PIRATES!

I knew that would make you want to read this! Ha Ha

Settling our tab at Ocean World Marina was more than a month’s cruising budget! Our VMG (velocity made good) was hampered by an undocumented 1.5 knot current along the coast. We anticipated a 30 hour passage east but realized night would arrive before we would. Leocat and we concurred that a small hook of land past Samana would be a suitable stopover.

As we approached the bay of Punta Macao, the sights and sounds of what looked like an MTV Spring Break bash pulsated through our bodies. Today was DR’s Labor Day and everyone was working at having a good time on the beach. Not being “official” in stopping off we opted to land our dinghies on a side beach near the cliffs and possibly check out the scene. Our plans were changed when a boat load of DR military types landed there skiff next to us. They (in Spanish) declared that this is not an official port and we must leave; to which we (ie. Minon) replied it was too dangerous to enter Punta Cana at night. They reiterated 3 times we must go to which we (ie Minon) replied we will when it is safe to arrive. Then they just turned and got back in their boat having done their job of informing and policing.

Meanwhile, while we were still on the beach, a group of overzealous party goers decided to swim out to our boat. Much to Angie’s dismay, they took the liberty of climbing up the bow of our boat and using it as a diving platform. It would have been much easier to use the swim platform.
“Well aren’t you going to do something!?” she asked as I observed the strength, size and agility of the half dozen or so drunken Caballeros.

“Well yah, but how do you want me to handle it?”, as I watched in surprise.

“Get in the dinghy everyone,” Angie declared as we headed out to “battle Pirates”.

Before we even had the engine started the same DR military skiff headed toward our boat and gestured for the revelers to get back to the swim area. They probably wanted us to leave knowing that our floating swim raft meant more policing work for them.

As the sun set the DJ’s sounds were replaced with a live band that played the most alluring blends of Latin, Reggae, Hip Hop fusion that we have ever heard. We would have loved to have been in the mix of sweat, sounds, and celebration but we have to be responsible parents now! The music wound down at 9:00PM as we were drifting off to sleep before our 3:00 AM scheduled departure.