Makai

1/27/08 to 2/7/08
Timing our exit through Rudder Cut, we weighed anchor before dawn & began motoring south towards Georgetown. While underway, Fred caught 1 ½ Spanish mackerel & the attention of a very large barracuda. Shortly thereafter, we sighted Jan & Dave (S/V Zing) enjoying a leisurely sail south (making 2.5k.) On approach, [...]

1/26/08
In preparation for our ‘jump’ down to Georgetown, we motored south to Rudder Cut Cay, passing the notoriously private islands of Cave & Musha Cays along the way. Known to accomodate the rich & famous, cruisers are not welcomed & will be harassed upon dropping anchor nearby. Appreciating the beautiful, crystal blue waters surrounding [...]

1/24/08 to 1/26/08
On our way to the settlement of Black Point (Great Guana Cay), we stopped at Bitter Guana Cay, another protected habitat for the Bahamian Dragons (aka: iguanas). After anchoring the boat in a shallow bay, we swam into the beach where we were greeted by a dozen or so iguanas. Coming prepared, [...]

1/22/08
After leaving Warderick Wells, we enjoyed a great sail to Big Majors Spot & Staniel Cay. Joining us on the trip south were Preston, Chennie & their friend Stephanie aboard S/V WyEast, who took photos of us sailing under single reef towards Staniel Cay.
Makai Under Sail (single reef in main – close hauled)

As we approached [...]

1/17/08 to 1/22/08

Just a short jump to the south is Warderick Wells, headquarters for the Exuma Land & Sea Park. The park encompasses 176 square miles & more than a dozen cays. Known for great snorkeling & hiking, we planned on spending several days exploring the island. The cay has [...]

1/16/08 1/17/08
After spending the morning walking the beach & visiting with fellow cruisers, we sailed south towards Shroud Cay in brisk easterly winds. Shroud is an uninhabited cay protected by the Bahamas National Trust & known for it’s shallow tidal mangrove channels, which serve as a nursery & unique marine habitat. Upon our arrival, we [...]

1/15/08 – 1/16/08
By 8 AM on Tuesday, we were headed east with a swarm of other cruisers. Our destination was Highborne Cay, approximately 40 miles southeast of Nassau. After anchoring & ensuring the boat was secure, we launched the dinghy and headed north to Allen’s Cay, which is home to an endemic subspecies of iguana, [...]

1/12/08 to 1/15/08
Atlantis Resort & Marina

We set off early the next morning with our course now set for Nassau. We’ve never had any great desire to visit this famous cruise-port destination, but the need for a replacement shackle & a new digital camera (our 1 month old camera went for a swim with [...]

1/11/2008
Anchoring behind the Northwest Shoal (what do you see… water!)

Early on the 11th, the winds finally veered to the south & we were off, heading east across the Great Bahama Bank. After navigating the narrow cut & shoals around the eastern shore of Cat Cay, we raised the main sail and [...]