Cruising update from Statia / St.Eustatius

Steven Verbiest of SY Pikuditu (Netherlands) visited Statia in January 2013.

Published 11 years ago, updated 5 years ago

Statia is worth a visit. IT’s safe and friendly with lots of history and no traffic (unlike St.Maarten!). They have big plans with the Lower Town for the yachting community: relocating commercial traffic and extending the pier. The first (small) cruise ship ever was welcomed late December 2012.

But also – new things need maintenance!

Coming in at night, head straight for the weak (3)15s white leading light on top of the old fort. It does not clearly stand out against the background streetlights.

Keep the Green Fl. buoy to your RIGHT. It marks the end of the commercial pier and keeps you safely away from the two big unlit cans S of it.

Some mooring balls are used by local boats and don’t mistake the one that has a floating fish cage attached to it. The moorings for yachts are white balls with a blue stripe and they need maintenance. One yellow floating line was chafed halfway through. During our visit (January 2013) the 60ft. SY “Nix” broke loose and had a narrow escape.

Swell is a big problem at the new, one-year-old concrete (dinghy) dock. Use a small stern anchor ALWAYS. In an N swell, it’s impossible to dock here! Because of this 80% of the planking is already gone! Otherwise, tuck inside the pier. Locking your dinghy there is forbidden, so it can be moved by the harbourmaster at will (for the ferry, workboats etc.).

Mooring fee: US$10 per day  / US$30 per week. Pay at the Marine park Stenapa office and tell them about the poor state of the moorings.

Immigration & Customs are based in the white container with a big “Customs” sign. Formalities are easy, hassle free and there’s no charge. For a short stay, they will clear you out at the same time.

Steven Verbiest of SY Pikuditu

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