Sleigh Ride from Long Island to George Town.

West bound with a rising sun

The 0630 alarm was followed by the 0640 tardy bell on Wednesday. The boys were gone and it was time to turn the boat NW toward home.  I ignited the stove to perk some Joe, checked the weather apps, turned on the instruments and went into the cockpit to check things out. We had a brief shower during the early morning and dark clouds lingered in the direction we were headed. At that moment I had second thoughts about leaving; however, we were low on water and potable water in Long Island was only to be had in expensive one gallon jugs. We waited another 30 minutes before pulling up anchor around 0715. The winds were expected to be 15-17 knots throughout the day from the east and would be on our broadside, at approximately 120° off the bow. We headed west until we cleared Indian Hole Point, from Thompson Bay, then changed our course to WNW, toward George Town. Let the sleigh ride begin. When Blake and Chris flew away yesterday I felt they had received the true cruiser experience.  Now I feel that I cheated them, in that they did not experience this down hill sleigh ride.  Under sail alone we bounced between 5.5 - 6.7 knots most of the day.  This is the sailing we have been waiting for.  The fish wacker zinged twice, then stopped quickly with no results.  I believe Blake and Chris might have removed the hooks from the lures.  The waves started small building to about 5 or 6 feet before reaching Middle Rocks Channel leading us into Elizabeth Harbour.

Winged sails fully deployed.

Once we reached George Town, we dropped the anchor at about 1300 in Kidds Cove on the town side.  We needed water and made 3 wet dinghy rides to the dock to secure approximately 75 gallons, in our 5 gallon jerry cans.  This was quite a workout as they weigh about 40 lbs. each.  On the third trip we made one last stop at Sonia's Conch Shack and the Exuma Market gathering minimal supplies.  After returning to the boat the winds had increased to about 20 knots as expected, so we pulled up anchor and headed north towards Stocking Island.  We dropped anchor at 1800 near our usual anchoring spot off Monument Beach.

It seems the Corona Virus concerns have finally reached the Bahamas.  Though Sonia stated that "God's will shall be," the government is starting to step in and close establishments where people gather, such as restaurants.  The Exuma Market is still open but to be safe we've stocked up pretty well for the upcoming weeks and travel.  I might have to get serious with the fish wackers and pole spear.

Southbound sailboat

Our current plans are to head north (toward home) probably Sunday.  Of course we have several weeks of travel in front of us.  The winds are predicted to blow steadily near 20 knots for the next couple days.  Though it is blowing in a favorable direction, east, we'll have to enter the Great Exuma Bank from the Exuma Sound through a small cut, probably Galliot, which can be quite dicey.  With an outgoing tide opposing an easterly wind, the cuts into the Bank can become quite dangerous; thus, we'll take no chances and wait for lesser winds and an incoming tide.  For now we wait.

Overtaken by a fueling ship.

Sonia's became a favorite stop