards, wealthy Jewish merchants began to build their villas here. After a hurricane destroyed other parts of Willemstad in 1877, Scharloo became a desirable residential area. Around 1960, the district began to decline as more and more residents moved to...

11.06.2024 An island with many faces... Together with Renate and Peter from the SY Amira, we rented a car and now want to explore the island. The list of sights listed in the island guide is long, so we decide to spend two days exploring. Day 1: The car is delivered directly to Spanish Water, and so we start...

05.06. - 10.06.2024 Already Dushi...? With good sailing conditions, we make rapid progress and reach Curacao in the late afternoon. Curacao has one main anchorage: Spanish Water. We quickly find a good anchorage for ourselves in the large lagoon. Bernd raises the Curacao flag and the yellow quarantine flag. There's a large sailing community here with its own WhatsApp page...

28,05. - 04.06.2024 The AB onaire - C - Islands of the Netherlands Antilles. Those approaching Bonaire and its capital, Kralendijk, first pass the sandy beaches of the offshore island of Klein Bonaire. Klein Bonaire - a popular destination for day trippers and beach lovers. In Bonaire, the mooring buoys are located directly in front of the picturesque capital, Kralendijk. The entire island of Bonaire is a marine park - moor...

31.05.2024 Salt and sea - a riot of colors... Salt production has a long tradition on Bonaire. As early as the 17th century, the Dutch used the flat coastal region to extract salt, the white gold. Salt is still produced here today. However, the area is famous above all for its unique natural beauty. With...

29.05. - 04.06.2024 Now it's getting Dutch... The marinero directs us to our buoy in his dinghy and immediately gives us a leaflet with all the rules we have to follow. First, we have to go to immigration and customs – both of which – the skipper alone, as is usually the case – aren't enough here. Then we go to the marina to register the boat and...

May 25-28 2024 Hurricane season is approaching, and it's time for us to leave the Greater Antilles. We have a crane appointment in Bonaire at the beginning of July, and we also want to explore the ABC islands. After a month in Puerto Rico, we've explored the country extensively and feel ready for future adventures. For weeks now...

April 22th - May 25th 2024 We covered approximately 24 nautical miles from the US Virgin Islands – where we started in Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas – to Culebra in the Spanish Virgin Islands. If you enter the US by boat, German citizens need a B1 visa. We already had one last year in...

22.05.2024 Rocks and Sea On the north coast of Puerto Rico are the Cuevas del Indio – a prehistoric rock art site that is said to have served as a place of worship for the indigenous people, the Taino. The access along the beach is very narrow – but we're lucky and it's low tide. The sea snails are waiting for the rising tide. Such colorful and geometrically patterned...

22. 05.2024 In the underworld... Puerto Rico is home to the world's third-longest underground river – the Rio Camuy. The cave system in the northwest of the island can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Equipped with helmets and audio guides – in English – you first descend about half an hour to the cave entrance. The parrot flower is in season and is in...

21.05. - 28.05.2024 From the Greater Antilles to the Netherlands Antilles... Ponce, the second-largest city in Puerto Rico, welcomes us with a view of the industrial port and a wave crossing over us. To stabilize us, Bernd drops another anchor and brings us closer to shore – then we're off. A small river flows from the bay into a small...

Mai 2024 Of sirens and mermaids... Manatees are native to the coast of Puerto Rico—more specifically, the Caribbean—the manatee. Why the manatee is actually called a sea cow is beyond me, because it neither looks like a cow nor belongs to the ruminant family. In fact, its closest relatives are elephants, since the manatee has a small trunk...

18.05.2024 Of coffee plantations, Tainos, and natural spectacles... From Punta Salinas on the south coast, we embark on a day trip by rental car into the interior of Puerto Rico with Heike and Hans from the SY Makaan. The roads are mostly good, but the interior is dominated by the Central Cordillera, which reaches elevations of up to 1074 meters. The route winds through countless small...

02. - 08.05.2024 City trip between rain and sunshine Puerto Rico was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage in 1493. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Spanish began colonizing the island and founded San Juan. San Juan is the largest city on the island and has a population of almost 350.000. The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean and has a long harbor basin. At...

16.05. - 20.05.2024 My birth year now corresponds to my age... We're leaving the Spanish Virgin Islands and anchoring again off the main island of Puerto Rico in Puerto Patillas. First, there's something to celebrate here – my birthday... I'm now the same age as my birth year... well, at least I'll answer the question "How old are you" without giving it too much thought this year...

06.05.2024 The power of water... Puerto Rico is home to the only tropical rainforest in the United States. A road runs through the area, with a few stopping points and footpaths in the otherwise impenetrable jungle. An entrance sign provides an overview of the area. Access is limited to limit the number of visitors in the area at one time and to ensure sufficient...

09.05. - 15.05.2024 Catamaran habitat... In the morning, we leave the still rainy San Juan and set sail again for the Spanish Virgin Islands. San Juan bids farewell in rain... The further we move away from the rainforest, the sunnier the weather becomes. In the evening, we can already lie in the evening sun off the island of Cayo Icacos and look back...

