Bermuda

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==Bermuda Cruising Guide==
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== Bermuda Cruising Guide ==
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An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around Bermuda.
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 +
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around Bermuda.  
 +
 
{| class="infobox bordered" style="width: 25em; text-align: left; font-size: 90%;"
{| class="infobox bordered" style="width: 25em; text-align: left; font-size: 90%;"
|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: large;" | '''Bermuda'''
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: large;" | '''Bermuda'''
|-
|-
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[Image:Bermudamap.png|320px| ]]<br>Bermuda
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[Image:Bermudamap.png|320px|Bermudamap.png]]<br>Bermuda
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|-
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[Image:Bermudaflag.png|104px| ]]<br>'''Flag'''
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|-
|-
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! Capital:
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[Image:Bermudaflag.png|104px|Bermudaflag.png]]<br>'''Flag'''
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| Hamilton<br/>[[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|32|17.7|N|64|46.9|W|}}
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|-
|-
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! Language:
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! Capital:
 +
| Hamilton<br>[[Image:World icon.png]] {{Coord|32|17.7|N|64|46.9|W|}}
 +
|-
 +
! Language:  
| English
| English
-
|-  
+
|-
-
! Currency:
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! Currency:  
| Bermudian Dollar (BMD)
| Bermudian Dollar (BMD)
-
|-  
+
|-
-
! Timezone:
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! Timezone:  
| UTC-4
| UTC-4
-
|-  
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|-
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 2" | More notes about the country
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 2" | More notes about the country
|-
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;" | Content - news items, etc.
| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;" | Content - news items, etc.
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|-
 
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|}
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====Overview====
 
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'''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.
 
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{{TOCleft}}
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==== Overview  ====
 +
 
 +
'''Bermuda''' is a favorite, if challenging destination for off-shore yachts - a number of races start/finish here. Because of it's distance from the US, Bermuda is not that popular with cruisers - unfortunate because, once there, it is a heaven of beautiful anchorages, pink sand beaches and first world services. It makes an excellent rest-stop for cruisers on passage from the [[Azores]] or those heading N.E across the Atlantic to Europe, etc.
 +
 
