Bonaire Arrival

Hi everyone,

This morning we arrived in Bonaire after a 420nm passage of nearly 4 days.  It was one of the easiest multi-day passages we've had for some time.  The biggest challenge was slowing down enough to arrive in daylight.  Zen Again loves light winds.  We sailed most of the passage with trisail sized main, varying the headsail size to suit conditions.

Approaching Bonaire

First the usual plots...

Track

Arrival Track

Graphs

Our route took us in an arc northward then back southward.  This kept us well clear of Venezuela and used the currents to best effect.  Ocean surface current GRIB files were downloaded from SailDocs and svsarana.com.

Currents Matter!

Performance-wise it was an interesting passage.  On a broad reach Zen Again sails at 5 knots in 8 knots apparent, and 3 knots in 5 knots apparent.  The trick is to keep the apparent wind up while not heading so high as to kill downwind VMG (velocity made good).

Here are the vital statistics...

• Distances/Speeds
• Route Distance = 420nm
• Log Distance = 422nm
• Track Distance = 430nm
• Duration = 3 days 19 hours (91 hours)
• Average boat speed = 4.6kt
• Average ground speed = 4.7kt
• Average day's run = 115nm (through the water)
• Best day's run = 120nm (5 kt)
• Minimum boat speed = 2 kt
• Maximum boat speed = 7 kt
• Weather
• Minimum wind speed = 5 kt
• Average wind speed = 12 knots
• Maximum wind speed = 24kt
• Apparent wind angle range = 70 to 150
• Seas up to 1.5m
• Swell negligible
• Initially thunderstorms close-by, these overtook us leaving decreasing cloud then sunshine
• Engine
• Total = 2 hours (leaving and entering port)
• Failures
• None
• Stars
• The boat!
• Starlink for accessing GRIB files and email now our Iridium Go! is gone
• SailnSea SailingGen hydro generator kept our batteries full
• Icom IC-7300 SSB for nightly position reporting net with friends

Starlink performed very well.  We used it for two 30 minute periods daily, primarily to get email and download GRIB files.  It failed to connect when we had just left Grenadian territorial waters.  It also failed to connect last night when I tried 'stowing' and 'unstowing' dishy.  On reflection the antenna never moved while we were underway so stowing/unstowing was a bad idea since it stayed stowed (pointing at the horizon).  As soon as we were moored in Bonaire I booted the system, the antenna oriented itself and the system connected.

The SailingGen hydro-generator did a great job.  It was in the water every night keeping the batteries close to full.  It wasn't fouled by weed at all on this passage.

On arrival sv Cushla assisted us picking up a mooring and sv Cerulean came by to say hello.  Then we launched the dinghy and headed ashore to clear in and explore.  Clearing in was painless.  We bought our snorkelling licenses at the Tourism Office, then walked around town.  Bonaire's certainly a pretty place...

Douane Building

Tourism Office

Beachside Bar

Colourful Streets

Kiwi SVs Cerulean and Beez Neez

Marina Office

Street Art

Shopfront Art

More street art

This afternoon we moved Zen Again to a mooring next to Cerulean and Beez Neez.  The water below us is beautifully clear.  Apparently an octopus lives under us!

Pleased to be here!

Trust all's well where you are!