April 22th - May 01th 2024 In the footsteps of Columbus... On his second voyage, Christopher Columbus reached Culebra in November 1493, we reached it in April XNUMX 2024 after we had traveled 24 nautical miles from Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands. Although it's part of the US, things here are very Spanish—even the Puerto Ricans...

02.05. - 08.05.2024 Do what moves you... In the morning, we set off for San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. The crossing to the inner harbor basin takes about six hours. When we arrive in the late afternoon, the limited anchorage is already well filled, and we first anchor in a ballet to avoid the limited space and the muddy, poorly holding water...

30.04.2024 Is this art, or can it be removed...? On Culebra, an island located between the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, is Flamenco Beach. According to Tripadvisor, it's one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. It also boasts a special feature. Of course, we couldn't miss it. In front of Flamenco Beach, the...

Independence through water from the sea. Water requirements - How much water do I need? What is a watermaker and how does it work? Classic systems with high-pressure pumps. Systems with energy recovery. Which watermaker did we choose and why? Install it ourselves or have it installed? Which accessories are useful? Operation and maintenance. Sources of error - This can be expensive. Independence through water from the sea. As bluewater sailors, we are almost always in the best,...

22.04. - 01.05.2024 A German-Swedish reunion and an entry with obstacles... We leave St. Thomas and head for Culebra, an island in the Spanish Virgin Islands, which already belongs to Puerto Rico and lies on the way to the main island. Here we will reunite with the Swedish crew of the SY Lulu, with whom we had already traveled a few weeks ago...

Power production of the last 30 days, 2 kW peak. Rear 3 modules 1.380 watts peak. Installed in Turkey in June. 2022Front 2 modules 810 watts peak. Installed in the Canary Islands in October 2023Review of Türkiye with 3 modules 1380 Watt PeakReview of Morocco with 3 modules 1380W PeakReview of the Canary Islands 1380W Peak - it's getting tightStatus Caribbean 2024 and OutlookInsight of the day or Lessons Learned ...

10.04. - 22.04.2024 The US Virgin Islands... The US Virgin Islands consist of three main islands, along with many small islands and reefs: St. Croix and the islands we visited, St. John and St. Thomas. They were formerly the Danish West Indies. The US acquired them as a military base from Denmark for $1 million in 1917 during World War I.

March 25th - April 03th 2024 Caribbean vacation with obstacles. On March 24, the time had come: My flight to the Caribbean departed! The journey began with a long-haul flight from Amsterdam via New York to Puerto Rico, and then "only" a half-hour flight from there to the British Virgin Island of Tortola, my destination, where I would meet Petra and Bernd and the SY "Joline"...

April 2024 A report from my blue everyday life... At the end of the month, we'll be celebrating our second trip—we've been on the road far from Germany for 365 days now—time for a look back. Desert Tour June 2023 In fact, I find it difficult to write this report because for me it is a report from everyday life and that is usually not...

16.04. - 21.04.2024 Parking puzzle... We sail on to the next US Virgin Island, St. Thomas, and anchor off the capital, Charlotte Amalie, named by a pirate after his Danish queen. Today, the small town is beautifully restored and designed for the cruise ship tourists who land here in droves. The capital, Charlotte Amalie, is a great place to dine and shop, whether...

16.03. - 10.04.2024 Traveling in the British Virgin Islands The Virgin Islands form the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, with the BVI region comprising approximately 60 islands and reefs, including the four main islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost van Dyke. They are part of the British Overseas Territory, drive on the left, and are sparsely populated, with fewer than 30.000 inhabitants. Their main source of income...

10.04. - 15.04.2024 From one virgin island to another... We cross from Jost van Dyke back to Tortola and make one last stop on the BVIs in Soper's Hole. Here, there's a marina, a few bars and restaurants, a few boutiques, and a supermarket. Overall, the area is easy to explore. In the souvenir shop, we find postcards: "Selling...

Sealing Lewmar HatchesCauses of Lewmar HatchesWindow Seals as a Cause of Leakage in HatchesHinges and Locks as a Cause of Leakage in HatchesHatch Frames as a Cause of Leakage in HatchesRemoving Lewmar HatchesStep 1: Remove the ClipStep 2: Unhook the Lewmar Hatch HingesStep 3: Dismantle the Lewmar Hatch's Aluminum FrameStep 4: Remove and Clean the SealStep 5: Reinstall and Glue the SealStep 6: Install the FrameStep...

02.04. - 09.04.2024 On the road among all the virgins... Sabine's vacation is coming to an end; tomorrow she'll be heading back to Germany. Since the flight from Puerto Rico to Tortola was so slow, Sabine is determined to meet up with the airport the day before her arrival. However, from our anchorage in Bluff Bay, it's...

