We cleared in to the Bahamas yesterday at Spanish Cay (pronounced key). We had arrived Sunday and anchored near Great Sale Cay but needed to get to a point of entry within 24 hours. We are once again flying a Bahamian courtesy flag.
Sunrise in SpanishCay Bahamas
When leaving Port Canaveral Saturday morning we already knew there was not going to be enough wind to get us beyond the Bahamas. Forecasted wind strength had dropped off considerably leaving motoring as the only option. We carry 120 gallons of diesel in our main tanks along with an additional 50 in Gerry cans. With both engines running we burn about 1 1/2 gallons per hour. Our supply would provide for about 600 nautical miles, 400 short of what we would need to make Puerto Rico under engine power.
We left the dock about 8 am and were in the stream by 11 am. We had pretty big waves for most of the journey and both of us felt queasy; we wore our wrist bands, applied scopolamine patches, chewed some ginger gum and ate saltine crackers. Jeff even put an earplug in his right ear (he’s left handed); I’ve read that placing an earplug in your non-dominant ear can help fight seasickness, he was willing to try anything. Jeff had gotten the new fishing tackle ready but unfortunately we did not feel up to dealing with a fish so we never tried.
As mentioned in other posts, the Gulf Stream is a northern flowing “river” in the ocean. It can get pretty stirred up when there’s a brisk north wind blowing so you want to head through once it’s had some time to settle down after an opposing wind. Even though the wind had a northerly component for our crossing, it was predicted to be light so hopefully should not stir up the stream too much. Although conditions should have been pretty benign for us with the light northeast breeze, we did have frequent 4 to 6 foot waves on our forward port bow which threw the boat around quite a bit. We took turns napping just to make it through the stream.
We did take a few minutes to pay homage to the wind and sea. This time with 3 bottles of champagne we were much more generous to Neptune, Boreas (north wind), Zephyrus (west wind), Eurus (east wind) and Notus (south wind). We each took a small sip in champagne to be respectful but were not up for much more so most went into the sea.
The only other item of note during the journey was a visit from two pterodactyl like birds on deck. Actually they were Pelicans but look very pre historic up close. Jeff was on deck sorting out a problem with the main halyard when they swooped in. We discovered they were after a big juicy snail on deck. I quickly threw it overboard to prevent and future visits.
We entered the Little Bahama banks in just after 4 am and finally got a break from the rough seas. We plan to explore a bit since we’ve not been in this area before. We also hope to connect with Kate and Steve of Blue Summit. They’re bought their Antares a few months before us and we met in Deltaville.
Although we do really want to get back to the Virgin Islands and beyond, it is pretty nice here. Daytime temperatures in the mid 80’s, water temperature mid 70’s, blue sky and crystal clear water. We plan to enjoy it all and keep an eye out for another weather window to get us closer to PR of USVI.
We learned from that our “Echo Location” link was not working properly and have since corrected it. Thanks Bruce and Breeda, sorry if it caused concern to anyone.
Internet access from here on will be sporadic, we’ll post updates as we can. Today we will explore the island, hang out on the beach and have a nice grouper dinner to celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary.
It does feel good to be back in the island’s!
~ Jeff and Mary ~
Happy to hear you made the crossing intact! Enjoy the weather for us up north
Thanks Denise – will do. Hope it’s not too bad a winter for you.
Happy Anniversary, Mary and Jeff. Stay safe!
Thanks Brid!
Happy Anniversary! Safe travels!
Thanks Charlotte. Great to hear from you!
Stopped in spanish cay as well last season. Nice place. All the best, Al and Molly Hyde. FlyAweigh
Hi Al and Molly. We did some golf cart recon today. Pretty neat island.
Welcome to the top of the Bahamas! Next stop, Green Turtle Cay. Once you are there, you might be able to catch the cruisers net on VHF 68, though it seemed out of range for us most of the time. (Short antennas compared to yours, I’m sure). People start calling in passage condition reports about 8 am and the net starts at 8:15. Usually lasts about 15-30 minutes. Listen for those passage reports before you attempt nosing out to do the “whale passage”. If you go during the wrong weather, you’ll be in what locals call RAGE conditions. Over the years, we’ve heard sever distress calls from someone attempting to “do the Whale” on a bad day. If you haven’t yet, you might consider joining the RMHYC. You can do so online and it does get you discounts at various marinas in the Abacos and beyond!
Next stop: Guana Cay! Anchor in Fishers Bay (or grab a mooring) and dinghy over to Grabbers. Great food and drink there along with fantastic sunsets. If weather sounds iffy for Fishers Bay, go a bit farther and you’ll find Orchid Bay Marina and another small marina. (Guana hideaways?). Orchid bay is full service, the smaller one has no power or water as of our last visit. There is also room to anchor, but I’m not sure of the depths. From here, you can visit Grabbers and the world famous (not kidding) Nippers Bar and Grill. Watch those frozen Nipper Juices, they go down way too easy.
Next stop might be Man o War Cay. I say might because I’m not sure how wide Echo is. The channel in there is pretty intimidating. Call Man o War Marina on 16 for info and if the have mooring available. Downtown (LOL) had just a few shops, one museum and one restaurant. Dock and dine has great food. While MOW does not sell liquor, they dont mind if you bring your own alcoholic drinks. MOW is known for world famous Albury Brothers boats.
Next stop will probably be Marsh Harbour Harbor. Lots of boats anchor here but there are lots of marinas as well. Two words of caution, make sure you don’t anchor in or near the Abaco Ferry route or you’ll get rocked all day and evening. The other caution, beware if anchoring and a strong storm blows through it never fails someone drags or loses the anchor completely.
Marsh Harbor (the city) offers plenty of restaurants, Maxwells Grocery (though it’s a hike to get to unless you get a taxi) hardware store, marine supplies/repair etc. Make sure you at least stop Abaco Beach Resort either by foot or dock there. (Beware of high dock prices unless you’re a RMHYC member). If you go mid day, take a walk all the way to the end of dock 5 (aka 5th Ave) to the boat called Elegant One. Bob and Judy are from Harrison Township and the most friendly and helpful people you can meet. They know you’re in the Abacos. I wonder who told them?
Wow Roberta. What a write up! Thanks for all the great ideas.
Happy anniversary!!
Thanks Joe. See you soon!
I hope you will have a great day Mary and Jeff it will be different from the snow and ice the day of your wediding love mom
Thanks Mom – we did have a very nice day!
Happy Anniversary to you both.
Thanks Nancy. We’re piling up a bunch of years aren’t we?