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Well we're here on Lio Kai
#242082
12/10/2020 07:15 AM
12/10/2020 07:15 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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After several rounds of re-planning and another near cancellation due to the ferry postponement, we decided to brave it and I'm watching the sun rise in Road Town Harbor.
The trip went smoothly - overnight flight from SEA to CTL, then STT and Island Birds to EIS. We were processed through the just-opened welcome center, received our day 0 covid test and our tracking bracelets. They are just like a chunky wristwatch and there is a piggyback charger battery that is charged via USB and transfers the charge to the watch, which obviously is not easily removed. With just two aboard, being confined to the boat doesn't feel like a hardship so far.
There were only about a dozen passengers arriving at the same general time, and it is clear that the current procedures would be too slow to process a high volume of arriving passengers without significant delay. Everyone was polite and seemed to be doing their best.
Our boat ( Leopard 40 ), which entered charter service almost exactly one year ago looks to be in good condition, it probably only went out a half dozen times with no charters since March. The boat is very very clean, with all linens and cutlery sanitized and bagged. Our ordered provisions were on board and are largely what we ordered, with a few substitutions and omissions.
Ordering no-touch dinner service from the MYC restaurant. We are scheduled for our 4 day covid test on Sunday, when we are expected to dock at Nanny Cay and shuttle to the test facility.
We hope to head out later today for one of the Q anchorages on Norman or Peter island.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242107
12/10/2020 10:14 AM
12/10/2020 10:14 AM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 174 Rivals, Kentucky
NotquiteCapnRon
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Traveler
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 174
Rivals, Kentucky
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it is clear that the current procedures would be too slow to process a high volume of arriving passengers without significant delay. That describes the process at any point in time.
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: Husker]
#242116
12/10/2020 10:35 AM
12/10/2020 10:35 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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Thanks Husker, the bracelets may be a different type. There is no extra box and they haven't made a sound so far. We were already given instructions for day 4 test from Nanny Cay.
I'm still trying to interpret the exclusion zone diagram... not sure how you get from RT to WE without crossing the line?
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: Husker]
#242123
12/10/2020 10:55 AM
12/10/2020 10:55 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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We are at A5... Hoping to get off the dock once the wifi is sorted.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: Husker]
#242139
12/10/2020 12:45 PM
12/10/2020 12:45 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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We are over doing laundry now. I'll swing by regardless. (They didn't let us leave dock until the test results came back negative...which wasn't until about 4pm.....hope it works better for you). We headed out and are currently in Benures Bay. Which test are you waiting on? I thought you have been here since the 1st? Are you testing for return or is it still the day 5 test? EDIT: re-read your earlier post and see that it must have been the day 5 test... Did you take that test from Road Town and then were asked to stay there until the result? I'm just trying to understand how this is supposed to work. We are supposed to take the test shuttling from Nanny Cay... are they going to expect us to stay in Nanny Cay?
Last edited by MrEZgoin; 12/10/2020 02:03 PM.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242205
12/11/2020 06:37 AM
12/11/2020 06:37 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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Thanks all!
Sorry we missed you Husker, maybe we'll still run into each other. Figuratively!
It's certainly a bit odd to have so few other boats around, will be interesting to see if things pick up in the weeks we are here.
We're not there yet, but it's my understanding that masks will still be worn ashore.
We had a Visar RIB do a fly-by of our boat yesterday evening, we told them that we were "day one" and had just received our initial negative test result. One of the crew said "so you can take down your quarantine flag now!". :-)
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242242
12/11/2020 12:00 PM
12/11/2020 12:00 PM
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 542 Bay Area
Husker
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 542
Bay Area
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Thanks all!
Sorry we missed you Husker, maybe we'll still run into each other. Figuratively!
It's certainly a bit odd to have so few other boats around, will be interesting to see if things pick up in the weeks we are here.
We're not there yet, but it's my understanding that masks will still be worn ashore.
We had a Visar RIB do a fly-by of our boat yesterday evening, we told them that we were "day one" and had just received our initial negative test result. One of the crew said "so you can take down your quarantine flag now!". :-) Mr EZ - Yah, I think you still need to fly your Q flag until you pass your Day 4 test. And, yes, as others have said, masks and hand washing required ashore.
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242478
12/13/2020 06:11 PM
12/13/2020 06:11 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 674 Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
caribbeangirl13
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 674
Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
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We own a Leopard 40 (Ripple) that is probably the same age as the one you are on. It went into charter in December 2019 and we purchased her in March. Unfortunately, we have never been able to see her due to COVID restrictions in Martinique. Enjoy your time!
Sue s/v Ripple Leopard 40
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242555
12/14/2020 05:44 PM
12/14/2020 05:44 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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We received notice of quarantine release this afternoon, about 30 hours after our covid test yesterday! We've been enjoying our trip with the restrictions, but it's nice to be able to leave the boat, paddleboard, snorkel, etc.
Awesome view of the meter shower last night lying on the tramp!
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242577
12/15/2020 07:32 AM
12/15/2020 07:32 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 939 Georgia & South Carolina
Deepcut
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 939
Georgia & South Carolina
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We received notice of quarantine release this afternoon, about 30 hours after our covid test yesterday! We've been enjoying our trip with the restrictions, but it's nice to be able to leave the boat, paddleboard, snorkel, etc.