Energy supply for a bluewater yacht on a long-distance voyage - theory and practice. Some preliminary considerations – how much power is enough? On long-distance voyages, you want to be independent of the land and all constraints. Good energy management is a top priority. Energy requirements are as individual as the boats and their owners. Ultimately, you can't have everything on every boat...

29.03. - 01.04.2024 Easter in the British Virgin Islands... Our first stop on Virgin Gorda is once again in the bay of North Sound, where we'll visit Saba Rock with our crew in the evening. It's a lovely setting, as Jens and Isabella are celebrating their wedding anniversary today, so there's Prosecco for breakfast and cocktails for dinner... And Sabine isn't missing out...

Mar. 2024 The Bath Virgin Gorda - An Exploration Tour on the "Fat Virgin" When Christopher Columbus discovered the island, he named it Virgin Gorda - fat virgin - because he thought the island formation looked like a reclining, pot-bellied virgin... well, with a little imagination, you can certainly follow that... We anchored off the capital...

25.03. - 28.03.2024 Caribbean nights... While Beef Bay still looks relatively uncrowded upon our arrival, it becomes truly crowded on March 25.03th – new boats are constantly arriving, increasingly desperate for a buoy or anchorage. The occasional rental boat provides some entertaining harbor cinema in the shallow bay. A Canadian monohull runs aground on a sandbank in front of us...

02.04.2024 Snapshots of the Round Tortola Race – photographed from the perspective of the catamaran SY Joline. On April 02.04.2024 we find ourselves at Bluff Bay in the racing field of the Round Tortola Race 2024 and can take some interesting snapshots from our boat as the field passes us by, often waving. Monohull on the Round Tortola Race 2024 ...

17.03. - 24.03.2024 Everything's very virgin here... There are three Virgin Islands: the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the US Virgin Islands (US VI), and the Spanish Virgin Islands, which belong to Puerto Rico. So, things will be pretty virgin for us for the time being. The BVI are the ultimate sailing area for charter crews, perhaps due to the many anchorages with short routes...

08.03. - 15.03.2024 Sint Maarten / St. Martin: The Divided Island - A Little Dutch, A Little French. From St. Barthelemy / St. Barth, it is approximately 23,5 nautical miles to our next destination: St. Martin / Sint Maarten. The Caribbean island of St. Matin / Sint Maarten was divided between the Dutch and the French. According to legend, this was...

13.03. - 16.03.2024 Airplanes overhead... We're bobbing in the turquoise waters of the bay in front of St. Martin's lagoon—we're alone again... Sint Maarten has a famous airport, whose runway is right on Maho Beach—of course, we don't want to miss that, so we set off through the lagoon to the Dutch...

Mar. 2024 Swimming with airplanes... We set off from St. Martin to Maho Beach in Sint Maarten by dinghy and bus... Maho Beach, St. Maarten – The most spectacular beach in the Caribbean. Maho Beach on St. Maarten is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. The beach is located directly next to Princess Juliana International Airport, so airplanes fly just a few meters above...

06.03. - 12.03.2024 Even richer, even more expensive, even more beautiful? The next morning, we set off by dinghy to clear customs in Gustavia, the capital of St. Barth. It's teeming with cruise ships and superyachts. This is probably mainly due to the fact that it's a tax-free shopping paradise—and with a Valentino handbag like this for just under...

05.03 - 08.03.2024 Elegance, as we all know, is masterful waste... Together with the SY Lulu, we begin the crossing from Barbuda to St. Barthelemy, also known as St. Barth. 60,5 nautical miles lie ahead of us, a tough day's journey, so we decide to set off at first light to reach the new anchorage before nightfall if possible. Sunrise off Barbuda We...

29. 02.2024 - 05.03.2024 Turquoise-blue sea and endless white beaches. From Jolly Harbour, 33 nautical miles separate us from the country's second island, Barbuda, a day trip away. A rain front follows us but doesn't reach us this time... Antigua remains in our sights for a long time, but we can't see Barbuda for a long time - which is due to the fact that the highest...

29.02. - 05.03.2024 And at night the predators come... On February 29.02th, we'll set sail from Antigua with the Lulu and sail over to Barbuda. The weather window is expected to worsen starting tomorrow, so we want to take advantage of the calmer weather. SY Joline has set the spinnaker - view from the SY Lulu. While the green hills of Antigua are only...

We have a lot to celebrate; we've reached three milestones at once, I notice when looking at our website. 3 days as boat owners, 900 days at sea, 500 days in the Caribbean. I never would have thought these days would coincide like this. After 90 days at sea, we separately took stock of our new lives (read more here: ...

22.02. - 05.03.2024 Between tradition and modernity... After 43 nautical miles, we reach the next island, the next island nation—Antigua and Barbuda—and head first for the island of Antigua. English Harbour. Towards evening, we reach the famous English Harbour, and the first thing we notice are the huge superyachts moored in large numbers in the harbor. The entrance to the harbor...

