Thursday, March 1, 2012

We are Bahama Bound!




Abaco is the sailing capital of the world.
Abaco is the third most populous island
Bahamas Yachtman's dream!
 











Tomorrow morning weather permitting, we will head east over to the Bahamas.  The boat is stocked and sitting lower in the water, we will be spending 6-8 weeks there mostly in the Abacos we may venture deeper into the Exumas, time will tell.  Once we head on out, we will have no cell service or I should say the phone will be shut off unless we need it.  Internet will be spotty at best, unless at a marina that has it.  I will post when I can.
Map of Abaco Bahamas - The Bahamas Guide Vacation and Travel Guide




What to bring?  Well we have 10 cases of beer, a couple cases of wine, lots of juice, soda and tonic water to go with gin, vodka, tequila, rum etc.  Jim has stocked up on scotch 4 yes 4 gallons of scotch, cigars and cigs enough munchy food to go with all the drinks.  Yes we have real food too and 6 cases of water hmmm......... more beer than water?  All the bills paid, taxes done, boat documentation for 2012, re entry sticker, water tanks filled, poop pumped, fueled up and as ready as possible to go!
We will be crossing with at least 6 other looper boats that we know off, though leaving from different places and travelling at different speeds all meeting at the West End to check in with customs and immigrations and spending the night at the Old Bahama Bay Marina.  We have been in contact with most of the other loopers via e-mail and look forward to some face time and of course cocktail hours.


WOW 52 days in Stuart we were getting stir crazy and are happy to finally be moving on. Though I highly recommend Sunset Bay its great, and if you stay long term (1 month or more) as we did, it worked out to be $23.54 per day (inc 50amp service) can't beat that. Jim has done the boat maintenance that was needed and added a couple new things to make life easier, so time was not wasted and the boat has been rearranged to accommodate all the extra stuff we are now carrying.  The laundry is done, but we are hoping to live in swimsuits and flip flops for the next couple of months. 
 Its 80 degrees here today and by Sat/Sunday they say it will get to 88-90 degrees, over on the Abacos its 73 today and Sat/Sunday it is suppose to be 77 PERFECT!!!  Sorry guys I know as I started to update this blog it was snowing at home. (Massachusetts) Here is a bit of information on Abaco Bahamas......................
 

In Abaco, you will find excellent marinas, Bahamas guides and boats for hire as well as a championship golf course, one of seven in The Bahamas -- the others being in Nassau, Freeport, Abaco and Eleuthera.

Abaco is referred to as the sailing capital of the world. Abaco Bahamas has naturally protected waters and dozens of offshore cays covering over 130 square miles of Bahamian aquamarine water.

Abaco Bahamas is the third most populous island in The Bahamas and bears a resemblance to New England from which it attracts so many of its visitors and winter residents -- many who often purchase a second home. Marsh Harbour Abaco is the commercial centre located on Great Abaco.

Home to the famous red and white striped lighthouse, Abaco with its numerous offshore cays and reef protected waters, once served as a safe harbor for British loyalists during the American Revolution. The first settlement on Abaco was Carleton Point, located at the northern end of Treasure Cay a luxury resort development. Carleton was settled in 1783 by 600 Loyalists refugees from New York, fleeing the newly independent United States.

Abaco now serves a more useful purpose as the one of the most favorite destinations among yachtsman the world over. Filled with excellent marinas and boats for hire, not to mention a championship golf course, Abaco truly is a sailor's paradise.

Its two major islands, Great Abaco and Little Abaco, have a myriad of small cays flanking the mainland. The sea channel between the islands allows for good cruising. Abaco, located in the northern Bahamas, typically boats pine forests and is frequented by hunters of wild boar and ducks. Its waters abound with fish, including the marlin and sailfish. It also has bonefishing flats.
Other settlements include its northern cays, such as Walker’s Cay and the Grand Cays; Crown Haven and Fox Town in Little Abaco, and Cooper’s Town on Great Abaco; Green Turtle Cay, Hope Town, Moore’s Island, the tourist resort of Castaways Cay, Great Guana Cay, Cherokee Sound, Little Harbour, Hole-in-the-Wall, Sandy Point, Crossing Rock, Spring City and Man-O-War Cay.
 

3 comments:

Dave Gibson said...

Have a great trip! Take a lot of photos, like I do. You have so much hooch on board that you may not remember much of your adventures otherwise! :)

Bob and Denise said...

Good luck on your crossing. I am sure you will have no problems except when you have to leave the Bahamas. Have fun in the sun and sand

Bob & Lynda said...

Sounds like you are more than ready, although I might have added another gallon of scotch (and what about the rum)!! Fair winds and smooth seas, hope our paths cross again.