On a Broad Reach: The Exumas Jan 17

Jan 17, 2014 Leaving ORYC Freeport Bahamas

1/17/2014 We depart at 8am from Ocean Reef Yacht Club (ORYC) with three other boats heading to Berry’s for first night anchorage. Muskoka Moon, Polar Bear, Cuma Matada.

We arrive at Great Harbor Cay, Petite Cay beach around 3:30 pm and anchored at the northern most end, behind a sandbar, for protection from N wind. It was cool and overcast but we took a dinghy ride around the beach to check out the area.

The next day we departed early and rolled our way to Nassau, it was not a pleasant ride. We did hook a big fish but snapped the line.

After Surfing our way into Nassau harbor about 2:30pm we took a slip at the Harbor Club, and walked around town. The stores were closed.

Bob had a big snapper dinner. He was a happy camper.

Storm clouds were still hanging around but should clear for tomorrow.

1/19: We had a bit of trouble messing around with fenders at the fuel dock but all OK as we made our way to Rose Island just outside Nassau Harbor. We Anchor in the 9’ area with Polar Bear & Muskoka Moon. Some very drunk, rowdy, power boat owners, flying the skull n bones flag caused quite a stir. We did take off in the dinghy and check out the Island and marina development. The day ended with a very nice steak dinner on the grill.

Ah yes the Generator is still blowing fuses.

The Rowdy boat owners enjoyed the only bar on the Island, much to everyone else's disappointment.

Not much happening at the development

1/20: What a great sunrise to see off the three boats departing for Allen Cay and Highourne Cay.

looking from Rose Island to Nassau

We had no problem going through the dreaded Yellow Bank loaded with coral heads, they do appear to jump right up at you. The first time through there is some anxiety.

Bob rigged his fishing pole and caught a plastic bag with seaweed. ;-}

We anchored behind Highbourne Cay under the Batelco Tower around 12:30.

It was too nice not to get into the water to snorkel and kayak.

Bob has the doo rag on and is ready to snorkel.

We went into the Marina to make reservations for the next night or so, depending on how bad the weather gets. Nice view from the Resort

The drinks weren't bad either, All is well in our World. ;-}

The beach was spectacular

The Marina was way over the top with lots of very fancy yachts

1/21: We moved into marina, took bikes out and toured around the island, what a nice place. You have to check out the mega yachts, the fishing station with lots of nurse sharks waiting for heads and guts, it's the best show in town.

The beach was calling so off we went, to walk, read, sit and just look.

Weather is getting nasty and more yachts arrive

The too friendly birds have decided to come aboard and visit.

I think they came for the pancakes

1/22: Based on the nasty weather we decided to stay one more night. More yachts and boats came into marina for the same reason, there was lots of excitement as the docking routines took place.

The wind was up all day, so Bob made banana bread and chicken soup. Good boy!

Enough of the marina life, we reserved a mooring in the Marine Park at Wardrick Wells for tomorrow.

1/23 check out, top off water, and left around 8:30am with a bunch of other boats going in same direction. The wind was also going our way and we sailed most of way to park, 7.5kts, not bad.

We called the park for directions to our mooring and promptly went the wrong way, tried to pick up a dinghy bouy and then did the Chinese fire drill before picking up the proper mooring ball. We were the entrainment for the day.

Checked in at island park ranger hut around 2:30 and met up with fellow ORYC boats.
It was still windy and cool.

1/24: Another very windy day. A large schooner was hanging around at the entrance to the Park, we think it was a dive charter.

We took the dinghy to the Emerald Rock anchorage to socialize with fellow cruisers.

A walk on beach revealed lots of feisty wild life and some great views.

That wore us out so napping, reading and work on gauges filled the rest of the afternoon.

1/25: We spend the day exploring more of Wardrick well's treasures, via kayak, dinghy and a hike to BOO HOO hill for a great view.

The trail was a bit steep, with lots of junk on the top. These are boat names that cruisers leave each year to announce their arrival here.

The view of the mooring field on one side and ocean view on the other was worth it.

The kayaking around the Park allowed you to see some of it's hidden places

1//26 Sunday: Time to leave Warderick Wells and see whats happening at Staniel Cay.
Our departure at sunrise was special the sky was a bit overcast but the wind was right and all the sails went up and didn't come down till we reached Staniel Cay.

What a great ride.

We pull into the very large anchorage at Big Major Spot and dropped anchor with lots of other boats including our ORYC friends.

The town "dingy beach" is always full, but you just push around till you fit and hope the tide doesn't go out before you leave.

Lunch at yacht club with the popular pina coladas was perfect.

The slips at the Marina were occupied by the ever present private yachts.

On our walk around town we We discovered that all the stores are closed on Sunday.

The day closes with yet another incredible sunset. We are blessed.

1/27 Monday. So today the stores are open and we will make the trek back to town to see what we can find. But first we must kayak and snorkel in the flat, clear, warm water.

We snorkeled around the boat accompanied by a nurse shark who checked out Bob cleaning the bottom of the boat.

There was not much in the stores, no veggies or fruit so we bought some canned stuff, yum.

I did find some wifi and helped myself to a porch with several other wifi seekers for about an hour to catch up on emails.

Across from the fishing pier was the defunct Happy People Marina, too bad it was in a great spot.

Nice views around town

We found the local fishing pier with a fresh catch of conch and lobster.

Bob got some conch pounded it with hammer to flatten it for conch salad, it was ok.
However the very large lobster tail was very good.

Had cocktails on Muskoka Moon to finish off a fun day.

1/28: Snorkeling Thunderball Grotto/cave has to be done at the right tide (low slack) and we made it in time with lots of others. If you wait too long the current picks up and the opening is underwater and you can't get in.

snorkelers getting ready for the Grotto.

Just looks like another rock formation from here.

Bob tried out the Go Pro, he liked it.

Another famous attraction at Staniel Cay is the swimming pigs............ hmmmm

1/29: The generator crapped out again, the pulley broke loose from the water pump. So we ordered the part and will take advantage of our next guest and have Abby bring it with her. She just has to get through customs. ;-}

Bob is successfully working on his relaxation skills.

Just in time for another beautiful sunset

1/30: Today was our turn for cocktails on board for the ORYC crowd, we put 10 people in the cockpit, only slightly crowded.

The supply boat was still delayed so canned tomatoes again. Bob made bread I made bruschetta and it all worked just fine.

And a good time was had by all

1/31 Black Point is not far off so we departed at 9am in 25 kt winds and choppy 3ft waves. It was a very fast trip.
Finding a spot to anchor was a bit tricky since the anchorage was full. No one else was silly enough to be out sailing.

We bounced around in the dinghy on our trip to town. Black Point was also waiting for the supply boat so their stores were empty.
Lorraines cafe was serving lunch, but very slowly. The supply boat arrived while we were there so they had to run down to the docks to grab food for the lunch crowd. They also had free wifi so that helped.