We left Ballast Bay a bit anxious and nervous for the 442 miles passage. We had an easy 3 months in Caribbean covering only 500 miles during this time. Now we have a 4 day passage ahead of us. The worst feeling was to think that, this is just the beginning. The days of bay hopping  are over and now we have some serious mileage to cover until New Zealand. We realized that, as we sailed away from St Kitts, saying goodbye to the Caribbean. The trade winds appeared 40 miles offshore, together with some dirty big clouds. We jibed South to miss the bad weather. The wind picked up in the evening and we were flying at 6 to 7 knots. It wasn't just us, a flying fish managed to fly into the cockpit hitting Judit during her watch. The fish was granted life and thrown back into the sea.

Most of the following day we motored as the winds died down and we were too tired to use the cruising chute. By heading a bit more South we found  some wind and we had 2 days of very pleasant sailing, with a nice breeze and gentle seas. It all turned a bit nasty in the last 10 hours of the trip, confused seas rocked the boat a lot and no chance of sleeping for both of us. We got in late afternoon just before the sundown, great time to arrive.

Bonaire is superb and very unspoiled. The water is unbelievable, crystal clear and with a turquoise colour that we haven't seen yet. This is the place for diving and snorkeling. And the locals are so proud of their reefs and marine reserve, doing what they can to protect it. All the number plates on cars say "Divers paradise". Kralendijk, the capital , is very charming with colourful buildings and little restaurants. 

People come on holiday here and fall in love with the island and end up staying here for good. We were very surprised to find out that Father Christmas was one of them! His home is in Bonaire and not in Lapland!!! He is the Santa from the Coca Cola adverts and many more. He owns a restaurant here, originally from Lebanon.  Father Christmas does the best pizzas in town, plus you get to give him you Xmas pressy wish list!

We dived twice on the 20th, Barracuda, Rays, Parrot fish, sponges and coral absolute bliss! there are over 40 official sites and once you buy the permit you dive anywhere alone.