Port Antonio continued - Nov 21

We left our lodge on the hilltop to do a full scale high noon intervention down the main street of Port Antonio. The former colonial subject Donovan aka “the Lion” was carrying the burden of Europe. I had been entrusted with the European standard.



A crucial session with Tony, the chef, was scheduled for 12 o’clock at the Shadows lounge. At the bar we were served obligatory white rum which kind of made us all well-disposed toward one another. Tony called someone who then called someone. The last someone apparently mentioned a price of $2500.
We were then taken to meet our prospective captain at the gated marina which we entered at around 1 pm – with Tony and Lion our numbers had doubled. Our group by now looked kind of impressive.

Captain Paul Bruehnhoffer of the ‘Nadine' received us at his gleaming, glamorous fishing boat with 20+ fishing rods all pointing towards the north – towards Guantanamo Bay. He was American - from Florida. At last - we had found our would-be-European American!

If we could get the right ‘weather window’, we could set out towards South East Cuba Tuesday at 6 am. Everything got rather hectic, I would have to stamp out $2500 and Mr. Bruehnhoffer had to go about finding 250 gallons of fuel. After that we would face 4 consecutive hours of paper work and inspection by the Jamaican Customs Police to clear the boat.

I had a cruel two-hour session at the bank where they asked to see two identity cards with photos. I only had my passport. Back to the hotel going through everything. Then saved by my London University Student card!

Rushing back to the marina, we were met by an apologetic Bruehnhoffer. Sorry, he had tried to call us. It wasn’t possible to go to Cuba. He lacked a mandatory copy of the proof of ownership to the boat which has to be renewed each year. His disorganized boss back in Atlanta, Georgia, had the paper somewhere in a pile in his big house. He could maybe fax it here, but chances were slim.

Oh, the sorrow…

European despondency on the Port Antonio Marina

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Advance Nov 21: Port Antonio -> the Port Antonio Marina