05. - 22.02.2024 Guadeloupe - the French butterfly... Guadeloupe is a French overseas territory but not part of the customs union. Payment is made in euros, and the European mobile phone and internet network is used. Clearance and entry is completed on computerized forms in French and English. The computers are located in the various customer service locations. A fee of... will be charged for printing the form.

February 2024 Jardin Botanique - Deshaies The unique feature of the Guadeloupe Botanical Garden is that it houses exclusively native plants of the Antilles. For an additional €2, you can purchase animal feed with the entrance fee (€17,50 per person). You receive three pots of feed and an instruction session on which food is best for which animals... Entrance area of ​​the Jardin Botanique in Deshaies...

22.02 -. 28.02.2024 We're back among the rich and famous... A brisk day's journey separates us from our next destination: Antigua and Barbuda. So we set off early in the morning—especially since the weather forecast for today is favorable. Along the way, Bernd makes his biggest catch yet—a Mahi Mahi measuring over a meter—so we load Jodi and...

25.01. - 10.02.2024 "Old Swede" guest author and fellow sailor Anja Until we arrive on January 25.01th.2024 By the time we arrived in Martinique, we'd already had a few small adventures behind us. Norbert and I had to work all day on January 24.01th. After that, it was time to pack our bags and drive to Paris-Orly. We had a meeting at the Best Western Hotel (Rungis)...

February 2023 Snorkeling in Pidgeon Island. After Jacques Cousteau (1910-1997), the famous marine biologist and underwater filmmaker, described the area around the small island of Pigeon off Basse Terre in Guadeloupe as one of the most beautiful diving areas in the world, a lively activity of snorkelers and divers developed here. We, too, anchored in the opposite bay of Malendure and...

February 2024 Public Art - Figurative Art Guadeloupe is a true mecca for street art—so many motifs deserve to be shown. I've dedicated the third and final part of my photo documentation to images with figurative motifs. I took the pictures in Point-a-Pitre and Deshaies. Pictures photographed in Deshaies. Painting on the wall of the post office in...

11.02.2023 Carnival in the Caribbean Carnival holds special significance in the Caribbean. The modern museum about slavery in Point-a-Pitre dedicates a whole section to this topic. Slaves found carnival a way to express themselves, combining the Christian festival marking the beginning of their masters' Lent with the culture of their homelands, thus expressing their identity...

February 2024 Art in Public Spaces - Abstract Art Guadeloupe is a true mecca for street art—so many motifs deserve to be shown. I was particularly impressed by how the spatial conditions were incorporated into the image. I would like to dedicate the second part of my photo documentation to the topic of abstract art. I took all the photos in the capital, Point-a-Pitre...

16.02. - 21.02.2024 Traveling with Jean... As already mentioned, we've gained a permanent resident – ​​a crab has settled in with us. We don't know if it's an English or a French crab, nor whether it's male or female... so we're naming it Jean, quite neutrally. Jean is growing and...

February 2024 Public Art - Faces Guadeloupe is a true mecca for street art—so many motifs deserve to be shown. I would like to dedicate the first part of my photo documentation to the topic of faces. I took all the photos in the capital, Point-a-Pitre...

02. - 05.2024 Between the two French overseas islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe lies the small island state of Dominica, which has been independent since 1978. Its size is roughly equivalent to the city of Hamburg. Due to its dense forest cover (around 50% of the island is covered in dense rainforest) and its inaccessibility, it was unsuitable for plantation farming and served as a refuge for displaced indigenous people and refugees...

23.01. - 02.02.2024 The French overseas territory of Martinique is a French overseas territory but is not part of the customs union. Payment is made in euros, and the European mobile and internet networks apply. Clearance and entry are completed on computerized forms in French and English. Computers are located in the customer service centers. A fee of... will be charged for printing the form.

11.02. - 15.02.2024 In the spirit of Mardi Gras... On Sunday, we're meeting up with Jodi and Magnus from Sweden's Lulu to experience the carnival in Guadeloupe together. According to the notice board, the parade begins at 11:30 a.m., so we set off in good time to get to the scene. The streets are lined with onlookers...

02 - 05.11.2023 A stormy crossing... After dropping off our guests in Los Christianos, we have to hurry to Las Palmas. High waves and strong winds are forecast for the crossing between the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Unfortunately, there's no time to wait for a weather window; the forecast for the next few days is even worse, and besides, we only have...

October 2023 Behind the barren shell lies an unexpectedly fertile core... The first thing I learn on La Gomera is that this is the favorite vacation spot of former Chancellor Angela Merkel... she graces many a postcard here. Perhaps that's why we meet so many Germans here... In Valle Gran Rey, we rent a car for a day and...

October 2023 For our 21st voyage, we're taking our new crew – Barbara and Wolfgang – who have accompanied us several times before, aboard in Los Christianos in Tenerife, where we anchored for a week. Los Christianos is a large, very diverse tourist resort on Tenerife with good anchoring options. The only thing that's a little tricky is landing with the dinghy...

