December 12, 2014
We have arrived in the Bahamas after crossing the Gulf Stream from Miami.
As planned, we departed Coconut Grove at 1430 on Thursday (12/11). We like to leave so we can exit Biscayne Bay and start to get away from the coast before it gets dark. After transiting across Biscayne Bay and out the Biscayne Bay Channel, we set a current sailing course for West End on Grand Bahama. Because of the strong Gulf Stream (up to 3 knots) you must allow for the current in your course, essentially aiming somewhat 'upstream'. There are calculations that help to determine your best course, but in the end it is always a bit of trial and error.
Wind was light and variable, so this was primarily a motoring trip. This was not a particularly fast crossing, but we were taking off speed for almost half of the trip to delay our arrival until after the marina opened and we still arrived too early. The wind picked up a bit about 10 miles from West End, but at that point we were really trying to slow up so as not get to the Old Bahama Bay Marina too early.
We still arrived at 0830 on Friday before any dock staff were on duty. We temporarily docked on the seawall to await the opening of the marina and customs. This docking was probably the most exciting part of the trip with a moderate wind blowing off the dock. With no assistance from the dock to handle lines, this is a relatively difficult maneuver, but after a couple unsuccessful attempts to get a line around a piling we finally snagged one. Luckily, we had plenty of room.
After clearing customs and immigration, we moved to our slip. Catching up on sleep and cleaning the boat after a month of Miami birds topped the activities list.
On Monday or Tuesday we will continue on to Great Sale Cay and then Green Turtle Cay, where we will spend some time. We had planned to be in Marsh Harbour by Christmas, but it seems we rarely spend holidays where we thought we would. We may or may not make it - that is the cruising life - you can sail or you can have schedule,but you can't have both!
Tom
Docked Old Bahama Bay
West End, Grand Bahama
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