Caribbean Sea outlook - September update
by Noonsite 1 Oct 2024 07:11 PDT
Category 4 hurricane Helene hit Florida © noonsite.com
Florida, USA: Just at the end of last week the "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane Helene hit Florida with maximum sustained wind speeds of 140 mph. Helene is one of the largest storms in the Gulf of Mexico in the last century, with a wind field that spanned roughly the distance between Indianapolis and Washington, DC. Its huge size resulted in higher storm surge and dangerous winds that stretched well inland.
Martinique: Reports from cruisers clearing into Martinique is that the new online clearance process is working well and means no onshore clearance is required. If, however, your next country requires a zarpe, you will have to go ashore to get the clearance papers officially stamped prior to departure.
BVI: Peter Island Resort will at last re-open mid-November after being destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The 1,800-acre island is the largest private island in the BVI and has mooring balls available for visiting yachts, who can also use the resort facilities.
Curacao: Clearance just got simpler with the opening of a new combined office for Customs and Immigration in Spanish Water on 1 October. Unfortunately, if planning to anchor here, a trip to Willemstad to get your anchor permit from the Harbour Master is still required. See Curacao clearance for more details.
Panama: The latest Panama Canal Authority Advisory announces modifications to the transit reservation (Booking) system and new tariffs as of January 1st, 2025.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.