Huub Vlogsvideo
First Impressions Sailing Venezuela
13 July 2025 · 23 min · 37K views · Los Roques Archipelago
What this video covers
Clearing into Los Roques, Venezuela, requires a multi-office process involving the port authority, coast guard, national park authority, police, and immigration.▶ 0:40 Total fees for a one-week stay for a single-handed vessel reached $624 USD, significantly higher than initial estimates, as agent fees are charged in addition to government costs.▶ 5:57 The check-in process is conducted at Gran Roque, where officials require separate visits to the airport and local administrative offices.▶ 2:33
While navigating the archipelago, the vessel experienced a mechanical failure when the starboard engine gear shifter linkage vibrated loose, preventing the transmission from engaging.▶ 11:58 The issue was resolved by reattaching the linkage with thread locker while at anchor.▶ 14:26 Additionally, the port saildrive exhibited oil loss, which the owner attributed to leaving the two-blade propellers in neutral while underway, causing them to spin.▶ 11:04 Navigation in Los Roques requires caution due to unreliable charts that provide only broad depth ranges.▶ 13:39 The owner anchored in Madriski and Franciski, noting that many local vessels use stern ties to manage shallow depths and reef-protected anchorages.▶ 20:40
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