Sailing Today

GUATEMALA’S HURRICANE HIDEAWAY

Rio Dulce in Guatemala has an impressive reputation for being hurricane-free. Even the US Coast Guard says it’s the safest place in the western Caribbean for boats during hurricane season.

The marinas and anchorages are situated at the juncture between two lakes, 20 - miles from the sea as the crow flies. This distance keeps the area protected from tidal surge and the mountains along the northern Honduran coast make it almost impossible for hurricane winds to enter.

This was the case in November 2020, when Hurricanes Eta and Iota pummelled most of Central America causing flooding and catastrophic landslides and mudflows. The boats hiding out in Rio Dulce remained well-protected from the winds, it was just a rise in the river level from unusually heavy rains that caused minor damage to a few boats

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Sailing Today

Sailing Today4 min read
Ebb And Flow
Female skippers and crew came to the fore as the Ocean Globe Race reached its denouement in Cowes with Marie Tabarly, skippering Pen Duick VI to line honours and then the all female crew of Maiden taking the overall race win in IRC to seal a magnific
Sailing Today3 min read
Paul Heiney
If Van Gogh can do it, why can't I? How difficult can it be to wield a paintbrush and achieve a work of art. The answer is, too difficult for me. I'm lousy at paintwork, always have been. I can't cope with one colour let alone Vincent's vivid palette
Sailing Today2 min read
Three Of The Best
S&S and Nautors Swan 44, Astrid, is an evergreen classic. She has recently enjoyed a comprehensive refit, including new teak decks, updated spars, rigging, sails, and winches plus new engine and B&G nav. You will find professionally refurbished woodw

Related