THE BERMUDAS

Lat: 32 22.8N / Long: 064 40.6W

Located off the east coast of the United States in the North Atlantic Ocean, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The islands of Bermuda were discovered in 1505 by Spanish navigator Juan de Bermudez after whom the islands are named, who claimed it for the Spanish Empire. Unoccupied, the island was settled by England in 1609, making it the oldest and most populous remaining British overseas territory. Its first capital, St George's was established in 1612 and is the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the Americas. By private initiative much of the islands’ colonial history was preserved making it a fun place to visit.

 St. George’s Town Hall founded in 1612.

 St. Peter’s Church was founded 1612 in the town of St. George. It’s the oldest

Anglican Church outside Britain and is now part of the 
UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Locked up to stay there for ever!

Due to its favorable tax system, a large numbers of leading international insurance companies are based in Bermuda, making the territory one of the world's largest reinsurance centers after New York and London (we were told that about 56% of the 9/11 damages were handled over insurance companies based on the island).

Tourism is Bermuda's second largest industry, with the island attracting over one-half million visitors annually, of which more than 80% are from the United States. Tourists arrive either by cruise ship or by airplane.

 Mark Twain the famous writer and poet often came to visit Bermuda

George’s Marina on Ordnance Island.

One can see that Bermuda with its 67.000 inhabitants is a far more prosperous island than the West Indie Islands are. The houses are well kept and the entire island is very clean. We loved the colorful painting of the houses and appreciated the friendliness of the Bermudians.

The colourful buildings of Bermuda

Sandra Soarez the ever so helpful marina manager 
together with her husband Duke. Doesn’t he look smart with 
this Bermudian gentlemen’s attire?

More well dressed Bermudian gents.

As all the insurance companies of sailing yachts urge the owners and skippers to get out of the hurricane threatened areas of the Caribbean, it’s high time that we head up north with Zefiro.

Our next target is New York City! Of course we are all very excited what will expect us there after a three day cruise.

Please click here:

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=ordinance+island,+st+george's+Bermuda+bermuda+yacht+service&hl=en&cid=18318988291516241178

Stay tuned!

PS: A few words about the infamous “Bermuda Triangle” about which we were questioned again and again: Many scientific studies in recent years came to the conclusion that neither the number of lost ships and aircrafts are higher than in any other region; nor occurring under water methane gas, electromagnetic fields, or even aliens are the cause for these vessels disappearing. The locals like to point out, however, that there has been a series of very unusual circumstances.