Well we have made our way to the Eleutheras. Last week was spent at Hoffman Cay and LIttle Harbor, waiting for the winds to shift and calm down. Monday thru Wednesday we had west winds and about 25 knots, then it started shifting more northerly which gave us a little peace at night. While anchored at Hoffman's, we met a nice couple, Dave and Heather, on board “The Answer My Friend”. He was quite the character and an awesome guitar player. Thursday the winds settled down enough that I could manage getting in and out of the dinghy (with my knee). So we were off to explore the Blue Hole on Hoffmans. It was this saltwater lake (hole) in the middle of the Cay, about 100’ deep and very high cliffs. Kevin, Hazel and Tom, jumped off the cliff into the water. I was not so venturous. Friday we dinghied down to Little Harbor and had lunch at Flo’s, it was yummy. Tom and Hazel headed back to Great Harbor on Saturday and we headed to the Eleutheras on Sunday. Once we arrived, anchored and relaxed on the back deck. There was a family of 4 sea turtles entertaining us for several hours.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Cross to Great Harbor in the Berry Islands
March 1st 2017
0645 we are pulling anchor and started making the cross to N. Rock Bimini. The seas were 5-7 and winds 15 kts due east. Motor sailing it is. Around 1300 the seas started settling down to 2-3 ft, which made for a more pleasant ride. We all anchored 4.5 nm (nautical miles) on the back, east of N. Rock light. It was to rough for Tom to raft, but Hazel was able to, being on a Multihull, she was more stable and not rocking to much. We all had dinner together and then Tom helped Hazel un raft and set her anchor. Tom used his paddle board to get from boat to boat, since all our dinghies were hoisted up on deck with motors off. It was an early night to bed for all.
March 2nd Thursday
Kevin and I left anchorage around 0650, Hazel and Tom did not set sail till after 0830.
Since they were lagging behind, we decided to push it and motor sail. It was a beautiful run, with a ESE wind of 15-17 kts. We were able to anchor at Great Harbour just as the sun dropped behind the Horizon. Hazel and Tom are some where on the bank. Probably about 20nm out from where we are. They had to just sail due to Hazel's lack of fuel. We gave her our spare 5 gallon tank of fuel for our dinghy to get her thru, if she needs it.
March 3rd. Friday
We woke this morning around 0800 to rain. This is a nice thing, so all the salt will be washed off the boat. Now I don't have to get out there with a bucket and was all the windows, screens and port lights. We are making water and running the generator to recharge all our batteries. Hazel and Tom arrived around 0830 (in the rain). Hazel picked up Kevin and the two boats headed into customs. I have to stay on board until will are all clear with immigration. The winds are going to be very high out of the NE for the next several days, so we are tucked in close to land and protected from the rough seas. Hazel and Tom are getting slips in the marina.
March 4th Saturday
We spent a good part of the day in town and also had dinner at the marina. We will probably be at Great Harbor until Wednesday until the NE winds settle down. Until then, fair winds and safe sailing my friends.