Seeing a small weather window, we decided to make a big jump over to The Exumas.
The North American mainland is the driving force behind winter weather in the Bahamas. When a cold front drops down, winds spins around, picks up strength and blow for for days. These systems are called “northers” and can last for days with sustained 15-25 knot winds and stronger gusts. The good news is they are predictable and with careful planning you can find places to hide. Hiding from wind in paradise with sunny skies, temperatures in high 70’s low to 80’s with no humidity is a so much better than a snowstorm.
After researching and learning about the Bahamian weather patterns, our plan has been to go as far south as we can as fast as we can to take advantage of better cruising conditions. We will explore all the nooks and crannies of the beautiful islands and cays on our way back north. This plan will give the weather in north and central Bahamans a chance to calm down and become better for cruising and stopping. The tricky part is getting south, so when we see a weather window, we move!
During one of these runs, we got caught in a squall. It was short lived and did not bring much rain but the winds were well out of our comfort zone. Although, Three Sons could handle the strong gust fine, and thankfully all the equipment we have on board, Tracy found herself on the flybridge couch with headphones on, eyes closed and praying. Hopefully, that will be our one and only experience being caught in those conditions.
So far, our preparations for “off the grid” living have been working. Even with 300 gallons of water on board, we have been mindful of being conservative. Our solar has been keeping up with our needs, but have learned we do need sunny days to stay ahead. Starlink keeps us connected, we are not ready to be total nomads.
Once again, we were blessed to catch some stunning sunrises and sunsets. While anchored in Highborne Cay, we dinghied over to Iguana Beach to spot the many iguanas strolling on the fine white sand. We also managed another visit with Wille Dawes! A great thanks to Dan for quickly retrieving Tracy’s forgotten phone their boat and an A+ hand over to us on the dinghy.
Segment Stats
- Great Harbour Cay, BS to New Providence/West Bay/Clifton Bay, BS
- Friday, January 26, 2024
- Cruising Time: 10 hours 12 minutes
- 72.1 Nautical Miles
- Weather: Temperatures 79, Winds: ESE and W 13-18 knots, Seas 3-5 feet Wind speed and direction along with sea state was safe to travel, but certainly no smooth or comfortable.
- Anchored at West Bay/Clifton Bay Great protection from strong NE winds.
- West Bay/Clifton Bay, BS to Highborne Cay, BS
- Saturday, January 27, 2024
- 46.6 Nautical Miles
- Cruising Time: 6 hours 47 minutes
- Weather: Temperatures 75, Winds: SE and W 10-14knots Wind speed and direction that was safe to travel, better than yesterday but once again certainly no smooth or comfortable.
- Anchored at West Beach 1.
- Highborne Cay, BS to Exuma Land and Sea Park, BS
- Sunday, January 28, 2024
- Cruising Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- 23.1 Nautical Miles
- Route: crossed over to using Highborne Cay Cut and cruised in the Exuma Sound. The Exuma Sound has much deeper water than the Bahama Bank making cruising conditions different. We saw water over 3000 feet deep. At one point, we went from 1000 feet to 50 feet in two minutes.
- Weather: Temperatures 78, Winds: SSE 13-15 knots, Sunny, Seas 3-4 feet
- Anchored at Exuma Land and Sea Park HQ/Waderick Cay