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 AndrĂ©e.
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!
Joyce and Chris on 04 Mar 2016 at 12:28 PM #
No over nights to Highborne??? Smart! Have you stocked up with lobster? Weather seems to be holding for you. We are still dreaming of the gin clear water, and hope to make a run for it maybe early next week.
Thinking of you, and missing you.
Hugs,
J & C
Frank on 04 Mar 2016 at 2:44 PM #
Snowed last night, about an inch. Cold here but supposed to hit 70 next week. Do not count us out, but have to get work done, good money. Got the number
Enjoy your crossing
Frank
Joyce and chris on 05 Mar 2016 at 9:56 AM #
I see that you left gun cay around 7. I have you on the marine traffic site. Such fun! Hope you’ll be somewhere safe by Sunday evening, as weather predictions are not good.
Missing you already!
Lisa on 11 Mar 2016 at 7:58 PM #
Glad to hear you had an easy crossing and enjoyed the photo of the Bahamian water
Ahhh
We are enjoying delightful weather in NC
Sunburn and in the sore feet from sand walking
Love it
Alice is starting to play in the ocean …a bit cold yet but glad she shows an interest in the water
She is loving digging in the sand and chasing the seagulls and picking up feathers
Eat lots of lobster but stay away fro the barracuda they are ciguatera carriers you know
Love u