Key West to Nassau

Today (March 15) Reed, John and i departed Key West and headed about 20 miles up the coast to a little anchorage called New Found Harbor.  We started with north winds of 20-25 knots under jib alone.  After a bit we added the double reefed main, which helped considerably to push thru the waves.  And we finished under northeast winds of 10-15.  We motored in the channel.  After stirring up some sand in our reconnaissance, we settled for anchoring in 10-12 feet of water just off the channel.  It was a good day to acclimate the new crew.  Tomorrow we plan to start our overnight passage to the Bahamas. 

Our overnight crossing of the Gulf Stream went well.  In 15 to 20 know winds, under solent jib and full mainsail, we averaged 5 knots again, for 135 nm, arriving at North Cat Cay at about 11am.  We could tell we were near Miami, crossing paths with a lot of cruise ships and tankers.   Best of all, we never had to listen to the engine.  The only blemish for me was when another sailboat appeared behind us in the sunset and proceeded to sail closer to the wind and faster than us, and soon leave us far behind.  Akimbo is no slouch, but the other boat’s performance embarrassed me.  Sorry, Akimbo.  Guess i needed still more humble pie. 

Cat Cay is for rich folk.  As marina customers rather than “guests” or “members,” our access to the island was limited.  When Reed took the bike for a ride he got some questioning looks.  We checked thru customs.   It feels good to have arrived to such beautifully clear and emerald turquoise waters. 

A couple on a Jeaneau 50 pulled into tied up next to us.  They were from England, had crossed the Atlantic to Grenada, and made their way north from there – sort of a mirror image of our Caribbean plans.  I asked if they had any tips.  They said that the islands were lovely and highly individual and too numerous to single one out.  What i should have asked for was more immediate info – like how crossing the Great Bahama Bank went.  We planned to cross it mostly at night but they recommended against that – so we changed our plan and shoved off straight away.  The sailing was delightful up until 6pm when the wind died.  We motored to near Russell shoal and anchored about 15nm from Northwest Channel, where we would exit the Bank.  It was a quiet night.

We woke to overcast skies.  The wind piped up and some rain briefly spat as we finished breakfast dishes.  We weighed anchor, hoisted the jib and sailed.  Soon added the reefed mainsail.  As the wind eased we took the jib down and unrolled the genoa and went to the full mainsail.  Soon rolled up the genoa and hoisted the drifter.  Took the main down…and gave up, taking the drifter down and motoring.  We put the drifter up again when the wind came back.  When it got over 15 knots, we finished the day under the genoa alone.  I think i took too much advantage of having crew for changing sail.  I felt my patience get shorter as we kept chasing the wind changes.  Hopefully i’ll balance better soon. 

A few nights later, the a stiff wind came up from the west and i stood anchor watch the last few hours of the night – with the engine in gear to ease the anchor’s work.  When i consider a 60# anchor dug into a sand bottom and a hundred pounds of chain holding a bucking 35,000# boat!...i am impressed.  Unrolled the genoa and had a RIDE to Nassau.  Where we will pick up our next crew (Kristin and Tyler) and drop off John (Reed continues with us).  Thank you John!  I don’t know if you can appreciate the difference you made by standing your watch on the overnight rides.  And thank you for cheffing…and for your enthusiasm.