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Questions around anchoring in Simpson Bay
#55578
05/21/2015 09:51 AM
05/21/2015 09:51 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 287 Massachusetts USA
tmsxmsails
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 287
Massachusetts USA
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I know most of the charterers are over on the BVI board but I think there are a few of us here too so I hope someone can offer some answers/suggestions...
For my upcoming charter, I'm thinking of spending a night anchored in Simpson Bay. In my previous two trips, I've never visited the Dutch side (except back and forth from the airport to Oyster Pond where the boat is) so I have a few questions.
First, do I need to clear in and out of Customs when coming from the French side? I know you don't have to do any of that on land but I'm not totally clear on doing it by boat. On one hand, somebody said it is just like driving a car and you don't need to worry. On the other hand, the Cruising Guide says you do - although it doesn't differentiate coming from the French side and coming from say, Florida.
Next, what are good anchoring spots. It sounds like I can go either side of the channel for the bridge and that maybe the Southeast side is better. Thoughts?
I can't take the boat into the lagoon (charter rules) but I think I can take the dinghy in. Can I just take the dinghy under the bridge or do I have to wait for specific openings?
Finally, I'm looking for suggestions on places to eat - lunch and/or dinner. I've read some of the other threads and am leaning towards Pineapple Pete's and BBB. If I understand correctly, BBB is on the beach. Can I just beach the dinghy there and go ashore? For PP, is it best to go into the lagoon and dock at their dock?
Thanks for any and all help and opinions,
Tom
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Re: Questions around anchoring in Simpson Bay
[Re: tmsxmsails]
#55580
05/21/2015 11:01 AM
05/21/2015 11:01 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,673 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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You might also try to contact soualigacapt or Rasputin, as both are 'boat people'.
I don't really know most any of your answers, but dinghies do speed back and forth under the bridge all the time. For Pineapple Pete, the only way to get there by water is from the lagoon, yes. I think there is a little dinghy dock by Buccaneer.
Carol Hill
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Re: Questions around anchoring in Simpson Bay
[Re: Eric_Hill]
#55583
05/21/2015 04:22 PM
05/21/2015 04:22 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 287 Massachusetts USA
tmsxmsails
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OP
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Eric_Hill said: Maybe he will see the note, but CaptainRick was all around SXM very recently. Just sailed back to BVI, so you might even send him a PM. I actually did PM with him. He said that you don't have to clear in on the Dutch side but I wanted some verification. Sounds like there is still some dispute...
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Re: Questions around anchoring in Simpson Bay
[Re: sail2wind]
#55584
05/21/2015 04:34 PM
05/21/2015 04:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 287 Massachusetts USA
tmsxmsails
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sail2wind said: Tom, You need to clear in and out for both sides. You can dinghy under the bridge. I don't understand why you can't take the boat in the Lagoon? Anytime there is a swell the Lagoon is always calm.You can dinghy to a number of good restaurants, but lock you dinghy. The Yacht Club and Skip Jacks both have docks. Dang. Having to clear in and out puts a damper on things but I guess it's not such a big deal. It's interesting that I've heard different opinions on this. Do a lot of people just chance it and don't do it? I'm not completely sure that I can't go in (I vaguely remember them saying something but I wasn't planning on it anyway so I didn't "store" it) but it wouldn't surprise me. I think they want to avoid getting out of the channel and grounding, and mishaps with the bridge, and all that stuff that is involved with going inside. Yeah, I lock the dinghy and the motor every time I leave it anywhere (except in Gustavia where the dinghy dock is such a mass of boats that you can barely reach the dock with your painter, let alone a lock cable). Thanks
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Re: Questions around anchoring in Simpson Bay
[Re: Maria_and_Steve]
#55588
05/23/2015 06:29 PM
05/23/2015 06:29 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,518 Grenada
Zanshin
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Grenada
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I'm in St. Martin right now, although I'm on the French side in Grand Case.
The answer to your question, as so often in the Caribbean, is "it depends". If you anchor on the outside or inside of Simpson Baie you need to clear out of the French side first (Oyster Pond, Marigot, Anse Marcel) and then clear into the Dutch side. But the customs inspection rarely checks boats outside in the anchorage and tends to concentrate on the private boats rather than the charter boats. The Dutch have a nice system in that they charge you for a week at a time, so one night is just as expensive as are 7. The bridge fee isn't too bad and if you have people aboard and want to party then going inside and anchoring is preferable to being outside. Just remember that the Dutch require an adequately bright light at night, anchor, and lifevests aboard the dinghy - they won't stop you unless your light isn't acceptable and a flashlight actively swung around is considered sufficient.
Overnighting is different from dropping the hook during the day, and I would suggest you contact your charter company as they might have special regulations - i.e. Sunsail boats from Oyster Pond might be considered cleared in on both sides.
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