05.02. - 10.02.2024 On the road with guests and stowaways... We now have a new companion. A small crab has made itself at home on the lower step of the boat. Since it's still very small, it can hide under the rubber cladding, and all attempts to push it back into the sea have so far been in vain. But it's growing... Today, the first thing on the agenda is a...

January 2024 Art in Public Spaces: In Martinique, street art can be found everywhere on the facades of buildings, and it deserves to be showcased. Here is my selection of photographs I captured: I photographed in Le Marin, Fort-de-France, and St. Pierre...

29.01. - 04.02.2024 Sometimes French, sometimes English... The week begins with a rental car tour – here again, driving on the right side... Norbert is the driver, so we can sit back and concentrate on the scenery. The drive turns out to be quite challenging, with winding uphill and downhill sections. We take a guided tour of a botanical garden,...

February 2024 In the shadow of Montagne Pelee, in the north of the island, we visit the Martinique Zoo. Its impressive feature is not its size and biodiversity, but its location and integration into nature and historic buildings. Paths, walkways, and suspension bridges lead over enclosures and stream valleys, through ruins that have been converted into outdoor enclosures, all nestled in lush natural surroundings and beautiful...

22.01. - 28.01.2024 Off to old and new shores... it's French... On the way to Martinique, we first stop in St. Lucia again, because it's on the way... We clear customs in Marigot Bay - here you can find the best cocktails at happy hour - and we arrive punctually at the Chateau Mygo bar and try...

29.12.2023 - 05.01.2024 and 13.01. - 20.01.2024 On our sailing trip, we pass through the island chain of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, located between St. Lucia and Grenada, twice. On the outward journey, we cover approximately 32 nautical miles from Soufriere on St. Vincent to Chateaubelair, where we can clear customs. St. Vincent Chateaubelair has a beautiful bay where we can anchor for free...

January 2024 Almost everything is handmade... The French brought the cocoa bean to Grenada at the end of the 17th century. It has been cultivated there ever since. The Belmont Estate is one of these plantations. It is still in operation today and offers tours. We also stopped here and received a private tour. Entrance to the Belmont Estate. The cocoa tree bears fruit all year round - ...

15.01. - 21.01.2024 There are no problems...only solutions...or something like that... We're now on our way back, having left Grenada behind us and cleared customs again in St. Vincent and the Grenadines—everything went according to plan. We stopped at two more islands in the Grenadines that we had skipped on the way there due to time constraints: Mayreau and Canouan. Two worthwhile stops—on Canouan...

January 2024 By car around the Spice Island - a personal report Grenada is characterized by exuberant vegetation - everywhere, roads and human habitats seem to have been reclaimed from nature. Around 110 people live here - and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Flora and fauna roads wind through the densely vegetated, hilly island. Everywhere on the island, you'll find...

06. January 2024 - 13.01.2024 As the southernmost island of the Lesser Antilles, we head westward to Grenada, also known as the Spice Island. Indeed, the scent of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, and lemongrass hangs in the air here. Our first port of call is the offshore island of Carriacou, where we can clear customs in Grenada...

The year 2023 was our second season with Joline. The route: From Hammamet in Tunisia, where our catamaran waited for us over the winter, we sailed via the Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta to Tangier in Morocco. We continued along the Atlantic coast via Agadir to the Canary Islands, which we explored over the summer. End...

08.01. - 14.01.2024 And we're alone again, alone... For Jonah and Toni, the Caribbean sailing experience is slowly coming to an end; we'll be spending our last days of vacation together in Grenada. Since there's so much to see here, we decided to rent a car for a day to explore the island. Renting a car isn't that expensive, but it does require...

January 2024 Snorkeling among turtles, rays, and reef fish: The Tobago Cays are probably the most famous hotspot in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This archipelago of five uninhabited islands: Petit Bateau, Baradal, Jamesby, Petit Tobac, and the main island of Petit Rameau are protected from the Atlantic swell by the horseshoe-shaped Horseshoe Reef and are a paradise for snorkelers. The archipelago is accessible...

December 2023 The third bay we'll enter in St. Lucia is Soufriere Bay—it's famous because we're moored in front of the island's landmarks, the Petit Piton and the Gros Piton. Many sights are also accessible from here. The tours are organized by the boatmen, who even help with the mooring of the obligatory buoys...

01.01.2024 - 07.01.2024 Five hours later into the New Year 2024 Around 200 boats are anchored in Bequia Bay, but we still manage to find a spot. We take the dinghy ashore to see where we can spend New Year's Eve. Some restaurants are already fully booked. They're offering a New Year's Eve menu. We find a nice place...

December 2023 Marigot Bay After a nearly two-hour journey, we anchor in Marigot Bay. Here, a marina and a five-star resort are located in the harbor area. We sail from our berth to the harbor area in our dinghy. Restaurants—with live music tonight—invite you to linger. The food is very good, very expensive, but they also serve delicious cocktails...

