February 26, 2014


List of boats visiting Chat and Chill in 2014, George Town, Bahamas.

 

February 27, 2014

We got up at 0500, weighed anchor and left Fowl Cay at 0615. It was getting light out but the sun had not actually risen. We motor sailed in about 13 to 15 kts of wind and 2' seas. Jorge decided to fish and was successful in catching one! Oh boy, now what do we do? We checked the charts that we had on fish and couldn't identify it. Jorge gutted it anyhow but kept the head and tail on so we could ask someone what kind it was and if it was okay to eat.

Any two sailboats going in one direction is a race! (boats going back to George Town.)

Jorge's first catch.

We rounded Cape Santa Maria at the top end of Long Island where the winds picked up to 16 - 18 kts. So much for the 7 - 9 kt winds! The angle was good though and we were able to sail almost to Rum Cay arriving and setting anchor at 1600.

The anchorage was quite open to the ocean swells and quite rolly. There were three other sailboats in the anchorage.

February 28, 2014

After breakfast we decided to leave the harbour because it was too rolly last night and go to the marina (abandoned) and take a slip. The route into the marina required me at the bow of the boat keeping watch and Jorge skillfully navigating through the rocks and coral heads!

Rum Cay was celebrating Rum Cay Day so we took part. A local car stopped and offered us a ride into town but the car was full. No problem, she popped the trunk and Jorge and I got in! During the opening ceremonies the minister was blessing the activities. It just didn't feel right bowing our heads in prayer, holding onto a bottle of beer!

Sitting in the trunk, dangling our feet over the back.

Rum Cay.

Rum Cay festivities.

 

The mail boat arrived shortly after the festivities began, bringing a number of people from San Salvador to the Cay, so it was one big party.

Mail boat arriving.

Manual unloading of mail boat (beer first!)

Back at CS'ta Time, a local identified the fish Jorge caught yesterday as a Blue Jack fish which was edible so he finished cleaning it and fed the head and tail to the sharks. I pan fried the fish and it was delicious.

Feeding the sharks in the marina.

 

Unfortunately the mosquitoes and no see ums drove us inside. We were in bed early anticipating an early start tomorrow.

March 1, 2014

We left Rum Cay marina shortly after 0700. After successfully navigating the rocks and coral heads againt we left the harbour at 0745. The destination was Crooked Island. The weather was not as predicted. The winds were a steady 17 - 18 kts with a few guests to 22.8. The prediction was for 10 - 13 kts. 3 foot seas when in reality they were 5+. Ouch! At least the directions for both were good. We motor sailed to Crooked Island, battling a current, so we got in later than anticipated. We set anchor at 1900.

Sunset approaching Crooked Island.

 

March 2, 2014

It was a bumpy night. Jorge actually got out of the V-berth and slept in the main salon as he found it too bumpy sleeping there.

After breakfast Jorge transferred the diesel from the jerry cans into the boat's tank. We then had lunch, lowered the dinghy and went to town. We were quite impressed with the community. Wonderfully kept lawns, no garbage around and super friendly people.

Crooked Island.

Jorge tapping into local internet.

Second sunset at Crooked Island.

We went back to CS'ta Time, had dinner, had a leisurely evening and turned in around 2200.

March 3, 2014

We are hunkered down in Crooked Island. We arrived here two days ago. Winds are strong - to 20 kts and east/southeast. Just what we don't need - right on the nose! Oh well, Pittstown and Landrail Settlement are wonderful little communities. We found WIFI at the Pittstown Resort so we are doing blogging and downloading the grib files (weather). The winds are supposed to continue strong for another couple of days so I guess we will wait.

While Jorge was tying up the dinghy, I waited by the road. A local lady asked if she could help us out with anything. I nonchalantly asked how far to the resort. We wanted to have lunch there and use the internet. To make a long story short, she graciously gave us a ride to the resort (2 miles) and stopped half way there at a house. She told us to go to the house and introduce ourselves. It turned out the gentleman was from Trenton and was a sailor! He invited us back to his house this afternoon.

While having lunch the table next to us had a party of four and one couple was the owner of the resort(from North Carolina) who had just flown in to check on things. Nice man and wonderful wife.

Time now to download the gribs. Chau!