Bahamas

Warderick Wells and Shroud Cay: Shades of turquoise!

Von |2024-04-16T21:05:44+02:00April 16th, 2024|Kategorien: Sailing|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

The first significant island in the Exuma Cays Park is Shroud Cay, a curious 3-mile-long isle fringed by coral reefs with a heartland of mangroves and creeks. These areas offer really outstanding exploration by kayak, paddleboard or dinghy (if you're careful) through the mangrove creeks from the Exuma Bank side through to a gorgeous ocean beach on Exuma Sound. Trails from the beach to the top of the hill are clearly identifiable and you can climb to the top and take in a spectacular 360° view. This is a "must-see" if you enjoy pristine, spectacular, natural beauty and tranquility. Side Trip: Boo-Boo Hill Located on Warderick Wells, Boo-Boo Hill is the tallest hill on the cay and offers an amazing panoramic view of the Exumas as well as an unforgettable photo op. Atop Boo-Boo Cay is a lopsided monument created by bits of carved and painted driftwood left by cruisers to commemorate their visits. Legend has it that it's haunted by the unfortunate souls that have gone aground on the reef below. Some say you can hear them singing on moonlit nights (or it could just be the wind howling)...Nevertheless, the tradition is for cruisers to leave an offering atop Boo-Boo Hill to appease King Neptune and be blessed with good winds and smooth seas. Some come with pre-prepared signs or wood and paint, while others scrounge the beach for driftwood, seaweed, shells, coral and other treasures and make their offering on the spot. We haven't heard yet if it makes a difference what kind of offering you make but why not try it? It can't hurt.

Sailing the Exumas: A Seafarer’s Paradise

Von |2024-04-11T16:25:07+02:00April 11th, 2024|Kategorien: Sailing|Tags: , , , , , , |

With a string of 365 islands stretching over 100 miles, the Exumas offer a myriad of experiences for those seeking the ultimate sailing adventure. Now, let's chart our course and explore the best sailing options in the Exumas. While the entire archipelago beckons with its allure, for those with limited time, here's a curated itinerary to make the most of your trip! With the vastness of the Exumas, it's wise to focus on one region to truly soak in the splendor. Our journey begins by setting sail towards the northern Exumas, with our sights set on the enchanting Staniel Cay. The 10-day Exuma Sailing Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Adventure Day 1: Begin your odyssey by crossing the Yellow Bank to Highbourne Cay. Stop midway for lunch and snorkeling amidst the breathtaking coral heads. As the sun sets, anchor near the pristine beaches of Highbourne Cay, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey. Day 2: Sail south to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a sprawling marine sanctuary teeming with underwater wonders. Dive into the adventure by navigating the mangrove river at Shroud Cay, a surreal experience leading to a thrilling water slide. Day 3: Discover the jewel of the Exumas Park, Warderick Wells, where turquoise waters meet untouched beaches. Secure a mooring ball at Emerald Rock and hike to Boo Boo Hill, leaving behind a piece of driftwood as a sailor's tradition. Day 4: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Staniel Cay, indulging in the delights of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Swim with the famous pigs at Pig Beach and explore the mystical Thunderball Grotto, a snorkeler's paradise featured in James Bond movies. Day 5: Venture onwards to Lee Stocking Island, a haven for relaxation and exploration. Hike to Perry’s Peak or simply unwind amidst the turquoise waters, [...]

Island Hopping Bliss: Navigating the Bahamas aboard a 48-Foot Monohull Sailboat

Von |2024-04-08T20:36:39+02:00April 8th, 2024|Kategorien: Sailing|Tags: , , , , , , |

The Islands of The Bahamas spread themselves out over a geographic area more than 500 nm long! The Bahamas are not one continuous cruising ground, and are grouped into several different archipelagos and several larger islands, and each one has a unique flavor of cruising. Each offers its own set of cruising destinations. You can choose to visit a single island chain or visit them all. You can speed your way through the country, moving to a new anchorage every night, or you can slow down to island time and spend months in each place. Between each island chain lies a bluewater passage to be made. Most trips are in the 40 to 60 mm range, within the bounds of a day sail for most boats. But passage planning and waiting for good weather are essential. Your departure and arrival points usually have narrow, high current cuts to navigate. The Exuma Cays Most Instagram pictures of The Bahamas are taken in the Exumas. They are home to gin-clear water, the original and most famous swimming pigs and friendly nurse sharks that like to be stroked. The Exumas stretch from near Nassau until they almost touch Long Island. There are small settlements along the way but what most folks come to see are the unspoiled beaches with dream-like tropical water. Cruising the Exumas requires a good watch on the weather and moving around. The islands offer few protected anchorages. Most of the popular anchorages are exposed to southwest and westerly winds, making them uncomfortable (and possibly unsafe) in some conditions. The deep blue Exuma Sound borders the cays to the east and the shallow and green Great Bahama Bank to the west. You can hop between the two as needed using the many cuts between islands. But be aware: Those cuts [...]

Bahamas: It’s all ours to explore!

Von |2024-04-08T15:37:21+02:00April 8th, 2024|Kategorien: Sailing|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Bahamas: It's all ours to explore! Yesterday we arrived in Long Island Bahamas after a trip of more than 230 NM from Provo, Turks and Caicos. We left the Caicos Banks with just 1m under the keel –it was an adrenaline-pumping sail! Caicos Bank Think of the Caicos Bank as a 60-nm wide, circular, reef-fringed atoll. Water depths on the Bank run from around 6 meters/20 feet to 0 MLW. Proven transit routes carry about 2.4 meters/8 feet. Much of the Bank remains unsurveyed. Whatever the skill level, the prudent sailor will ensure that visual navigation is employed when transiting Turks and Caicos. This means daylight travel only and in sunlight and good weather facilitating bottom reading. The navigation aids are not always reliable and shifting sands and submerged rocks and reefs are just some of the hazards. Tide highs and lows are close to Nassau high and low tides. Sailing the azure waters from Turks and Caicos to Long Island, 🏝️Bahamas at 9/10 knots speed, wind 💨 20 knots , 26 hours fueled by delicious chicken, tomato, and greek cheese wraps crafted by our awesome friend Anette. The captain Torsten at the helm, who stayed awake the whole night, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable journey. Happy to be here! The Bahamas are made up of nearly 700 islands, most of which remain uninhabited. It is sometimes difficult for us to leave beautiful places and set out again and again. But there always remains the expectation of getting to know new and beautiful places. And almost always that is true, especially in the Bahamas. In the afternoon we reached the entrance of Calabash Bay at high tide. Looking out over the sea, it is hard to believe that it is just a narrow channel leading into the bay with sufficient [...]

Nassau: Colonial Splendor, Caribbean Charms, and Cruise Ship Chaos

Von |2024-03-28T12:01:39+01:00März 28th, 2024|Kategorien: Sailing|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Three days in Nassau: admidst its bustling cruise ship industry, we discovered some charming colonial attractions. As Torsten battled the wind alone on , we bid farewell to Anette and Mark, welcoming Laurence and Jaci into our island adventure. In two days in Nassau, you can visit historical sites like Fort Charlotte and Queen's Staircase, explore colonial architecture in downtown, experience local culture at the Straw Market, and unwind at Junkanoo Beach. Discovering Nassau's colonial charm : historic sites, vibrant culture, and a lot of cruise ship tourists crowding the streets, often leading to long lines at popular attractions and a more commercialized atmosphere in some areas. Bye, Bye Nassau! After a stunning sail, we arrived at Highborne Cay in the Exumas under the cloak of nightfall. Thank you @ Margaritaville Beach Resort for having us!

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