December 2023 Rodney Bay is the northernmost town in St. Lucia and is located about five kilometers from the capital, Castries. Cruise ships also dock there regularly. Rodney Bay. Rodney Bay's anchorage. The old fort towers over the bay, amidst a small wildlife reserve. Every Friday, the small town becomes a party mile, with the streets filled with...

November 09 - 29 2023 St. Lucia - Island above the Wind - a report about our sailing trip on the west coast with the ARC 2023 We reached the island of St. Lucia on November 09.11th and on November 29.11th.2023 We left again for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We dropped anchor three times during this time. Rodney Bay In Rodney Bay we...

25.12.2023 - 31.12.2023 Bat Attack, Happy Hour, and Happy Birthday. For Christmas Eve, we received a gift from the children, so we took down the ARC flag and hoisted our new flag. We weighed anchor and left Rodney Bay—albeit only for a few nautical miles—to Marigot Bay—the bay of the rich...

September 2023 After docking at the Puerto de la Estaca marina, we rented a car for three days to explore the island. El Hierro is the westernmost and smallest of the Canary Islands and is sparsely populated, as recurring droughts have led to waves of emigration. So far, it has remained largely unaffected by mass tourism...

Monday 18.12.2023 - Sunday 24.12.2023 It's very Christmassy... We're anchored off Rodney Bay and taking it easy. After the hustle and bustle of the last few weeks, we're now enjoying some peace and quiet together. In four days, we'll welcome Jonah and Toni aboard and then explore the island's sights with them, go snorkeling, and then go on a sailing trip...

August 2023 Of all the Canary Islands we visited, La Palma was our favorite. Firstly, because the marina in Santa Cruz de La Palma is within walking distance of the charming little capital of the same name, and secondly, because it's so wonderfully diverse. We've documented our impressions in various reports, and here I'd like to share our experiences with La...

August 2023 The highest peak on La Palma – the Roque de los Muchacos – rises 2426 meters above sea level. The path winds its way from the sea to the summit via long serpentines, offering impressive views as it climbs above the clouds... Start to the summit of La Palma Panoramic View – on tour by car. We break through the...

August 2023 A photo documentary The volcanic island of La Palma offers many fascinating insights into the world of volcanoes, something we've never seen before. Therefore, in this article, I'd like to let the pictures speak for themselves... Entrance to the Volcano Museum Walkways lead over the volcanic rock to the sea. The small boulders look light, but they are...

October 2023 Guest article by Gordon The sailing trip on the catamaran Joline off the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera was an unforgettable adventure for us, Gordon and Susanna. As sailing novices, we were initiated into the secrets of sailing by the friendly owners, Bernd and Petra. On our arrival afternoon, we moved into our cabin, got to know the boat and the two very friendly owners, Bernd...

Tuesday 12.12.2023 - Sunday 17.12.2023 Final week, everything has come to an end... After initially considering sailing along the coast of St. Lucia for a few more days, we decided to stay in the marina for the remaining days until the closing ceremony on Saturday and the crew's departure on Sunday. This way, everyone could come and go as they pleased...

Monday 11.12.2023 Sunny – with a chance of rain... We're slowly getting used to the Caribbean way of life and everyday life – there's some work to be done on board. The dinghy needs to be made ready for use again, the engine reattached. The boat needs a thorough cleaning, we're sorting through the provisions and putting away the remaining food. The collected garbage...

Sunday 10.12.2023 Caribbean nights... We've now arrived in St. Lucia and are beginning to acclimatize – after a good 20 days at sea, we now have a moored boat again and solid ground beneath our feet just a few steps away. We explore the marina and the immediate surroundings, and greet the crews of the boats we met in Gran...

Saturday 09.12.2023 Welcome to St. Lucia... At breakfast, the last nautical miles lie ahead of us, and we discuss what still needs to be done before docking. The St. Lucia flag is raised, including the yellow quarantine flag. Our starting number is reattached to the starboard side. We review the situation on the ground and the line we must cross as the finish line. We report...

Friday 08.12.2023 A visit from Karl and Ella... The last miles lie ahead of us – it looks like we'll be entering Rodney Bay tomorrow, December 09.12th. The Lesser Antilles are already very close on the plotter... It's time to take care of the last things on board – for example, eating the South Korean instant soups that Robin bought in Gran...

Thursday 07.12.2023 Where summer never ends... At night, the genoa starts flapping wildly. Still reeling from the shock of the genoa, I wake Bernd to assist the watchman. It's not long before we're in the middle of a squall. It's pouring down, and the question arises: "Are...

Wednesday November 06.12th2023 St. Nicholas Day... No one has put their boots out, and no reindeer sleighs have been spotted in the sky. So, it's a day like any other on board... We're steadily approaching the coast, and a few dolphins are being spotted. One, driven by curiosity, has come right up to our boat, and it accompanies us for a short distance... Overall, things are calming down...

