Page 491 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles

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History and culture

A volcano with a peak at 877 meters above sea level. That is Saba. Columbus
considered the pocket-sized mountainous landscape of little importance
during his voyage of discovery in 1493. For a long time, new rulers alternated
on a regular basis. Since 1816, Saba has definitively been part of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands.

For centuries, fishing was the sole source of income. The inhabitants
completely and independently made the island suitable for habitation.
If the rest of the world claims something is impossible, the Sabans will make
it happen. Examples of this include the steps from Ladder Bay, ‘the road
that couldn’t be built’, and the airport.

Landing on Saba

The Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is located on Flat Point. Its length of
400 meters gives this airport the shortest runway in the world. ‘Landing
on Saba’ is an experience in itself, a global internet sensation! After ‘touch
down’, the pilot has mere seconds to bring his airplane to a standstill.
This experience is unforgettable.