Sailing the Bahamas
Clear Sailing
Just got back from a week sailing in the Bahamas. Overall we had great weather and plenty of wind. The only downside was that we didn’t visit anywhere with good snorkeling, but that was more of a planning issue on our part.
Our 37 foot boat, pictured above, was named “Fun Fun Fun.” I know, I know, but we didn’t name it. It was a one of the newest and most in-shape boats we had ever chartered. On board were Shelly and I plus one of her long-time sailing partners Martha. This trip was much more of a relaxing island cruise than a high seas adventure like last year’s trip to St. Vincent.
We sailed out of Marsh Harbor on Great Abaco, one of the many Bahamian island. We visited several small islands called Cays (pronounced “keys”). All were just north of Abaco, between the island and the Atlantic ocean.
Among them were Great Guana Cay, Manjack Cay, Powell Cay, Spanish Cay and Green Turtle Cay, whose north shore white sands beach is pictured above.
The most difficult passage between islands is going around the north side of Whale Cay where you are more exposed to the swells from the Atlantic. We ran into many veteran sailors who were quite squeamish about crossing this passage in anything but perfect weather. We did it in a storm on our second day, pictured above, and it was very tame in comparison to past experiences. We were flummoxed about what an experienced sailor would be so fearful about. It may get bad at times but I think the reputation of the Whale Cay channel is more bark than bite.
Many may not know that sailing is one of the most civilized adventure activities around. Any excursion worthy of being mentioned as a sailing trip must include happy hour, whether it is a circumnavigation of Antarctica or a Bahamian cruise, as shown above. Kalic is one of the local beers.
Lots of sun and wind. We anchored or docked at a marina every night. Mooring balls were available in most marinas. This was a low tourist time of year so there was never an issue of availability or space. The sun was shining most of the time.
After a swim to check an anchor placement, Shelly was doing her best island girl pose above.
The moon was new, i.e., aligned with the sun, causing larger than average tides. Even the locals were remarking how much tidal change was happening. The above photos show the boat at dock at low and high tides. These pics show the boat in the same location though at slightly different angles. Note the level of the boat deck with respect to the wooden dock. It was difficult to get on and off the boat at either of these extremes.
I did not get to snorkel much at any anchorage. However, this does not mean it doesn’t exist, we just happened to be in some shallow, sandy areas without much to see. We heard about some great nearby places but really didn’t get a chance to visit them on this trip. Overall, it was a fun and very pleasant trip. The locals are very friendly and the area is very well developed.
Finally, just about every night we were treated to a spectacular tropical sunset. It was always something to look forward to:
Posted in Sailing by Mark with 2 comments.
Beautiful pictures and great descriptions of your adventure as always!
Great post.