Venezuela
On 20 November 2010 just after midnight we weighed anchor and left for Venezuela
Our plan was to avoid Los Testicos Island and Margarita(areas known for piracy), to sail to Blanquila, spend a night then sail to Tortuga, spend maybe 2 days, then to Puerto La Cruz. BUT we had to use the engine the first 8 hours due to no wind, then 40 nm out the prop shaft broke and we were faced to use only sails. Luckily the wind picked up, but we decided to change direction and go straight to Medregal village in Golfo de Cariaco. (200nm further). Now we had to pass closer to Los Testicos, but went without lights and hoped not to be seen. I had a few flares handy and Jaco had the shotgun next to him. We had a lot of rain and squalls the first day, but all was bearable, then the 2nd day we had a huge rain storm. I have never seen such thick mass of clouds. We set “Helmut” (mechanical self steering, a present from Helmut Geiger) up and went inside. All went well; Songerie and “Helmut” handled the rain & squalls without any problem. We contacted Medregal village and Jean-Marc was ready to help us as soon as we arrive. BUT we arrived early morning about 10 miles out from Cumana, now we had to tack against the wind and outgoing tidal stream to get in pass Cumana and in to the Golf of Carioca. After about 6 hours struggle and no real success, we decided to turn and head for Puerto La Cruz. We were exhausted. (We were awake since we left Grenada
