Luperon to Ocean World Marina, D.R.

Miles: 16
Hours: 5

Normally we would probably skip making a post about such a short day sail, but it was rather eventful so here goes.  After the trials and tribulations of getting cleared to leave port by the commandante, we decided that hell or high water would not keep us from getting to Ocean World Marina.

The seas weren’t too bad as we departed the sheltered anchorage, about 4-6 foot out of the Northeast with 15 knot winds out of the East.  The waves crashing on the craggy coastline were pretty awe-inspiring.  As we proceeded East, the winds and seas built up to a rather unpleasant level, albeit from a direction that was manageable.  We estimated that the average swell was 8-10 foot and the wind gauge clocked in at 25 knots gusting to 30.  For the last hour or so, we started taking a sizable amount of sea spray through the port side of the cockpit which made for some unpleasantly wet times.  Surprisingly enough, we only saw a tiny bit of rain from the little cells that popped up all around us.

Our awesome friends, Lydia and Alexei, from an Eastward bound vessel. We hope to see them again next season.

Our awesome friends, Lydia and Alexei, from an Eastward bound vessel. We hope to see them again next season.

All in all, it was a fairly puke-tastic ride into the well marked channel at Ocean World Marina.  It is quite a bit more expensive than hanging out on the hook in Luperon, but we feel like we’ve earned it.  The beer is cheap, and the slip really isn’t that expensive compared to Florida and the Bahamas.  There is a large seawall protecting us from the swell, an excellent pool, and quality facilities.  Hopefully we can convince Captain Crunch to let us stay here for a week or so.