Boating & Biking Adventures

Author: Bernd Page 2 of 63

…natural disasters…

I am using these representive photos to illustrate the challenges a country exposed to natural disasters has got to cope with. On one side a building completely restored, or perhaps a new development, on the other side its neighbour.

Putting it in another perspective: I met Smily the other day, one of the boat boys offering his services here within the anchorage. He carried a 6m stem of tree with a diameter of  20cm on his shoulder and an axe in his hand walking alongside the road into my opposite direction. The answer to my naive question of what he wants to do with this tree came prompt: rebuilding my house! I felt a bit silly to put it blandly.

Walking into town I pass this building to the right. On my first walk I was so impressed, that they have public toilets in this place, for visitors. Wishful thinking obviously, there seems to be no sewage system and its meant to be for common use of the local people.

Public toilet along the road into town.

The recent two natural disasters in 2015 (Tropical Storm Erika) and in 2017 (Tropical Storm Maria) caused severe damages. While the damage of the first one was only in the range of 90% GDP equivalent, two years later Maria caused damages equivalent to more than 200% of Dominica’s GDP. Even more shocking the number of death being close to 80 combined. Hard to get back on your feed.

As a boatie, I feel it is a good opportunity to be here and contribute as much as we can to support Dominica in its recovery. Every dollar counts and the spirit of its people definitely deserves it.

“Reggae & Rum” might play part in people’s recovery, leaving Cannabis aside.

Fair winds…

☝️…Portsmouth Market…👍

Butcher !
Fruits & Vegetables !
Seafood !

I am just back from the Saturday Market in town to replenish some of our vegetables. Butcher and Seafood part I gave a glance only but did not buy anything despite the fact that it looked very fresh.

There is plenty of choice, most is locally produced and only very selective items are imported. As fertilisers are rarely used, the local products still have a very intensive natural flavor.

The island has a lot to offer, also in terms of food.

Fair winds…

…the party goes on…

The PAYS Yachting Festival 2023 goes on. Besides the program during the days, there is every night different music and entertainment. Tonight was a jazz combo, talented musicians from two boats, which apparently are very well known here in the Lesser Antilles.

It does not take many beats and the dance floor is taken by locals as well as boaties. Clearly, the locals get more enthusiastic on Reggae, is my personal impression.

Bento, one of the great boat boys took me back home. Perfect taxi service for a small fee, which does not kill your budget and helps them a lot. 

Fair winds…

…Douglas Bay…

Today’s sundowner @ Roots & Rock Bar !

☝️…my favourite 📻

The Grenada minibus was our first hardcore experience with Reggae since we arrived in the West Indies. It was not only loud, the vibes not stimulating at all, rather painful.

In the meantime, my favourite station is ReggaeTrade streamed out of Zug/CH (!). Light beats with reggae typical lyrics. Very similar what they play here on Dominica.

Have a great start into the weekend!

Fair winds…

Click to listen into ReggaeTrade!

PAYS – Barbecue

Normally these rum punches get watery the later the evening but not at the PAYS BBQ event tonight. Tasty and in free flow along with vibrating reggae music, entertainment and company until late into the night. Tempting and dangerous.

Glad I don’t have a dinghy license as that would have been at hight risk on the way back to our mooring.

Took me a while to finally overcome the hangover but it has been worth the pain!

Fair winds…

…double rainbow…

Mixed weather during the PAYS Yachting Festival 2023 here in Portsmouth/Dominica.

☝️…Indian River…👍

Today’s afternoon program for me was to explore the Indian River, one of the main attractions here in Portsmouth. Perfectly organised by the PAYS team we were picked up and dropped off again after 3 hours of  unique jungle experience covering education and entertainment. Soft & Smart Tourism!

At the bush bar we were not only served local rum punch but also introduced to some Creole food & tradition including arts, music and Kalinago culture. Although the weather was mixed, I enjoyed the tool together with numerous sailors from the anchorage. Fair winds…

🏴‍☠️…Cruise ship attack…🏴‍☠️

Busy day in Prince Rupert Bay!

Overall the level of tourism in Dominica is low. Biggest contributor is probably the cruising industry and today was their day in Portsmouth.

Although not sure on the number of tourists on these three boats, I could not see any difference in Portsmouth town during my walk and grocery shopping. Neither they were on the Indian River in the afternoon. They must have all disappeared into the jungle for some eight hours, the length of their stay. For me, maximum irritating, not more.

Earlier during my stay in Roseau, they closed roads and opened dozens of booths with tourist gadgets and garments at the time the cruise ships arrived.

Fair winds…

Grab a PAYS mooring?!?
Beach landing...

PAYS – Welcome Cocktail

The PAYS Yachting Festival Week has been opened yesterday during a function taking place in the nearby Kempinski Hotel. Besides others, all yachties were invited mingling with the warm-hearted locals. The venue itself is providing a 5 star framework and indicates expectations concerning the yachting scene and its potential in Dominica for the years to come. I am convinced it has great potential.

Besides the selected location some of the high ranking distinguished speakers are shown below. Hank Schmitt, moored next to us with his SY Avocation, a Swan 48, has been instrumental in the whole process, which started back in 2015 under his “The Mooring Field Development Foundation”. A Big Thank You!

Hank Schmitt - www.sailopo.com
Denise Charles - MoP & Minister of Tourism
Andrew ‘Cobra’ O’Brien - President of PAYS

The project has developed quickly over the years, recognised by the government, which was emphasised by Denise Charles and Mr. Cobra, who has been one of the driving forces for many years as well.

All these efforts have not only positively impacted the local community but also provide a safe and welcoming attitude and atmosphere for us, the yachties.

I now expect a lovely Festival Week.

Fair winds…

Page 2 of 63

🙋‍♂️This website is using cookies to improve the user-friendliness. You agree by using the website further.👏