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St Lucia and Cruising the Caricom Bubble on a Budget by Sailboat | Sailing Balachandra E085
November 15, 2020 · 14 min · 4K views · Marigot Bay, St. Lucia
What this video covers
Cruising in the Caribbean requires navigating complex COVID-19 entry protocols, including mandatory PCR testing and strict quarantine bubbles that significantly impact travel budgets and timelines. Sailors must budget for recurring PCR test costs, which can reach $100 USD per person per test, in addition to standard port fees.10:21 Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, serves as a primary hub for customs clearance and provisioning, while other anchorages like Marigot Bay may present security concerns or inconsistent enforcement of local health mandates, such as the requirement to wear identification bracelets.6:15 ActiveCaptain remains a primary resource for checking current anchorage safety and local reports.6:11 Beyond health protocols, the crew reports recurring structural failures on their Bombard Typhoon dinghy, specifically at the transom-to-pontoon joint and paddle attachment points.11:07 Temporary repairs using bungees and PVC pipe provide only short-term solutions for these manufacturing weaknesses.12:14 Thorough research into current regional travel bubbles and vessel maintenance is essential for budget-conscious cruisers.
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