Venezuela, Status 13.3.2003

Created by doina. Last modified on 2003-08-08 18:30:14
Countries: Venezuela

General

Though the political situation is still not resolved, life has gone back to almost normal. Especially sailors will hardly feel any changes from the Venezuela they have known over the years. It is estimated that Chavez has about 20% of the voters on his side at the moment. There are new elections coming in August and everybody hopes Chavez will honor the outcome. Nobody we spoke to likes him any longer. It is also said that he has become very pro-terrorism with good links into Al Quaida, the Columbian mafia etc. Very serious accusations are to be heard and people are politically very aware. It is relatively peaceful in the streets, but there are road checks with very armed military and police in many places. Some of them were there before as well of course, but it still leaves a strange feeling in our stomachs to pass them.

There is as much diesel 48 Bolivar/ltr and gasoline 100 Bolivar/ltr as you like in Puerto la Cruz. These rates are believed to be 100 % UNDER production cost !!

No shortages of anything but sugar, which Chavez wants to bring in from Cuba now. Polar and the Brasilian Brahma beer is plentiful in supply for 25 cent US/bottle or can.

The official exchange rate is 1.600 Bolivar=1 Euro. But lots of people will give you up to 2000 Bolivar for 1 Euro. Incl. restaurants. With a typical income of 200 Euro/month, people are struggling with prices. We found it really cheap.

The marinas and yards are pretty empty. Prices have become very competitive there and people are more than keen to work. We got offered by Bahia Redonda Marina to haul MIZ MAE (59 ft) out+back in, 3 days dry stand, incl. power wash, prep work for painting and antifouling the bottom, excl. paint, for 360 USD ! Beat that ! Though paint prices (you still get the real stuff !!) were the same as in the Caribbean.

Eating out is great and very inexpensive with a good main course around 9 USD. Quality is super and service more than polite. We closed the kitchen for some days and pigged out as only cruisers can do after weeks in the islands.

Puerto la Cruz

The General Manager of Bahia Redonda Marina, Mr.Carlos Vasquez, has informed us, that the marina runs business as usual. No shortages. No security problems. From January to June the marina charge is 0,24 US cent/ft/day incl electricity and water.

There have been incidents reported from the small islands off Puerto la Cruz and we do not recommend staying there even during day time. Sailing through does not seem to be a problem, but going ashore has caused attacks also on a German family with children.

Los Testigos

Business as usual. Thefts have been reported from boats anchored away from the beaten track. It might pay off to stay together a bit. This has little to do with the remaining political problems.

Isla Marguerita

With ferry boats and domestic flights working as usual, everything seems to be back to normal. Contact Juan Baro for more details in Pampatar when he does your clearance.

Los Roques

Business as usual. Clearence fees are 120 US/boat plus 10 US/person for 14 days stay maximum. To see the authorities you have to go to Roques. No clearance in the outer islands possible, though there is a coast guard station on southern Dos Mosquises/Western most Los Roques, which works as a sub-station to the authorities on Grande Roque.

Don't count on any supplies on Los Roques, though you might get lucky to find the odd thing for a price.

Los Aves de Barlovento

Fewer boats than in the past years probably due to the general situation in Venezuela and the decline in number of boats in the Caribbean. No stores available. Only few roving fishermen overnighting occasionally. No problems with them reported, going lobster price is 4 US/kg. Coca Cola, food and dive or snorkel gear is the best thing to barter. DO NOT supply fishermen with Aspirin to treat decompression sickness !!! They are diving with so called "hookers", stationary compressors on the boat with a long hose attached. A treatment with Aspirin might thin their blood to a degree where they are seriously injured or killed. Only pure, clinical Oxygen would help them on the spot.

Los Aves de Sotavento

Same as on Barlovento above, but there is a friendly coastguard station on Isla Larga and they might come to see your pasports and ask about the seaworthiness of your vessel. We could not help to smile as they showed up in a tinny which would hardly pass any test of seaworthiness itself. However, the officers were most friendly and correct.

In conclusion, no new incidents or piracy attacks are known to us for the moment. Treated with a bit of care, this is still a fantastic cruising ground.

Lilly Vedana, Thomas Mueller

Yacht MIZ MAE 13th of March 2003