 +
{{TOCleft}}  
 +
 
==== Cruising the region  ====
==== Cruising the region  ====
Crossing from the US mainland motorsailing is typically a 4 day event. Passgages east to the Azores 8 - 15 days. The preferred time to cross is May - June. Attention should be taken of hurricane threats between July - October. Passages from New England to Bermuda in the autumn can be difficult due to frequent storm systems. Passage south from Bermuda re-opens in November and can be quite pleasant in early December. &nbsp;&nbsp;  
Crossing from the US mainland motorsailing is typically a 4 day event. Passgages east to the Azores 8 - 15 days. The preferred time to cross is May - June. Attention should be taken of hurricane threats between July - October. Passages from New England to Bermuda in the autumn can be difficult due to frequent storm systems. Passage south from Bermuda re-opens in November and can be quite pleasant in early December. &nbsp;&nbsp;  
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[[Image:Stgeorgeharbour.jpg|thumb|right|315px|Stgeorgeharbour.jpg]]
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[[Image:Stgeorgeharbour.jpg|thumb|right|315px|Stgeorgeharbour.jpg]]  
-
===Bermuda Climate & Weather===
+
=== Bermuda Climate &amp; 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.
+
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.  
-
Sources of weather forecasting here.
+
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.  
-
* [http://www.weather.bm/forecastmarineextended.asp Bermuda Marine Forecast]
+
-
*
+
-
===Bermuda Navigation Charts===
+
Sources of weather forecasting here.
-
* NOAA Chart No. 5161 (Newport to Bermuda, including rhumb line)
+
*[http://www.weather.bm/forecastmarineextended.asp Bermuda Marine Forecast]  
-
* DMA Chart No. 26341 (Bermuda Islands)
+
-
* DMA Chart No. 26342 (The Narrows to Grassy Bay)
+
-
* DMA Chart NO. 26343 (St. George's Harbour)
+
-
* DMA Chart No. 26344 (Great Sound Plan: North & South Basins)
+
-
* DMA Chart No. 26345 (Hamilton Harbour)
+
-
* [http://www.bermudayachtservices.com/anchoring_charts.html Anchoring Charts] - Anchoring chart rendering, courtesy of Bermuda Yacht Services
+
*
*
-
===Special Navigation Notes===
+
=== Bermuda Navigation Charts  ===
-
Any navigation notes here.
+
-
===Local Radio Nets===
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*NOAA Chart No. 5161 (Newport to Bermuda, including rhumb line)
-
''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''
+
*DMA Chart No. 26341 (Bermuda Islands)
 +
*DMA Chart No. 26342 (The Narrows to Grassy Bay)
 +
*DMA Chart NO. 26343 (St. George's Harbour)
 +
*DMA Chart No. 26344 (Great Sound Plan: North &amp; South Basins)
 +
*DMA Chart No. 26345 (Hamilton Harbour)
 +
*[http://www.bermudayachtservices.com/anchoring_charts.html Anchoring Charts] - Anchoring chart rendering, courtesy of Bermuda Yacht Services
 +
*
-
All vessels approaching or departing Bermuda should contact ''Bermuda Radio'' (VHF 16 or 27). Besides the processing of vessels through customs and immigration, detailed information on all private vessels calling at Bermuda are kept on file in the interest of safety and such detailed information is used to good effect in the event that the vessel gets into difficulty or is reported overdue.
+
=== Special Navigation Notes  ===
-
The Maritime Operations Centre maintains a 24 hour distress watch on the international distress frequencies of 2182 kHz, 4125kHz and VHF Channel 16 as well as the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) [[DSC|Digital Selective Call (DSC)]] distress frequencies of 2187.5 kHz and VHF Channel 70.  [[NAVTEX]] broadcasts are also undertaken on frequency 518 kHz with NAVTEX messages typically being received out to at least 300 miles of Bermuda.  Notices to Mariners, Local Navigational Warnings, Atlantic and Bermuda marine weather forecasts are all broadcast around the clock.
+
Any navigation notes here.  
-
'''Cruisers' Nets'''
+
=== Local Radio Nets  ===
-
*  
+
 
 +
''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''
 +
 
 +
All vessels approaching or departing Bermuda should contact ''Bermuda Radio'' (VHF 16 or 27). Besides the processing of vessels through customs and immigration, detailed information on all private vessels calling at Bermuda are kept on file in the interest of safety and such detailed information is used to good effect in the event that the vessel gets into difficulty or is reported overdue.
 +
 
 +
The Maritime Operations Centre maintains a 24 hour distress watch on the international distress frequencies of 2182 kHz, 4125kHz and VHF Channel 16 as well as the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) [[DSC|Digital Selective Call (DSC)]] distress frequencies of 2187.5 kHz and VHF Channel 70. [[NAVTEX]] broadcasts are also undertaken on frequency 518 kHz with NAVTEX messages typically being received out to at least 300 miles of Bermuda. Notices to Mariners, Local Navigational Warnings, Atlantic and Bermuda marine weather forecasts are all broadcast around the clock.
 +
 
