North thru Eleuthra into Abacoe

Sat May 30th-Royal Island Eleuthra

Favorable east winds find us off early to make our way north thru what is refferred to as the minefield. This stretch of shallow water is dotted with coral heads so needs to be transited with good sun. These corals look like they are very close to the surface but in reality the water is so clear that it probably is an illusion. Just the same we dodge around any we encounter. A great day of sailing under full sail with lots of exciting fishing. We didn't expect to catch much but after the 9th huge barracuda (kept the only one that was under 30") finally gave up fishing. Had hoped for a snapper as we have found these in this area on other trips. Anchored late afternoon in the harbor at Royal Island for a quiet night.
   Sun- Spent a relaxing day wandering the island and enjoying the beach. For happy hour we were invited aboard Echo Echo along with friends aboard Pearl and enjoyed the company of Niel and Jean sailing out of Australia.

Monday June 1st- off to Abacoe

    With lite winds and a gently rolling sea we set off early to cross the open waters of th NE Providence Channel along with 6 other boats. Motor sailed all day to arrive at Lynard Cay, Abacoe in  time for cocktails. Fished all day with the only action being a huge Mahi that had the reel screaming as it jumped and danced along the water before coming free. Was exciting to watch this great show by such a colorful fish.

Tues-Wed Marsh Harbor

   With unsettled weather expected for the next few days we took advantage of sunny skies and lite wind to motor sail north to the protection of Marsh Harbor. Errands of banking,shopping for fresh veggies,a stop for a case of our favorite rum to bring home (Fire in da hole), and a visit to the seafood wholesaler for conch and lobster meat(no shell) for the freezer kept us occupied for a couple of rainy days. At least we were able to fill our water tanks as water is an expensive commodity and the rain has been rare lately.

Thurs- Fri, June 4th and 5th- Treasure Cay
   With more cloudy rainy weather on the horizon we sail between showers to the anchorage at Treasure Cay.  We find ourselves anchored among 6 British and South African boats that have gathered there prior to heading to the southern latitudes as a group. Listening to stories of sailing in Cuba by Dave and Emma aboard Five Flip Flops.has Chris chomping at the bit to head there soon.

Sat Manjack Cay
   The sun has returned and we head north thru the tricky Don't Rock passage at high tide to anchor in the cove at Manjack. A ride ashore to say hello to the islands  owners Bill and Leslie whom we met on our first trip then a hike to the ocean beach for a swim.

Sun-Allens-Pensacola Cay
   Lite east winds as we sail northand anchor in the protected cove at Allans. Fished along the way but as usual only 2 big barracuda which I released.

Mon-Great Sale Cay
    We had been planning on spending time visiting some of the islands of the northern Abacoes that we normally miss but once again plans change.  Settled weather and the need to get back to Fl to see my Dr re neck problems has us heading home. Motor sail to the anchorage at Great Sail Cay catching a few more barracuda along the way.  

Tues- A sunny morning with light winds led to a day of dodging squalls as we motor west. Managed to stay dry as we anchored mid day at Mangrove Cay. An afternoon dingy ride rewarded us with many huge turtles, a 6 ft shark and lots of fish.

Wed- Woke to a thunderstorm so we waited until 10 AM for it to pass. As we head west more Squalls kept popping up and just as I thought I had shirted around them using the radar a new one would pop up. We probably went 6 miles out of our way by doing this but we finally broke out of the clouds as we approached West End and our anchorage. Stayed mostly dry inside our full enclosed cockpit but the big worry was other boat traffic. We are on a well traveled route and visibility at times was near zero.