Bermuda
From CruisersWiki
BERMUDA
Bermuda | |
Bermuda | |
Flag | |
Capital: | Hamilton |
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Language: | English |
Currency: | Bermudian Dollar |
More notes about the country |
Background
The background and history of Bermuda is best observed on Wikipedia
Bermuda is a favorite, if challenging destination for off-shore yachts - a number of races start/finish here. However, Bermuda is not that popular with cruisers but makes a good rest-stop for cruisers on passage from the Azores or those heading N.E across the Atlantic to Europe, etc. Crossing from the US mainland or the Azores can take up to 3 weeks in the notorious calm of summer. The rest of the year there might be too much wind: nor'easters to hurricanes. Another hazard: lots of floating debris from sunken ships and the hurricanes of the the last few years. Within a 200 nm radius from Bermuda collisions with solid objects are frequent and often deadly.
Climate & Weather
The best time to visit Bermuda is from Spring through to Autumn. Although the island is an associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), it is not actually in the Caribbean Sea and has a different climate. It is much farther north, but the warm waters of the Gulf Stream help give it a quasi-tropical atmosphere.
The islands have ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes. As a result drinking water is collected on the roofs of all buildings (by law) and in special catchment areas, and stored in tanks under the ground for each home or property. Bermuda has a mild, humid subtropical maritime climate though gales and strong winds are common in winter. The hurricane season is from June to November.
Sources of weather forecasting here.
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
All yachts MUST check in at St. George.
A pre-arrival questionaire must be faxed to Bermuda Maritime Operations on Fax number 4412971530. These can be obtained from:
Rescue Co-ordination Centre/Bermuda Maritime Operations
19 Forge George Hill, St George GE 02, Bermuda.
Ph:441 297 1010, Fax:441 297 1530, VHF 16 or 27
Email
Clearance formalities must be completed at the Yacht Reporting Centre, Ordnance Island.
After clearance, the Dockmaster can be contacted on VHF 14 to arrange berthing at one of the harbour wharfs - Market Wharf West (limited to 48 hours), Market Wharf East (1/2 hour only), Somers Wharf (All day) and Hunters Wharf (All day).
Immigration, Visas & Customs
Submit details about customs and immigration procedures here.
Immigration:
Details?
Customs
Details?
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Islands in the Group & Ports
- Main Island
- St. George's Island (Port of entry)
- St. George Harbour (Port of entry)
- Ireland Island (Sandy's Parish)
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Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
Books, Guides, etc.
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.