Luperon, Dominican Republic

Awesome sail to Puerto Plata.  We arrived around 9am.  Talk about major disappointment.  This was a totally commercial port and there was no place for us to anchor … and no marinas.  We dropped the anchor in the turning basin for the ships because we’d discovered a line that holds the dinghy to the davits had come loose and we needed to fix it right away.  Luckily, there are backup lines and luckily we discovered it when we did because our little dink was not damaged. 

In the port, there is a large fishing boat fleet.  Someone on the dock radioed us and told us we could tie up to the dock.  Hmmm … was this a “free” gesture and if not, how much was it going to cost?  Also, the docks were not designed to secure a sailboat.  Since we hadn’t cleared customs yet for this country, the commandant wanted us to use the dock so he could clear us in.  I don’t think so.  We fixed the dinghy as quickly as we could and declined the offer.  We immediately exited the port and headed to Luperon.

So … originally heading for Luperon, diverted to Puerto Plata and ending up in Luperon anyways.  What a waste of ½ day!

The sail to Luperon was comfortable since we were heading west and the eastern winds and waves kind of just nudged us along.  From the channel at Luperon, you meander up a river a bit before the actual town.  We were almost to the bend in the river when we noticed a sailboat.  Hey, we weren’t alone this time.  Then we noticed another and another.  In total, there are probably about 75 sailboats here!  This is where everyone went!

We dropped anchor and Larry dinghied to shore to clear us in.  Every country is different.  Here, he had to go to the Commandant first, then to immigration, where he had to pay $63.  It actually cost him $65 because he didn’t have exact change and the officer just gave himself a tip.  The guy had no intention of fetching change. 

Then Larry had to go the Agriculture Department to answer the typical “do you have fruits, vegetables, pets on board”?  It cost him $10 to clear thru that department.  Because today is Sunday, the customs department and Port Authority were closed so he will have to clear in thru those departments tomorrow.  Who knows how much that will cost?

Anyways, these fees are good for one month.  We need to clear out of Luperon before we leave but it is my understanding, we can clear into other ports in the DR without paying additional fees.  I sure hope so!

Larry wasn’t back on the boat 20 minutes before we realized our anchor was dragging.  We were headed directly for another boat.  Thank goodness this didn’t happen when he was ashore!!!  I would have had to move the boat and he’d never find me!

We moved to the other side of the small bay, near some mangroves.  We’re hoping it will hold here.  The problem is, this bay is over 20 feet deep and you just don’t get the same holding as with a shallower anchorage.  BUT, a lot of the anchorages going forward will probably be deep so we’d better learn fast!  I guess I’ll have another sleepless night worrying about the hook!

IF the anchor holds thru the night, we will probably venture into town tomorrow.  Larry will continue with the clearing in and handing over our cash process, while I will find Internet (hopefully) so I can finally send this update.

Then we will explore the town.  There’s supposed to be a bus to Puerto Plata so we will look into that.  The town itself is supposed to be very charming.  The port was awful! 

Not sure when we will leave this place or exactly where we are headed after this (whether we’ll visit ports along the coast or head directly to Puerto Rico) but we will keep you posted.