We’ve been accused of being a little morbid with all the damage posts, but that’s not it at all – we’re mostly stunned at just how much worse the damage is from Irma than any other Caribbean hurricane we can remember, and how long it will take to rebuild. Especially as so many of the spots are those that we – and tens of thousands of Anarchists – have enjoyed every winter for decades.
The drone video above is a difficult look at Nanny Cay (and thanks a ton to Adam Dell for publishing it), the haulout location for hundreds and hundreds and boats of all sizes and the long time HQ for one of our favorite regattas of all. Click on the BVI Spring Regatta link for a look at Nanny in much better times.
There are literally hundreds of heartbreaking images from all over the Caribbean that you can find linked in the Irma thread, so please head over there if you want to share your own story or offer help to others. We send our best hopes and wishes to all of you affected by this disaster of a ‘cane season in the Leewards, Virgins, Puerto Rico, and Cuba (some of whom are about to get battered again by the Southerly side of Cat4 Jose), and to the millions throughout Florida, Georgia, SC and Tennessee who might lose everything before this thing is over. A special thought to all of you with property or boats n the Florida Keys, which look perilously close to armageddon in the latest forecast maps.
And now a word from Caribbean charter skipper and former Sailor Chick of the Week Lucy Jones – along with the folks at Performance Yacht Charters, she’s responsible for thousands of sailors enjoying the Caribbean over the past decade, and we listen:
Lucy and the team of Performance Yacht Charter are shocked and saddened by the devastation that has taken place in the Caribbean in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
These Islands hold a very special place in our hearts, we have been sailing and racing in these waters for so many years it truly is a second home for us, and so many of our sailing family. It will take many months to understand the full effect of this hurricane.
In the short term we can support with financial donations, to the Red Cross and other charities supporting those most in need. But in the long term it is imperative that their economy has a future and that the Islands are kept alive. These islands are dependent on our tourism and as sailors we can do this by supporting the Caribbean regatta season and booking our holidays.
Accommodation may be difficult, the selection of boats might be reduced but if you can go to the Caribbean this year and spend out pennies in their bars restaurants and shops. This will fund the rebuilding of our much loved Caribbean for a long time after Hurricane Irma has left our memory.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