 +
'''Cruisers' Nets'''  
 +
 
 +
*
*
*
-
===Bermuda Arrival and Departure procedures===
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=== Bermuda Arrival and Departure procedures ===
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All yachts MUST check in at St. George.
+
-
<font color="red">'''NOTE'''</font> A pre-arrival questionaire must be faxed to '''Bermuda Maritime Operations''' on Fax number 4412971530. These can be obtained from:<br>
+
All yachts MUST check in at St. George.  
-
[http://www.rccbermuda.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_994_282_1765_43/http%3B/ptpublisher.gov.bm%3B7087/publishedcontent/publish/ministry_of_tourism_and_transport/marine_and_ports/dept___marine_and_ports___new_links/articles/yacht_pre_arrival_information_questionnaire_2.pdf Pre-arrival Questionaire] - (pdf)<br>
+
-
Rescue Co-ordination Centre/Bermuda Maritime Operations<br>
+
-
19 Forge George Hill, St George GE 02, Bermuda.<br>
+
-
Ph:441 297 1010, Fax:441 297 1530, VHF 16 or 27<br>
+
-
[mailto:operations@rccbermuda.bm Email]
+
-
Clearance formalities must be completed at the Yacht Reporting Centre, Ordnance Island.
+
<font color="red">'''NOTE'''</font> A pre-arrival questionaire must be faxed to '''Bermuda Maritime Operations''' on Fax number 4412971530. These can be obtained from:<br> [http://www.rccbermuda.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_994_282_1765_43/http%3B/ptpublisher.gov.bm%3B7087/publishedcontent/publish/ministry_of_tourism_and_transport/marine_and_ports/dept___marine_and_ports___new_links/articles/yacht_pre_arrival_information_questionnaire_2.pdf Pre-arrival Questionaire] - (pdf)<br> Rescue Co-ordination Centre/Bermuda Maritime Operations<br> 19 Forge George Hill, St George GE 02, Bermuda.<br> Ph:441 297 1010, Fax:441 297 1530, VHF 16 or 27<br> [mailto:operations@rccbermuda.bm Email]
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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).
+
Clearance formalities must be completed at the Yacht Reporting Centre, Ordnance Island.  
-
===Bermuda Immigration, Visas & Customs===
+
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====
+
-
All arrivals (including US nationals) must be in possession of a valid passport .
+
-
Nationals of the following countries require visas:<br>
+
=== Bermuda Immigration, Visas &amp; Customs  ===
-
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China (Peoples’ Republic of), Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudia Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UAE, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Serbia & Montenegro. Visas are obtained from a British Embassy or Consulate. Visas are valid for three months from date of issue. Visas are not required if any of the above are permanent residents of the UK, USA or Canada.
+
-
The initial allowance of stay is 21 days. Applications for extensions can be made to the Immigration Department in Hamilton (Ph:- +1 441 295 5151). This extension is only for individuals, and for the yacht to remain, application must be made to Customs. If delayed in Bermuda during the hurricane season, crews may be given permission to stay for up to 5 months provided that they can prove the means to support themselves and hold health insurance.
+
==== Immigration ====
-
Crews leaving Bermuda for other countries (USA in particular) must have visas for those countries before leaving. If yacht crew intend to leave by other means (by air), they must have written proof from the owner/skipper of means of departure. The owner/skipper holds the responsibility that these crew actually leave the island.
+
All arrivals (including US nationals) must be in possession of a valid passport .  
-
====Customs====
+
Nationals of the following countries require visas:<br> Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China (Peoples’ Republic of), Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudia Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UAE, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Serbia &amp; Montenegro. Visas are obtained from a British Embassy or Consulate. Visas are valid for three months from date of issue. Visas are not required if any of the above are permanent residents of the UK, USA or Canada.  
-
* Firearms and ammunition (Incl. spear guns, flare guns, etc.) MUST be declared to Customs on arrival. These will either be bonded by Customs or sealed on board until departure.
+
-
* All prescription drugs and medication must be declared to Customs on arrival.
+
-
* Fruit and vegetables from other countries are not allowed.
+
-
* Yachts can stay up to six months, after which time customs will impose a tax of 33.5 per cent on the yacht's value. You can however apply to Customs for an extension.
+
-
* PETS: All animals that arrive in Bermuda must have ''Health'' documents and an Import Permit issued by the Bermuda Department of Environmental Protection in advance. Any animals arriving without the proper documentation will be refused entry. There are no quarantine facilities in Bermuda. See [http://www.rccbermuda.bm/shipboard.html Official website]
+
-
*
+
-
====Restrictions====
+
The initial allowance of stay is 21 days. Applications for extensions can be made to the Immigration Department in Hamilton (Ph:- +1 441 295 5151). This extension is only for individuals, and for the yacht to remain, application must be made to Customs. If delayed in Bermuda during the hurricane season, crews may be given permission to stay for up to 5 months provided that they can prove the means to support themselves and hold health insurance.
-
* No spearfishing is allowed within one mile of shore. Spear fishing with scuba gear is not allowed. Spear guns are not allowed to be used in Bermudian waters.
+
 