Awesome view of the meter shower last night lying on the tramp! So how many days after landing before getting "unquaratined" and free to roam the BVI?
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242598
12/15/2020 01:02 PM
12/15/2020 01:02 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,423 Bucks County, Pa.
toast
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,423
Bucks County, Pa.
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Good for you. I bet you had a great view of the meteor shower!! Lucky you.
Toast.......to Life; White Bay...heaven on earth. Diane
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242640
12/15/2020 09:21 PM
12/15/2020 09:21 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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We got our "certificate of release from quarantine" on day 5 after arrival, about 30 hours after our day four test.
We happily took down our yellow flag and still moved from our Q anchorage in Deadman's Bay to the Bight and I did some paddle boarding in the caves and got takeout from the Willie T, which was open but empty and staffed by a single employee who made us some nice fresh wahoo filets.
Today was our first full "free to roam" day and we mostly motored from the Bight to Leverick and stopped at The Indians, The Baths, and Great Dog en route. We had each of these entirely to ourselves, definitely a novel feeling. Visibility is a bit impaired right now (due to coral spawn I believe), but we enjoyed being able to get in the water. We considered stopping at the Rhone too, but the current at the Indians made me think it would probably not be a good site at that time.
A helicopter buzzed us at the Indians, possibly checking to make sure we were not a USVI based boat or still flying the Q flag.
We did see more turtles, which are probably re-occupying some areas that are usually too busy for their liking, and my wife has already spotted several nurse sharks.
We had dinner at Leverick. They are taking their precautions quite seriously, with hand washing / sanitizing stations everywhere and are recording contact information for tracing at the restaurant. The people seem a bit guarded (and given the recent stories I can't blame them), but generally welcoming and helpful.
We hope to taxi to the police station in Spanish Town tomorrow morning to have our trackers removed. All in all a beautiful day, but the almost total lack of other boats is slightly eerie.
Last edited by MrEZgoin; 12/15/2020 09:30 PM.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: Husker]
#242680
12/16/2020 03:16 PM
12/16/2020 03:16 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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We handed in our trackers at the airport when we left yesterday. I don't think there is a need to go our of your way, MrEZ, to drop yours off. You were here a week earlier, maybe you had a different kind. We could not remove ours without destroying them and didn't want to wear them for another week.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242688
12/16/2020 04:10 PM
12/16/2020 04:10 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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With all the criticism of the BVI protocols, ironically it's the USVI insistence on another covid test for tourists who are only walking a few feet through STT that is most constraining on our itinerary. Having just been released from quarantine, we will not have to dock back in RT the day after tomorrow and get another (4th) test at Peebles to give enough time to get the test results and apply to the USVI portal.
It seems very little is open on JVD. Diamond Cay and Little harbor are deserted. There are four boats in Great Harbor, but nothing is open on shore. Nothing open past 3pm in White Bay. It is unclear if we will be able to round West End or have to double back around Tortola for our departure covid test.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242769
12/17/2020 02:31 PM
12/17/2020 02:31 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Traveler
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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We are the only boat and the only customers in White Bay JVD. Having drinks and chatting with Jay at Soggy Dollar, the busiest bar in the Caribbean. A once in a lifetime experience.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242799
12/17/2020 05:29 PM
12/17/2020 05:29 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347 USVI
LocalSailor
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
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We are the only boat and the only customers in White Bay JVD. A once in a lifetime experience. Guess it depends on how long ago you started visiting White Bay -- until it became a frat party atomosphere that was not an uncommon experience - welcome to the BVI style of the 1970's// early 80's.
Last edited by LocalSailor; 12/17/2020 05:36 PM.
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242804
12/17/2020 07:11 PM
12/17/2020 07:11 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
OP
Traveler
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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Fair enough... we certainly don't go back that far. I imagine that White Bay was not as developed back then either.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242813
12/17/2020 09:09 PM
12/17/2020 09:09 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347 USVI
LocalSailor
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
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Fair enough... we certainly don't go back that far. I imagine that White Bay was not as developed back then either. Were you visiting back when Mr. Albert Chinnery was THE Customs Man on JVD?? Truly a Caribbean legend. https://stjohnsource.com/2010/04/21/unsung-hero/
Last edited by LocalSailor; 12/17/2020 09:11 PM.
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: LocalSailor]
#242818
12/18/2020 12:47 AM
12/18/2020 12:47 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
sail445
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
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Fair enough... we certainly don't go back that far. I imagine that White Bay was not as developed back then either. Were you visiting back when Mr. Albert Chinnery was THE Customs Man on JVD?? Truly a Caribbean legend. https://stjohnsource.com/2010/04/21/unsung-hero/Albert Chinnery , usually you’d have to hunt him down hungover and asleep at one of the bars to wake him up and go to the old rickety wooden C&I house. What a character
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Re: Well we're here on Lio Kai
[Re: MrEZgoin]
#242857
12/18/2020 05:27 PM
12/18/2020 05:27 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 835 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Posts: 835
Redmond, WA
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Stopped for a few hours at Sandy Cay today and then transited through West End (with authorization) and back to Norman. Had a nice late lunch at Pirate's and hoping for a nice sunset in Privateer.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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