December 11, 2012
We are currently docked at Weech's Dock in Bimini, Bahamas after crossing from the US on Sunday 12/9.
Our crossing of the Gulf Stream was OK. The wind was 8-12 knots from the SSE putting the wind fairly high on the bow requiring us to motorsail. The waves were 2-3 feet as we left the Biscayne Bay channel but sharp and confused leading to a fairly bumpy ride and a few waves over the side deck. Fortunately as we left soundings (depth readable by a depth sounder) the waves settled down to a comfortable 2 feet.
As we were close on the wind, we were limited in how far south we could point; that plus dodging a couple of freighters put us about 5 miles north of our desired course about 15 miles from Bimini. This slowed us down significantly as we then had to motor into the opposing current to make our way back south. The gulf stream, even at its eastern edge near Bimini, is a formidable force to be reckoned with in a sailboat.
We cleared immigration and customs without any problem although we were only granted a 100 day stay - we had hoped for 180. This will require us to request an extension as this stay nears its end. The extensions are typically granted, but it is a nuisance to have to coordinate a visit to immigration within a window of a few days.
Our stay in Bimini has so far been consumed by cleaning the boat and getting a Bahamas (BaTelCo) data phone. It took us most of the afternoon to get it working, both as a phone and providing connectivity to our computers. The people at BaTelCo were very nice and special mention goes to the 'computer lady' to whom we were referred by BaTelCo. She was trying to help us get the SIM card working in an air card which included a 'house call' to our boat. Final kudos, however, goes to Joyce who got the phone working as a wireless access point - a perfect solution!
We had originally planned to leave Bimini on Wednesday or Thursday, but with an approaching cold front we may stay until the weekend or early next week - we are not on any schedule at this point.
Tom
Docked at Weech's Dock
North Bimini, Bahamas
2012-13 Cruise
2-3 foot waves sounds a bit nerve-wracking to me. Hopefully it was not in the dark! Happy Holidays to both of you. Christmas in the Bahamas sounds marvelous! Don't forget to shovel that sand and scrape that sunblock all over!
ReplyDeleteAll the O'Neil's
Huntleigh Ave.
Fayetteville, NY