We went to the Bahamas with the kids (grown up) in May of 2008 for 2 weeks. Titusville, FL down ICW to Lake Worth for first two days. Next day left 3:00 AM to West End, Bahamas.Dark night, no moon, so dark you only knew where the horizon was by where the stars ended. Calm seas and no wind so we motored across. Sunrise was beautiful and trolled the hand lines on the approach to the Bahamas. Arrived West End about Noon.
Decided to make our way up Indian Rocks Channel towards Mangrove Cay . Very shallow in Indian Rocks channel - we bumped once. Would not recommend for boats over 4'. We draw 4' 8". Made Mangrove Cay at about 3:00 PM. Saw 6 water spouts on way over. None touched down on us.
Anchored Mangrove Cay for first night. Wind picked up and swung around and had to reset anchor but no issues. Next day sailed to Great Sale Cay. Went ashore and explored and visited nice beach on West side of Cay. Next day set out for Spanish Cay. Great wind on the beam - all the canvas up and made over 7 knots. Living the dream that day.
Made Spanish Cay and checked in with Customs.Nice Marina but we wanted to anchor. Wind was onshore so we went across the bay to Cooperstown and anchored. Good holding and 12' of water. Went ashore and ate at a local restaurant - great cracked conch. Matt had some great BBQ from a local cooking in an oil drum. Next day on to Green Turtle Cay. Anchored in White Sound and spent next few days exploring, gathering conch, snorkeling and enjoying the beautiful beaches and people of Green Turtle Cay.
Weather window was getting a little short so we headed North to Manjack Cay the next day. Great snorkeling, pole speared my first fish and had free internet compliments of the two family residents on the island.
Next day another great sail to Great Sale Cay. Met up with three other boats and decided to leave at 7:30 PM towards White Sand Shoals and then across to FT. Pierce. Winds continued to build across Abaco Sound and created some chop but made the banks about 4:00 AM. 4-6 foot swell in the stream but good wind on the port aft quarter (15-20 kn). Sailed on until about 10:30 AM and when wind started to back around so we fired up the iron Jenny. Nice clear blustery day and made FT. Pierce about 3:00 PM. Tide was ripping in so we made it through the inlet lickedy split. Hey - we made it! Anchored just off Harbortown Marina and went in to the marina for supplies and chowed down on a seafood feast and drinks. Next day was North on the ICW to Cocoa Beach at Cocoa Village and anchored for the night. Next day to Titusville and we were home.
Great trip - can't wait to go back for a longer period. Jazz out.
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