First Night In The Bahamas

10 Jun

Mike: We left the Turtle Cove Marina just after noon yesterday. Because of the planned passage to Atwood Harbour on Acklins Island was only 115nm, by leaving at noon, we expected to arrive shortly before noon the following day, in excellent light for navigating in through the reef here. Of course, the tide was just about at it's lowest and wouldn't be rising again until after 4pm. We could have left earlier, but we needed to settle up with the marina and do some last provisioning. So once again, we bottomed on the way out of the channel from the marina. For those contemplating visiting this marina, there's no laundry, showers or restroom. In fact, there's nothing. Just sand. And you'll be paying premium pricing. They only provide 240V so if you need an adapter, it'll cost you for two days since they rent them from 12am to 12am. There's a minimum charge for water and electricity, even if you don't use or want them. Lastly, they don't like sail boats. We found this out as we casting off the dock lines. The manager was on the dock and let us know in
no uncertain terms that 'rag fliers' were nothing but trouble. I guess we don't buy enough fuel, water or electricity while sitting in one of their slips.

Anyway, the sail throughout the night was smooth and we averaged 5kts while passing south of Mayaguana, north of Plana Cays and into Atwood Harbour on Acklins Island. There was one other cat in this bay ringed by beach and favoured by clear blue waters. After getting the hook set into the sand in 6' of water, the call of the warm water beckoned, so a snorkelfest was launched. The bay wasn't teaming with marine life but we did see colourfull Caribbean fish (don't ask me what kind), sea cucumbers, conchs and even a manta ray. Life is good!

Part of my afternoon was spent fabricating a new gasket for the outboard. In order to get it down from Toronto, I had to separate the power head from the shaft. What I should have done was pack a new gasket, but you who know me will understand. I'd tried to reuse the old one but it blew out on the first hard run. Lots of noise and exhaust. So I'd picked up some gasket material at an auto shop in the BVI and it was only today that I actually found the time to fabricate and install it. When I try it out on the dingy, I'll let everyone know whether I'm a mechanic or not.

Tomorrow, we expect to head over to Landrail Point on Crooked Island, a distance of less than 30nm.

Bill: We are finally in the Bahamas. I have never seen such unspoiled beauty. Can you image sailing in heaven. Sailing in ocean waters the colour of indigo, gentle breezes and then to come into a beautiful bay and not a soul in site. No hotels on the beach, no roads; just absolutely nothing except crystal clear waters the colour of turquoise. Later this afternoon I saw a stingray swim by just off the bow of the boat. I could spend forever here. We celebrated with a bottle of champagne tonight. So far, as of today, we have travelled about 650nm which is approximately 2/3 of the trip and the boat has not beat anyone up yet. Gee Dave, no stubbed toes.