Tuesday 05.12.2023 A potato pancake challenge... The sun is shining in the morning, and since a rain shower just passed through, there's a rainbow. The wind has picked up to 30-35 knots, and the waves are about three meters high. The ship is rocking violently, making movement on board shaky and difficult. The crew's range of action is therefore significantly reduced...

Monday 04.12.2023 We missed Advent... In the morning, I remember that yesterday was the first day of Advent, and we completely overslept. Out on the open sea, dates and days of the week no longer matter... But we decide to catch up on Advent with coffee and Stollen, and aim for 1 p.m.... The wind is blowing strongly, and we're making good progress; the waves are...

Sunday 03.12.2023 Crew Joline versus fish... We haven't given up fishing yet; we put out our lines daily, but after our wave of success and a few losses of bait and line, calm has returned. The fish in the Atlantic are simply a different breed than in the Mediterranean or the Canary Islands. Here, 500m of 50 lbs line and a 1,2 mm monofilament leader are sufficient...

Saturday 02.12.2023 Less than 1000 nautical miles to our destination... It's getting warmer, and the temperature in the cabins is rising, especially since not all hatches can be opened during the voyage. We've hung up canvases on deck to provide shade, but in anticipation of the squalls that could blow through the Caribbean, we decide not to replace the winter cover with...

Friday 01.12.2023 There's always something... December 1st, time to get the Advent calendars started. While Jonas and Bernd received chocolate calendars on board for their birthdays, Frank was already being taken care of at home... A routine is setting in on the boat, the sailing techniques are now firmly in place, and there's plenty of time to chill out. Some are still tired from the night watch...

Thursday 30.11.2024 We're giving ourselves a new onboard time... The main topic at breakfast is, once again, the time – we want to bring our onboard time closer to Caribbean Time, so we're setting our clocks to UTC minus 2 hours... Somehow, the time continuum is still causing general confusion. What time is it, anyway? And if so, where? The main thing is that we have...

Wednesday November 29.11th2023 Halfway point...? 11th day at sea – forecasts for when we'll reach our destination fluctuate between December 10th and 11th – then we'd have our halfway point today – sometime during the day. In the morning, sailing Mikado is back on... we need to get faster somehow – yesterday's nautical mileage wasn't to our satisfaction, the competition is overtaking us – ...

Tuesday 28.11.2023 Electricity...a perennial topic... It's getting warmer, the sun is already shining in the morning, reminding us not to forget to use sunscreen... The main topic of the day - once again - is electricity: A detailed analysis of where electricity is going and what savings models might be feasible dominate the breakfast conversation. Internet is only intermittent, and high-voltage power is also available. The washing machine will be...

Monday 27.11.2023 Squalls and flying fish... Around 04:00 a.m., I was awakened in my cabin by a light rain falling on my nose. Rain on the Atlantic often means squalls – gusts of rain and strong winds that pass by, requiring increased sailing attention as the wind suddenly shifts and increases sharply, and the...

Sunday 26.11.2023 Birthday on board - the skipper turns 60... We have another birthday boy on board - Bernd is turning 60, and it's another opportunity for a birthday serenade. To celebrate the occasion, a three-course meal is planned for the evening - one should celebrate as they come. Due to the early shutdown of Starlink/Internet yesterday,...

Saturday 25.11.2023 Tea instead of coffee and an explosion... This morning we have ideal sailing weather, as Frank notes – 18 knots of wind – we hoist the gennaker at sunrise and are making good progress. We've moved up to fifth place in our sailing group, and we're in 5th place overall – that's quite impressive, considering our Joline...

Friday 24.11.2023 We're living on our own time now... The day begins with a cloudless sky and decent wind conditions. A flying fish underestimated the size of our boat and jumped onto the deck—not far from our open cabin hatch... I wouldn't have liked a fish in bed. It's too small to eat—although flying fish are supposed to be tasty...

Thursday 23.11.2023 In search of the optimal cruising speed... Although Frank gave the order at dinner yesterday to set the spinnaker at sunrise in order to achieve optimal speed as quickly as possible, the plan doesn't work – no wind. Instead, a fish bites straight away – but it's so big that it immediately breaks the bait and the fishing line...

Wednesday November 22.11th2023 Our course: We're heading straight for Africa... In the morning, the sea is calm and the sun is shining – time to recharge the batteries and tackle the first repairs. The new spinnaker has three small tears and needs to be patched; this time, it's glued, not sewn... To determine the source of the tears and prevent further damage, Bernd climbs...

Tuesday 21.11.2023 No wind...no sun...no power...and a carrot disaster... The wind comes and goes – in order to be able to continue sailing at all, we've deployed the spinnaker, but shortly after midnight it has to be taken down again. We haven't yet found the steady trade winds that are supposed to blow us to the Caribbean. We have a birthday boy on board – Jonas, our youngster...

Monday, November 20.11th2023 We're getting ready for Joline... So far, all our crossings have begun with a stormy night. It always started with Bernd's bold announcement: "Tonight's going to be a storm..." This time, there was no such forecast, and the wind was actually moderate. We set the new spinnaker to catch the little wind. Around 04:00 a.m. in...

