Montego Bay, Jamaica

After spending two nights at Oracabessa Bay and one night at Discovery Bay, where it is believed Christopher Columbus "discovered" Jamaica, we sailed on to Montego Bay, arriving here yesterday evening, Monday, April 1.

Discovery Bay was a nice anchorage with beautiful private homes and beaches on the shore near the east entrance, a bauxite mine dominating the view to the west, and resorts in between. There was some music, but nothing as obnoxious as Port Antonio. After anchoring, despite the fact that it was mostly cloudy, Peter and I went snorkeling on a reef with healthy coral and an abudance of fish, including a school of pipe fish, a balloonfish with gem-like sapphire eyes, and many angelfish and damselfish.

Beautiful secluded villas on the east side of Discovery Bay

Bauxite mining on the western side of Discovery Bay

Yesterday, there were 15 knot winds from the east, so we had a good sail from Discovery Bay to Montego Bay. The anchorage by the yacht club is tight, so Peter worried about swinging against other boats or the big red market near our bow all night, but nothing went bump in the night. Isolde and I came into the yacht club last night and had a nice chat with people who had just sailed in from Guatemala.

I went to the large, modern supermarket by taxi early this afternoon, after we cleared in to this port. The taxi ride was way overpriced, but what can you do? After putting away the provisions, Peter and I came back to the yacht club. He walked the few miles (in the humid heat) to the Digicel office to get more data on our SIM card. I chatted with John and Christophe, who left the marina in Port Antonio over a week ago and went around the south side of the island. Then Beth showed up. I had ten books for her, which she gratefully accepted. Soon, her husband Rick (They are from Anchorage, Alaska.) joined her, and a bit later Isolde and Gabor joined us just as Peter returned. After a couple rounds of Red Stripes (the local beer), we all decided to stay for dinner. All of our meals were absolutely delicious--the best I have had since eating at the Peace and Plenty in Georgetown. It is fun to exchange stories and perspectives with other sailors.

Montego Bay Yacht Club

Mantra at anchor and a huge cruise ship ready to leave port

Now it is time to return to our boat at anchor. At 7 a.m. tomorrow morning, we will take off, go around the point and attempt to get into Bogue Bay on the other side of the peninsula in six feet of water on a rising tide, where there will be more room to swing on our anchor and Peter can sleep peacefully. It should be more of a natural environment and, I hope, good snorkeling.