Rough Weather In Paradise
26 October 2008
• West End, Grand Bahama
by Clear but windy from the north
Until this trip pretty much all of my cruising was in light weather (except for that wild sailing trip with Matt from San Carlos, Mexico and a few other choice sailing experiences). This trip I've had rainy, windy, and/or wavy weather most of the time. It hasn't been easy, but I've definitely gained a lot of experience that will help me considerably in future cruising. We arrived at the Old Bahama Bay marina this afternoon after a hard two-day slog from Grand Cay, where we spent two or three days holed up from more bad weather. Its been cold front after cold front for weeks. Eventually I just had to head out in the rough weather or go stir crazy. The boat can take a lot more than we can. Turns out between 15 and 20 knots is great sailing weather. More than that and things can get nasty. I've had more than my share of high 20s and 30s in the last few weeks. The worst winds sometimes hit in the early mornings. On one occasion my foresail came a bit loose at anchor and was flogging back and forth so hard I thought the boat would shake apart before I got it secured at like 3 in the morning in howling winds. Try getting back to sleep after that. But we made it to West End and I'm docked at a marina for the first time ever. Another night rocking and rolling at anchor was too much. It's so still here. Feels great. No need to dingy ashore in rough conditions. We just step up to the dock. I had dinner at the restaurant. Fried Snapper, fresh veggies, and peas and rice. Internet. Bathrooms and showers a short walk away. Laundry machines and dryers close at hand. Heaven. I'm stuck in this place for perhaps another 3 or 4 days before we get a window to cross back to Florida.
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