-
* All yachts should be fitted with either holding tanks (to contain sewage for discharge in waters outside the outer reef edge) or have approved marine sanitation devices aboard. However, wherever possible, onshore sanitation facilities should be utilized. The discharge overboard of sewage, or any other pollutant within the 12 mile Bermuda Territorial Limit, is an offence.
+
Crews leaving Bermuda for other countries (USA in particular) must have visas for those countries before leaving. If yacht crew intend to leave by other means (by air), they must have written proof from the owner/skipper of means of departure. The owner/skipper holds the responsibility that these crew actually leave the island.
 +
 
 +
==== Customs  ====
 +
 
 +
*Firearms and ammunition (Incl. spear guns, flare guns, etc.) MUST be declared to Customs on arrival. These will either be bonded by Customs or sealed on board until departure.  
 +
*All prescription drugs and medication must be declared to Customs on arrival.
 +
*Fruit and vegetables from other countries are not allowed.
 +
*Yachts can stay up to six months, after which time customs will impose a tax of 33.5 per cent on the yacht's value. You can however apply to Customs for an extension.
 +
*PETS: All animals that arrive in Bermuda must have ''Health'' documents and an Import Permit issued by the Bermuda Department of Environmental Protection in advance. Any animals arriving without the proper documentation will be refused entry. There are no quarantine facilities in Bermuda. See [http://www.rccbermuda.bm/shipboard.html Official website]
*
*
-
===Health & Security===
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==== Restrictions  ====
-
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
+
-
===Islands in the Bermuda Group and Ports===
+
*No spearfishing is allowed within one mile of shore. Spear fishing with scuba gear is not allowed. Spear guns are not allowed to be used in Bermudian waters.
-
* [[Main_Island|Main Island]]
+
*All yachts should be fitted with either holding tanks (to contain sewage for discharge in waters outside the outer reef edge) or have approved marine sanitation devices aboard. However, wherever possible, onshore sanitation facilities should be utilized. The discharge overboard of sewage, or any other pollutant within the 12 mile Bermuda Territorial Limit, is an offence.
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** [[Hamilton_Bermuda|Hamilton]]
+
*
-
**
+
 
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* [[St.Georges_Island|St. George's Island]] (Port of entry)
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=== Health &amp; Security  ===
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** [[St.Georges_Harbour|St. George Harbour]] (Port of entry)
+
 
 +
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
 +
 
 +
=== Islands in the Bermuda Group and Ports ===
 +
 
 +
*[[Main Island|Main Island]]  
 +
**[[Hamilton Bermuda|Hamilton]]  
 +
**  
 +
*[[St.Georges Island|St. George's Island]] (Port of entry)  
 +
**[[St.Georges Harbour|St. George Harbour]] (Port of entry)  
**
**
**  
**  
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* [[Ireland_Island|Ireland Island (Sandy's Parish)]]
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*[[Ireland Island|Ireland Island (Sandy's Parish)]]  
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**
+
-
*
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**  
**  
 +
*
 +
**
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===Passages To/From Bermuda===
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=== Passages To/From Bermuda ===
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* [[US-Bermuda_Passage|USA to Bermuda Passage]] (Has data)
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* [[Bermuda-US_Passage|Bermuda to USA passage]]
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*[[US-Bermuda Passage|USA to Bermuda Passage]] (Has data)  
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* [[Azores-Bermuda_Passage|Azores to Bermuda Passage]]
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*[[Bermuda-US Passage|Bermuda to USA passage]]  
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* [[Bermuda-Azores_Passage|Bermuda to Azores Passage]]
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*[[Azores-Bermuda Passage|Azores to Bermuda Passage]]  
 +
*[[Bermuda-Azores Passage|Bermuda to Azores Passage]]  
 +
*
 +
 
 +
=== 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 &amp; Publications about Bermuda  ===
 +
 
