IN LATITUDES for any length of time, you want to get a Temporary Import Permit, as technically you can't leave Mexico without your boat unless your boat has one. Besides, most marinas now require one as a matter of course. In addition to being available online, TIPs can also be obtained at Ensenada, La Paz and Puerto Vallarta, but not Cabo San Lucas. But online is best. TIPs cost about $50 and are good for 10 years. It hasn't been the most peaceful summer in the southern part of the Eastern Caribbean according to reports from the Caribbean Security & Safety Net. The worst reported incident took place at Porlamar, Margarita Island, Venezuela on September 3, when a Dutch vessel anchored off the Concorde Hotel was boarded by armed men. The skipper was shot and killed but the other crewmember survived. According to the CS&S, not many cruising boats stop at Porlamar anymore. Given the fact that life is very, very, very cheap in the home of the Bolivarian Socialist Revolution, we can't imagine why. Then there was an armed boarding
and assault at Bloody Bay, Tobago at 1 a.m. on September 26. Four men boarded an elderly couple's cruising catamaran, and struck the man with the dull edge of his machete as he attempted to keep them off his boat. He was later threatened with a pistol while his elderly female crewmember was restrained. When a female cruiser on a nearby boat heard the commotion, she bravely rowed over to try to help. She was fired at twice. The robbers left in a panic with about $20, all the cruisers had on them. Both cruising boats then weighed anchor and headed for Store Bay. Friends Tony and Charlotte from St. Barth have a little surf shack in Tobago that he's owned for years. Fearful for her safety, Charlotte has refused to go there for the last several years. Finally, about 11 p.m. on October 3, the cruising sailboat Rainbow, anchored off Frigate Island, which is adjacent
Little Union Island in the Grenadines is beautiful, but there have been longstanding security issues in the local area.
to Union Island in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, was boarded by men with machetes. The two Rainbow crew were able to fend off the attack, but only after they both sustained serious injuries. Rainbow proceeded to Carriacou for medical assistance. Three suspects were later arrested. Places like St. Vincent & the Grenadines are fabulous for cruising — End of the World Reef! — but crime is a problem. Chances are you won't be a victim, but
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B.P. 1111 Uturoa Raiatea 98 735 Polynésie Française Tel: (689) 600-545 ~ Fax: (689) 600-546 ~ VHF 68 Web site: http://www.raiatea.com/carenage ~ email: raiateacarenage@mail.pf November, 2013 •
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