We debated long and hard about including the Dominican Republic in this season’s itinerary. We had read both good things and bad things about the requirements for cruising the island. We’d talked with other cruisers and got reports that were extremely negative, as well as entirely positive. After much consideration, we decided to go to the Dominican Republic and that meant we would have to cross the much dreaded MONA PASSAGE! 
So early one morning, we hauled up anchor and left the perfect setting of Bahia Salinas, Puerto Rico. Within two minutes we were in the MONA PASSAGE*! This area lies between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic and the sea is most often tumultuous and unpredictable. The fetch from the north sweeps down through the passage and stirs things up quite a bit. If there are any significant weather fronts coming down from the any northern point, maneuvering through this area is like unto sailing in a giant washing machine- so we’ve been told. We were expecting the worst. I was wearing my day glow orange bikini and shirt ensemble, so I could be more easily retrieved incase I fell overboard. (I’m not joking- I always put on bright colors when making a passage.) 
But alas- there was very little wind! We attached the whisker pole in an effort to make the most of what little breeze there was, motor-sailing wing on wing. It was no help and the sails flapped in a steady beat from the sway of the vessel upon the windless sea. After a few hours, it occurred to me that people PRAY for these conditions while crossing the Mona. 
About fifteen hours later near 11:30 PM, and along the Dominican Republic’s southern coast the winds were a steady 10-12 knots and we turned off the engine. It was so much quieter then and at least one of us was able to enjoy a restful break off watch. We arrived in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic just before noon the following day.
*In retrospect, I suppose we didn’t actually pass THROUGH the Mona passage, as we skirted the very southern edge of it.
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