 +
Books, Guides, etc.
 +
 
 +
*
 +
*
*
*
-
===Cruiser's Friends===
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=== Links to Forum Discussions  ===
-
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 about Bermuda===
+
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (see link for requirements)
-
Books, Guides, etc.
+
-
*
+
-
*
+
-
*
+
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===Links to Forum Discussions===
+
*[http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/tags/bermuda.html Bermuda Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum]  
-
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (see link for requirements)
+
-
* [http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/tags/bermuda.html Bermuda Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum]
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*
*
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*[http://www.rccbermuda.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_994_282_1765_43/http%3B/ptpublisher.gov.bm%3B7087/publishedcontent/publish/ministry_of_tourism_and_transport/marine_and_ports/dept___marine_and_ports___new_links/articles/yacht_pre_arrival_information_questionnaire_2.pdf Pre-arrival Questionaire] - (pdf)
*[http://www.rccbermuda.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_994_282_1765_43/http%3B/ptpublisher.gov.bm%3B7087/publishedcontent/publish/ministry_of_tourism_and_transport/marine_and_ports/dept___marine_and_ports___new_links/articles/yacht_pre_arrival_information_questionnaire_2.pdf Pre-arrival Questionaire] - (pdf)
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===Personal Notes===
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=== Personal Notes ===
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Personal experiences?
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*
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 +
Personal experiences?
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{{Guide1}}
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*
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<br> {{Guide1}}
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{| id="mp-right" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" style="vertical-align:top; background:#fff5ee; border:1px solid #fa8072;"
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'''Names''':
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== [[Image:SailorSmiley.gif]]Contributors to this page  ==
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</small>
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{|id="mp-right" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" style="vertical-align:top; background:#f5faff; border:1px solid #a3b0bf;"
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! <h2 id="mp-itn-h2" style="margin:0; background:#cedff2; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #a3b0bf; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Cruising Wiki Navigation</h2>
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|-
|-
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|style="color:#000;"| | [[World Cruising and Sailing Wiki|HOMEPAGE]] | [[World Cruising Guides|Wiki Contents]] | [[Caribbean]] | [[Northern America]] | [[Bermuda]] |
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| style="color:#000;" | <small></small>
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<small>'''Names''': </small>
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<br>
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|-
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!
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== Cruising Wiki Navigation  ==
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|-
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| style="color:#000;" | &#124; [[World Cruising and Sailing Wiki|HOMEPAGE]] &#124; [[World Cruising Guides|Wiki Contents]] &#124; [[Caribbean]] &#124; [[Northern America]] &#124; [[Bermuda]] &#124;
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|}
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[[Category:Islands - United Kingdom]]
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[[Category:Islands_-_United_Kingdom]]

Revision as of 11:34, 23 May 2012

Bermuda Cruising Guide

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around Bermuda.

Bermuda
Bermudamap.png
Bermuda
Bermudaflag.png
Flag
Capital: Hamilton
World icon.png 32°17.7′N, 64°46.9′W
Language: English
Currency: Bermudian Dollar (BMD)
Timezone: UTC-4
More notes about the country
Small info.png Latest News
Content - news items, etc.

Overview

Bermuda is a favorite, if challenging destination for off-shore yachts - a number of races start/finish here. Because of it's distance from the US, Bermuda is not that popular with cruisers - unfortunate because, once there, it is a heaven of beautiful anchorages, pink sand beaches and first world services. It makes an excellent rest-stop for cruisers on passage from the Azores or those heading N.E across the Atlantic to Europe, etc.

Contents

Cruising the region

Crossing from the US mainland motorsailing is typically a 4 day event. Passgages east to the Azores 8 - 15 days. The preferred time to cross is May - June. Attention should be taken of hurricane threats between July - October. Passages from New England to Bermuda in the autumn can be difficult due to frequent storm systems. Passage south from Bermuda re-opens in November and can be quite pleasant in early December.   

Stgeorgeharbour.jpg

Bermuda 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.

