Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

Beth and daughter Kat joined Scotty, Kristine and Ken to cruise the ABC Islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Paperwork was done at commercial run down ports, not much of a cruiser crowd coming to these islands. Found a slip at a high-end Bonaire resort – lots of fun, with pools and bars. After a week, arrived at the Renaissance marina in Aruba – site of the 2013 Grateful Red Party.

Margarita Island, Los Roques & Bonaire

A successful crew change in Polomar, Venezuela. New crew Bob showed up at 2AM and Ken picked him up in the dinghy. Vicki and all her bags were checked for drugs at the airport…Vicki has that drug dealer look! Typically, the Grateful Red was not only the only American flag boat, but the only foreign flagged boat. Las Roques and Los Aves archipelagos were superior sailing, snorkeling and cruising grounds….and not another sailboat to be seen. Great Fun!

Trinidad to Margarita, Venezuela

Vicki joined the Scotty, Kristine and ken crew sailing to the Venezuelan Islands – Los Testigos, La Blanquilla and Margarita – supposedly Pirate infested seas. No Pirates were spotted, in fact, no sailboats spotted – only terrific places to anchor as the only boat with neighboring Venezuelan fisherman selling lobsters and fresh fish. Completed our paperwork the day before Hugo’s demise. In Hugo’s honor Venezuela went dry for two weeks – luckily the Grateful Red sails well stocked with alcohol for such situations.