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Published: January 27th 2011
Message in a Bottle
We have never done this before but our friend George on Trumpeter prompted us to do it based on his experience.Our night crossing of the Banks was sublime. In the middle of the Gulf Stream we launched a meesage in a bottle with a smile for George on Trumpeter in hopes he will find it! As day turned to night we had a full moon, wind in the sails, seas slight...GREAT. Some folks ZOOMED out of Miami and reached Mackie Shoal well ahead of us but then anchored in what we thought was not smooth enough conditions. We sailed on with another boat that decided to just sail it. Speeds fluctuated from lows less than 4 knots but substantial parts well over 6 knots and comfortable. We always reef at night preferring comfort and safety to speed. Tuned in Chris Parker at 0630 and he carried an alert for high winds from the west (both SW and NW)during the weekend tyo be followed by strong easterlies. We could handle the westerlies in Andros... but strong east winds could pin us down. Scratch your head time to figure out a plan.
We opted to sail on to Andros and check in there. Usually there is a chance to find the authorities in Morgan's Bluff and you are not required to make
North rock and Bimini
As you near the Banks you see Bimini and look for the light that is north of the island. the trip to the airport. We like Andros and in Morgan's Bluff you don't have to use a marina. No dock fee and the kitties do not go AWOL nor require being shut up on the boat. Today we had swift check in but not without a few bumps. The customs agent at the dock didn't have the correct forms and needed to check in 3 ships so no time to go get them. She gave us a ride to the airport (in a red pick up truch and Christian bumped along in the back!) to check in but we needed to hail a taxi for the return run ($25). Two of the three agents were friendly and helpful, and the other wanted to flex her "I am in charge" muscle. How long your permit lasts is always an issue as they are inconvenient to renew. You have to go in person and it must be within 24 hours of its expiration date, not before. You never know just where you will be and PREFER the longest term possible. This time we only really needed 90 days or a bit less. She wanted to give us 50 days. We have
North Rock
It isn't very big but a BIG leap onto the Banks and a lovely adventutre in the Bahamas! never heard of a permit that was not in multiples of 30 (30, 60, 90, 120, etc). She informed us with an attitude that it is ENTIRELY HER discretion up to 8 months. We had to pull out the honey jar of sweet behavior to plead for 90 days. When she saw her colleague had approved that for Customs she followed suit, but it was close.
We hurried back to I Wanda with all the necessary paperwork and up'ed anchor and are now underway for Nassau. Sails are still full and we should make the harbor entrance by 6 pm. We can find anchoring space there if the winds are nasty and can get South easier from Nassau than East from Andros if the winds will be easterly for a while. There is a chance I can find WiFi service for the SSCA Board meeting on Thursday morning in Nassau-- not likely in Fresh Creek or Middle Bight!
The water is still amazing. Makes you want to jump right in. Sometimes a clear turquoise and at other times a cool green-blue. Deep water is indigo. Crystal clear so you can see things easily on the bottom in 25 foot depths.
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jules & Carol
non-member comment
Finally
Nice hearing from/about the doings of you two strangers.