Bermuda Navigation Charts

  • NOAA Chart No. 5161 (Newport to Bermuda, including rhumb line)
  • DMA Chart No. 26341 (Bermuda Islands)
  • DMA Chart No. 26342 (The Narrows to Grassy Bay)
  • DMA Chart NO. 26343 (St. George's Harbour)
  • DMA Chart No. 26344 (Great Sound Plan: North & South Basins)
  • DMA Chart No. 26345 (Hamilton Harbour)
  • Anchoring Charts - Anchoring chart rendering, courtesy of Bermuda Yacht Services

Special Navigation Notes

Any navigation notes here.

Local Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

All vessels approaching or departing Bermuda should contact Bermuda Radio (VHF 16 or 27). Besides the processing of vessels through customs and immigration, detailed information on all private vessels calling at Bermuda are kept on file in the interest of safety and such detailed information is used to good effect in the event that the vessel gets into difficulty or is reported overdue.

The Maritime Operations Centre maintains a 24 hour distress watch on the international distress frequencies of 2182 kHz, 4125kHz and VHF Channel 16 as well as the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Digital Selective Call (DSC) distress frequencies of 2187.5 kHz and VHF Channel 70. NAVTEX broadcasts are also undertaken on frequency 518 kHz with NAVTEX messages typically being received out to at least 300 miles of Bermuda. Notices to Mariners, Local Navigational Warnings, Atlantic and Bermuda marine weather forecasts are all broadcast around the clock.

Cruisers' Nets

Bermuda Arrival and Departure procedures

All yachts MUST check in at St. George.

NOTE A pre-arrival questionaire must be faxed to Bermuda Maritime Operations on Fax number 4412971530. These can be obtained from:
Pre-arrival Questionaire - (pdf)
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).

Bermuda Immigration, Visas & Customs

Immigration

All arrivals (including US nationals) must be in possession of a valid passport .

Nationals of the following countries require visas:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China (Peoples’ Republic of), Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudia Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UAE, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Serbia & Montenegro. Visas are obtained from a British Embassy or Consulate. Visas are valid for three months from date of issue. Visas are not required if any of the above are permanent residents of the UK, USA or Canada.

The initial allowance of stay is 21 days. Applications for extensions can be made to the Immigration Department in Hamilton (Ph:- +1 441 295 5151). This extension is only for individuals, and for the yacht to remain, application must be made to Customs. If delayed in Bermuda during the hurricane season, crews may be given permission to stay for up to 5 months provided that they can prove the means to support themselves and hold health insurance.

Crews leaving Bermuda for other countries (USA in particular) must have visas for those countries before leaving. If yacht crew intend to leave by other means (by air), they must have written proof from the owner/skipper of means of departure. The owner/skipper holds the responsibility that these crew actually leave the island.

Customs

  • Firearms and ammunition (Incl. spear guns, flare guns, etc.) MUST be declared to Customs on arrival. These will either be bonded by Customs or sealed on board until departure.
  • All prescription drugs and medication must be declared to Customs on arrival.
  • Fruit and vegetables from other countries are not allowed.
  • Yachts can stay up to six months, after which time customs will impose a tax of 33.5 per cent on the yacht's value. You can however apply to Customs for an extension.
  • PETS: All animals that arrive in Bermuda must have Health documents and an Import Permit issued by the Bermuda Department of Environmental Protection in advance. Any animals arriving without the proper documentation will be refused entry. There are no quarantine facilities in Bermuda. See Official website

Restrictions

  • No spearfishing is allowed within one mile of shore. Spear fishing with scuba gear is not allowed. Spear guns are not allowed to be used in Bermudian waters.
  • All yachts should be fitted with either holding tanks (to contain sewage for discharge in waters outside the outer reef edge) or have approved marine sanitation devices aboard. However, wherever possible, onshore sanitation facilities should be utilized. The discharge overboard of sewage, or any other pollutant within the 12 mile Bermuda Territorial Limit, is an offence.

Health & Security

Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.

Islands in the Bermuda Group and Ports

Passages To/From Bermuda

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 about Bermuda

Books, Guides, etc.

Links to Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?


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