Bahamas Bound
January 9
Our plan was to sail the 70 miles or so directly to Mackey Shoals where 2600’ ocean depth transitions to 16’ of water in a matter of miles. We did not want to sail at night due to shoals, rocks etc. We’d drop anchor a half mile off the safe passage line to stay out of way or other passage boats, spend the night and continue on to Great Harbour Cay.
Our Chicago friends, Bill and Mary Witkewicz were flying into Ft Lauderdale to make the passage with us. We met Bill and Mary through Lake Forest Sailing - their daughter Carolyn and our son Andrew sailed together on the LFHS sailing team.
After a brief safety meeting, followed by captain’s hour and dinner we retired to bed knowing we had an early wakeup call.
January 10
At 5:45 we pulled up anchor in Sunrise Bay and headed for the Sunrise Blvd bridge’s 6am opening. Safely through the next two bridges - Las Olas and 17th Street we were on our way as the sun came up.
Anchor aweigh 5:30am
One happy captain.
January 11
Caught a fish the first day out!
Anchored in open ocean, half mile off the recommended route line to avoid passage boats coming through the night.
January 12
We raised our yellow quarantine flag and had a good nights sleep on anchor just off Great Harbour Cay. Next morning Ken took the dingy into the marina office/customs office for customs clearance. He had our passports and completed Click to Clear Form for the agent. Ken waited a few hours for the agent to arrive and was advised by the marina staff that this agent typically liked to see the boat. Ken elected to return to Bistari, bring her into the marina to reduce the chance the customs agent would run out of time as the clearance line was growing.
Happily, we were cleared by 2pm.
With 30kts to 45kt winds forecasted, we opted to anchor in a well-protected cove on the opposite side of the island.
January 13
Enjoyed a nice lunch at the Beach Club, on the beach just in front of Bistari’s anchorage. Our plan was to walk the 2 miles into town. After emerging out of the thicket onto a road we became directionally challenged and asked a truck passing by which way was town. He offered to drive us which was very kind! The small town consisted of a grocery store, liquor store, church, police station and customs office. After a stop in the grocery and liquor store we began our walk home. Very soon after we began a lovely lady stopped and asked us if we would like a ride. Gratefully we accepted.
January 14
Planning to stay aboard today as winds are 35 to 45 kts.
Equipment worked like a dream
So long Witkewicz. Looking forward to our next sailing adventure together.
#1 Mackey Shoals to #2 Great Harbour Cay for customs check in and then leisurely hop our way down to #3 Nassau.
Welcome aboard Mary and Bill Witkewicz.
Always appreciate the extra crew!
Sunrise Blvd Bridge
First of three bridges to clear.
Planning the next day’s sail.
Red Snapper for dinner. Apologies for the blood, we’re still perfecting our processing routine.
Protected cove for heavy winds. Bistari is the red arrow.