Sunday 19.11.2023 The starting gun is fired... Today is the big day, and on Jetty K, everyone is making the final preparations. Overall, though, things are quite relaxed. After all, we're not embarking on a sprint, but a marathon... The last few purchases, the last phone calls home, the final touches... we're ready to cast off at 10:30 a.m., but the skipper decides that...

November 2023 Robin asked Chat GPT about our trip... Task: Please write me a motivating, magical guest post about an Atlantic crossing at the ARC with seven participants, in 1000 words in German. And this is the result: The Magical Dance Across the Atlantic: A Journey of the Seven Heroes. A hint of adventure hung in the salty air as seven fearless souls...

Saturday 18.11.2023 One more sleep... After the inverter arrived from Germany late yesterday evening, the skipper was able to install it this morning – now we have a 220-volt power supply, which means coffee, fresh laundry, and a charged PC... The corpus delicti – the new inverter. Provisioning complete... After breakfast, the ship and crew are checked out...

November 2023 Frank has started the diary he received for his trip... Note from Frank: Anyone who can decipher his writing may share his thoughts and impressions...

November 2023 Below are my thoughts on the launch of the ARC 2023: Since childhood, I've dreamed of crossing the Atlantic. Added to that is the desire to get to know the bluewater community and bluewater sailing. From dropouts and (early) retirees to families who live, study, and work on their own sailing yachts with their young children, and who essentially have no permanent residence. Over the last few days, we've seen many of these...

Friday 17.11.2023 To sail or not to sail, that is the question... The mystery surrounding the sails continues. At 09:00 a.m. sharp, Bernd heads out to the ARC office to stamp our ship's stamp on some forms. Now all obstacles should be cleared and the sails delivered by 12:00 p.m.... The (supposedly) final work is underway. Michael...

November 2023 "Dad, would you like to sail across the Atlantic with me next year?" It all started with that question about a year ago. "Sure, let's see if we can find some friendly people who want to take us along!" We found those people in Bernd and Petra. People who made this adventure possible for us, and with their Joline...

Thursday 16.11.2023 Time is slowly running out... We're starting the morning again at 08:00 a.m. – there's still so much to do... All the boats are bustling with activity. At times, the water supply is running low because all the sailors are tapping fresh water at the dock. Good news from Germany. The inverter has arrived, lashed down as special luggage, and can be used tomorrow...

Wednesday: 15.11.2023 Crew in a state of emergency... We're picking up the pace and starting the day with breakfast at 08:00 a.m. - ready to get to work... The first signs of success are already apparent early on. The inverter has been sent to Sigrid in Germany - she'll then fly it to Las Palmas on Friday. Customs also seems to be...

Tuesday: 14.11.2023 Boat in a state of emergency... Although we set off early the next morning, events were already piling up in a hurry. We were expecting the mammoth delivery from the HiperDino between 09:00 and 11:00 a.m. and first had to make room on the corner table in the galley. To do this, all the leather cushions had to be removed and boxes and laundry baskets had to be set up. Everything we were dismantling there—and...

Monday: 13.11.2023 Everyone eats as much as they can, except for the person sitting next to them... After breakfast, the sextant workshop, for which Jakob, Jonas, and Bernd have signed up, takes place. They return dissatisfied; the lecture didn't meet their expectations, as the speaker lost himself in chatter rather than in interesting information... especially since the time pressure is slowly increasing...

12.11.2023 Let the Games begin... As we all know, major events cast their shadows ahead. So, this morning, we're first visited on the jetty by the delegation from St. Lucia, who are promoting their country and offering tips for their stay. Otherwise, we have to hurry; the ARC parade starts at 12:XNUMX, gathering like at the Olympic parade...

11.11.2023 Hoppeditz awakening... Our next two crew members: Robin from Dresden and Jakob from Munich, take off in the middle of the night in Germany. After breakfast, Michael's first task is to string a flag salute from the flag puzzle – Bernd has chosen the traditional British order for this. This turns out to be not so simple. When the riggers - finally - arrive with...

10.11.2023 The boat is filling up... Tonight, our first crew member, Michael, is coming on board. So it's time to clear out his cabin, or rather, to clear it...? First, let's clean up. Right now, it still looks like our children's bedrooms did... An empty cabin like this is perfect for...

09.11.2023 Something's coming up... The seminars start today, and we're signed up for two in a row. The first seminar starts at 11:XNUMX a.m.: Provisioning. We've actually already gained quite a bit of experience in this category, having made several crossings with larger crews. But this time we have to—as my grandma would say: "Seven...

08.11.2023 The man in the mast... This morning the sun is shining, and everything looks like summer again. Safety is a top priority at the ARC. Bernd's first priority today is to update the safety equipment: new hand flares, parachute hand flares, and smoke bombs. Everything you need to attract help in an emergency. Plus, spray hoods to supplement the life jackets and additional safety lines for...