Sailing from the Bahamas to the Caribbean is not without its difficulties. This is undoubtedly one of the reasons why this route is so little visited, even though it is not lacking in interest.
Between Eleuthera and the Caribbean, the southern part of the sailing basin is frequently swept by an occasionally vigorous trade wind. What's more, the Atlantic waves, arriving from an unobstructed crossing, like to make the boats dance.
Cabotage as a solution
Provided, of course, that you have the time to patiently "track" the weather windows, the passage can be greatly facilitated. The "âeurosfrontale" method of sailing upwind, whatever the cost, generally proves very rock'n'roll, whether you're sailing or motoring.
Luperon, one of the few shelters on the route
Located in the north-west of the Dominican Republic, Luperon is one of the few possible havens. Its solid reputation as a cyclone hole makes it an ideal destination. It's the perfect place to put in on stand-by, while you prepare your boat and crew for the 500 miles or so that separate you from the West Indies. The entrance, located at the end of a green bay open to the north, has a reasonably well-marked channel.
Inside, everything is absolutely calm. A lake, surrounded by mangroves and protected from the wind for 360 degrees, minimumâeuros! In fact, a committee of local weather specialists meets regularly in the main room of an establishment that goes by the sweet name of âeurosBar de los marineros a velasâeuros. This was to spread the good news: "âeurosthere has never been a cyclone in Luperonâeuros". So it's true!
Filled anchorage
A large number of different boats occupy a small space. Each new arrival is greeted by a two-person boat, for "âeurosguiderâeuros". It's not forbidden to drop anchor, but it's incomparably more convenient to take a trunk. Rates are very low, and the welcome committee helps you get settled in.
Entrance formalities are "âeurosà l'ancienneâeuros "âeuros!
No computerized registration systems here. The era of signed and stamped forms is still with us... No less than five  "âeurosospapelèsâeurosÂ" are required before a  "âeurosentradaâeurosÂ" becomes a reality. A further two will be required imperatively for exit. Fortunately, the population is generally friendly, and most people have an easy smile and greeting.
A shipyard worth a visit
Luc Guessard's Aventura boats shipyard is located ten kilometers from Lupéron, in La Culebra. This establishment is well worth a visit for boat-building enthusiasts. Luc arrived here in 1998. He and his 50-strong team build polyester catamarans for commercial use, including diving excursions, day charters and ferries. Now a market leader, the shipyard has a full order book.
A philosopher, full of wisdom and humanity, Luc Guessard is a captivating and endearing character. His company employs many of the inhabitants of the neighboring village, whom he considers his "family". An enthusiast for biodiversity and a lover of nature, he has set up a vegetable garden, aviary and other edible animal breeding facilities behind the worksite. An area is reserved for growing saplings for reforestation.
From harvesting sargassum to sailing cargo ships
The success of current productions does not prevent Luc from actively preparing new projects. For example, a prototype of a special catamaran is currently under construction. It's a tool designed to optimize sargassum collection.
A keen sailor, Luc is also working on a project for a 60-foot sailing cargo ship to transport vegetables and fruit to nearby islands.
A visit to the local industrial flagship is the perfect complement to Luperon Bay's "âeurosclassiqueâeuros" tourist attractions: national and water parks, museums, relics and dream beaches.
