April 22nd- Little Farmers Cay
Decided that if we are to make Georgetown in time for regatta we need to move on. Motor south into wind and chop only getting to Little Farmers. Picked up mooring and bought a dozen cleaned conk from locals for $24.
Tues April 23rd- Lee Stocking Island
The research center at Lee Stocking has been a favorite stop and on a sad note we found it abandoned and being looted by the locals. From the extensive facilities it appears that in its day this was a bustling operation. We picked up a mooring in the harbor and spent the afternoon exploring the abandoned grounds. A visit from Jeff and Sue on a neighboring boat bearing a gift of a couple meals of fresh Mahi topped off a pleasant day.
Wed-on to Georgetown
With winds from a favorable nne direction we head outside to move south in the open ocean waters. A rough exit thru Rat Cay cut turned into a sporty sail under reefed main and jib. Exciting fishing thru the day first bringing a big bull mahi(also known as dorado or dolphin fish) alongside only to loose it trying to set the gaff. Next brought a long battle with what turned out to be a 6ft 8in billfish. Not sure if it is a sword or sailfish but since it was dead by the time we got it in we kept it. Normally these fish are released unharmed so we felt bad keeping such a prized sportfish. Soon after followed another mahi, not nearly as big as the first but at least we got this one aboard. The great part of this battle was seeing at least 3 other Mahi follow our catch right to the boat. I had read about this but to actually see these colorful fish in the crystal clear waters was fantastic.
Prior to anchoring at Monument beach among the crowd of other cruisers we stopped outside the anchorage to clean our catch so as not to attract sharks inside the anchorage. Since we now have more fish than we can possibly freeze a dingy ride around to our new neighbors passing out gifts of fresh fish was greeted with enthusiasm and many thanks.
My greatest catch yet
Family Islands Race Week
Thurs thru Sun
The races at Georgetown attract over 50 traditional Bahamian sloops from all around the Bahamas. Four days of racing in 4 classes along with major partying ashore late into each evening makes for a fun filled week.
The dingy ride to town is a long wet ride with the strong winds each day but on Thurs we braved the trip to shop for much needed veggies and enjoy watching a few races while imbibing in a few local beers.
Fri once again brought brisk winds and exciting sailing. We dingyed to the windward mark along with numerous spectator boats both large and tiny where we were close to the action. Later we spent the evening on the beach enjoying music supplied by local cruisers.
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| dueling A class racers |
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| Beach party |
Saturday once again brought sunny skies with a brisk wind. We joined a group of about 50 cruisers for a water taxi ride across the harbor to enjoy the final evening of festivities. The Bahamians really know how to party with thousands jamming the waterfront of this tiny town. The final race of the series was run in 20 kt winds and was followed by a parade and concert by the Royal Nassau Police Band. This was quite a sight with the members dancing in the street decked out in their finery which included leopard skins for the drum corps.
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| Nassau police band-dancing in the street |
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| Island freighter taking a load of racers home |
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| Class A boats at the final finish |
The rest of the week has found us wandering about exploring the island, biking on the mainland, doing housekeeping chores-hauling water and fuel, groceries and propane. A dingy raft up for cocktails and appetizers on Mon. was great fun with about 20 boats drifting thru the anchorage. By Thurs many of the cruisers have left for both points north and also a group heading south to summer below the hurricane belt.
Thurs evening we had friends Rick and Carla from Euphoria over for cocktails then headed in to Peace and Plenty resort for barbecue and a band around the pool.
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| Another perfect beach- stocking Island, ocean side |
Friday- Sat
More great weather, took advantage of wifi, Rick & Carla stopped and had cocktails late afternoon. On Sat we rented a car together and toured the islands of Great and Little Exuma and Barratare. Big lunch at Da-spot in Barratare. Topped off the evening with cocktails aboard Euphoria.
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