The George Town Cruiser's Culture

Awaiting the big blow

As we wait out another northerly blow, it gives me the opportunity to reflect on the George Town cruisers culture. I call it a northerly blow, as opposed to a cold front, because the temperature drops only to the lower 70s, though it is the remains of a cold front from the north.

So this culture of cruisers is made up of over 300 boats who have invaded the Great Exuma Island, made up of a few settlements with George Town being the largest. The cruising boats anchor mostly between the George Town settlement and Stocking Island. Most of the cruiser's events occur on Stocking Island, many near the Chat 'n Chill hamburger bar. Every day starts with the cruisers net broadcast on VHF channel 72 at 0800, from Charisma, another cruising boat. The net is a well-structured broadcast welcoming new arrivals, wishing departing cruisers well, explaining the upcoming events, asking for boaters in need, giving opportunity for trade, allowing local businesses an opportunity to be publicized, and much more.  So after listening to the net we generally jump in the dinghy and head to town or to events happening on Stocking Island.

Some of the events that we have participated in include seminars for cleaning/overhauling outboard carburetors, conch horn building, proper anchoring techniques and cruisers heading south. Other recent events that we have attended or are aware of include water aerobics, yoga, ultimate trivia, Texas Hold'em, volleyball, beach church and talent shows.

The mighty mite

After debating for almost two weeks, we finally purchased a new Yamaha 15 hp, 2 stroke outboard which weighs 5 pounds less. The 8 hp ran perfectly but we felt we were in need of more power. The 1 1/2 mile crossing of Elizabeth Harbour to George Town helped make up our minds. Though the dinghy would get on plane and move pretty well with just the two of us aboard, it was a different story when returning with 20 gallons of water from the Exuma Market dock. After a few days with the new motor we feel we made a great decision. We quickly and easily sold the Tohatsu to 4 nurses aboard Belafante.

Recently we have ventured south, with our new high-flying dinghy motor, looking for snorkeling, conch hunting and lobster-snagging locations. However after journeying for nearly five miles we learned we were within the Moriah Harbour National boundary, which is a no-take zone. Next time we'll venture north. 

Don and Carol with Ruth

We have also reciprocated to friends by hosting a sundowner event onboard Pura Vida. Included were Don and Carol from Isle of Grace and Darrell and Ann from Alibi. We also enjoyed Chat 'n Chill hamburgers for the first time and were surprised at the reasonable cost. During that lunch, at the bar, we visited with a gentleman wearing a uniform top which resembled the Maytag Man. It turns out he is with the Bahamian Defense Force. Not a bad job, just patrolling around in a power boat.  I was most intrigued at his meal selection which included a frozen pina colada. Life is chill in the Bahamas.

Anchored next to Alibi

The solar panel, ordered 3 weeks ago from Amazon, is still in Florida, awaiting possible arrival next week.  My laptop is officially toast but Bryce will be arriving with a new one on March 1. Bryce and Veronica have become our mules since their visit precedes Blake and Chris'.

We are looking forward to the George Town Cruising regatta which will take place February 26 - March 11.  More about that next time. Hopefully today the wind will allow us to deploy the newly turbo powered dink to attend the weekly pig roast at Chat 'n Chill.