We went to bed last night at 2030 and had the alarm set for 2300. I slept off and on. Jorge didn't. We readied the boat for the crossing, putting away things that had shaken loose earlier in the day, doned the personal beacons, lift jackets and tethering harness.

We weighed anchor around 2330 and headed out of No Name Harbour for the second time that day! The winds were light, less than 10 kts and the seas around 2', just as predicted. Cloud 9 followed close behind us. The rest of the boats left between 0130 and 0200. The couple who hosted the happy hour last night claimed this was their 16th crossing. She organized an hourly check in, taking positions from each boat and broadcasting any updates on ships (on AIS, automated identification system) and taking questions. In total I think 10 boats made the crossing. We had 3/4 of a moon for most of the night and a sky full of stars. Unfortunately we also had an ocean full of cruise ships and freighters!

Sunrise over the Straits of Florida heading towards Bimini.

Ditto.

 

The crossing was good. We motor sailed the whole way but did have to take the sails down at one point as the wind was coming directly from the stern. The winds started to increase and seas picked up around 0800, the northerlies were coming in earlier than predicted. We got to Bimini, Bahamas around 0900 and motored up the channel to a marina and got into a slip by 0930. We were quite impressed with the colour of the water leading into Bimini - a deep, deep blue and then of course the turquoise waters in the harbour. Truly it is just like in the pictures - you can see to the bottom with no problem!

The weather was cloudy first thing in the morning but then cleared and we had blue skies, temp 23C and a fairly breezy but very enjoyable day !

Approaching Bimini, Bahamas.

Channel into Bimini.

Approaching Brown's Marina.

 

We filled out the paperwork and Jorge checked us in, returning to the boat by 1130 in time for breakfast albeit a tad late. Some of the other cruisers were celebrating with beer but we figured one beer would be the end of us so we held off. Jorge did take a nap but I decided to walk into Alice Town and do some sightseeing.

The quarantine flag awaiting Customs and Immigration clearance

CS'ta Time in her slip at Brown's Marina.

Jorge hoisting the Bahamian flag with HYC's burgee.

Our marina was located here.

Next town up the island but one starts where the other one ends.

The beaches of North Bimini on the Straits of Florida side.

Just a tree skeleton.

Street entrance to Brown's Marina.

Turquoise water under CS'ta Time.

The rest of the afternoon was spent socializing and just hanging out. After two nights of very little sleep that was the most we could muster. I think we are staying here in the marina for another day and heading out on Tuesday. That will give us time to catch up on some zzzz's and be tourists. Besides the weather is looking good for anchoring on the banks for the night and that's something I want to do.

This one is for you Donna and John.

 



I'm using the marina's internet but will start investigating communication options soon.

Needless to say bedtime is going to be very early tonight!