M/V MAERIN

Our weather window held, and we departed University Cove on Thursday, Mar. 3 at first light, headed for Bimini. Our crossing was relatively smooth despite having NNE winds around 10 kts. As crossings go, the rule of thumb is not to make one when winds have any northerly component, since north winds against the north-flowing gulf stream can create stacking waves that can make for rough conditions. Our winds were in the 10 kt. range, so conditions were very good, albeit rougher in the Stream, but not even what we’d consider uncomfortable.

Fishing was not particularly successful, one pretty large barracuda, man, those teeth!! Definitely NOT a keeper! But a bit later we managed a nice Mahi, Molly barked at it, she’s very wary of anything with eyes! We arrived in Bimini around 3 in the afternoon, and completed the Customs and Immigration check-in by 5. Bimini has traditionally been our landfall in the Bahamas, affording an easy day’s run that allows the option of holing up in Bimini if the weather deteriorates. Our plan is to depart Bimini Friday afternoon and head for Cat Cay to the south, spend the night anchored there, then cross the Bank on Saturday. Conditions are predicted to remain viable for the crossing, with winds picking up to the 15 kt. range, perhaps a bit bumpy, but doable, with more wind predicted for the beginning of the week. We’ll make the long run to Chub Cay, about 80 nm, anchor there Saturday night, then push on toward Highbourne Cay in the Exumas Sunday, another 75 nm run. Our weather window is predicted to close Sunday evening, but we’ll be in the Exumas where we can travel even if the weather is less than perfect. Our objective is to push south toward Georgetown to meet up with cruising friends Luc and Marie Andrée.

Today we’ll visit BTC to activate our Bahamas phone and data plan for the iPad, pick up some Bimini bread – yumm! – and catch up on some on board laundering. It’s great to be in the Bahamas again!