Makai

2/29/08 to 3/9/08
Our passage from Big Sand was relatively uneventful other than some early morning squalls. With the island still shrouded in clouds, we caught our first glimpse of the lush, mountainous terrain of the Dominican Republic. Our destination was the marina at Ocean World (the DR’s version of Sea World.)
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2/28/08

Taking advantage of a short weather window, we decided to depart South Caicos, stopping at Big Sand Cay for a few hours, and then continue on to the Dominican Republic. Arriving at Big Sand by mid afternoon, we were able to explore the small island and enjoy an early dinner prior to our departure at [...]

2/25/08 to 2/28/08
Morning brought mostly sunny skies, but within hours, the scattered puffy, white clouds had coalesced into a moderate cloud cover. Heading warnings of approaching the Ambergris Cays in these conditions (coral heads & reefs abound), we altered our destination & headed east towards Six Hill Cay. The uninhabited ‘cay’ is actually two [...]

2/20/08 to 2/25/08

Unfortunately the forecast for light, easterly winds did not come to fruition negating our attempt to sail from Mayaguana to Providenciales (Provo). On a close reach (pinching at times), we motorsailed into 15 -20 k southeasterly winds & 5-8 ft. seas. Our hope to maintain 7+ knots faded when our port engine overheated [...]

2/14/08 – 2/20/08

We arrived in Abraham’s Bay after a long overnight run from Rum Cay. After securing the boat near the eastern most anchorage area, we spent the next several hours rinsing the boat & doing laundry (the joys of having a watermaker!)
Although not intended, we spent a total of six days at Mayaguana waiting [...]

2/11/08 – 2/14/08

We decided to depart Conception Island earlier then intended when we learned that a strong cold front was heading our way. Continuing south, we sailed towards Rum Cay’s southern coast & the town of Port Nelson. On the day of our arrival, the weather remained stable allowing us an opportunity [...]

2/8/08 to 2/10/08

Today marked a special day for the youngest member of our cruising flotilla, Cody Lanier (S/V Sand Dollar), for it was his 7th birthday. Cody’s special day brought good luck to Steve (S/V Fine Line) who caught his first fish…. a 55 lb Wahoo just a couple of miles off Conception. [...]

2/7/08 to 2/8/08

Our Flotilla Leaving Georgetown
We had a great sail to Calabash Bay at the north end of Long Island. After anchoring, we set off in the dinghy to explore the northern coast near Cape Santa Maria. Steeped in history, the cape is named after Christopher Columbus’ Flagship that allegedly ran aground on [...]