High Winds and a Fast Sail!
23 March 2015 | Green Turtle Cay
Helen
After trying three times last night to find a protected place to anchor, the location off Little Abaco Island was really nice. There was a constant breeze which Mark enjoyed with our cabin hatch open. It was a little rolly but not as bad as the day before. We were up around 7. Mark listened to the Bahama weather channel at 7:45. They were predicting winds 10-15 knots. Mark and Robert replaced the topping lift rope. In the meantime, Chris and I whipped up some GF pancakes with Canadian Maple Syrup, peaches and tangerines as well as the Italian coffee. What a treat! After breakfast Mark and Robert hauled anchor and we left our beautiful anchor spot just off Little Abaco Island. The main sail was reefed due to high winds. We also reefed the jib about half way to Green Turtle Cay. Top sailing speeds of 8.9 knots. Winds were behind the beam as we had a fast sail today. The anchorage was quite full with some mooring balls and the rest were onanchor. We also anchored. Then Mark and Robert took down the dinghy and we all rode to the main dock. Then we went for a walk to the beach, maybe 1/2 mile away. Lots of people riding in golf carts and we asked about the rental prices. It was $35 for 4 hours, but there were not 4 hours left in the day and they didn't offer a smaller timed rental. So, we got our exercise after being on the boat for so many days. We actually stopped at the beach and Mark got in the water and told us how refreshing it was. I was okay putting my feet mostly because there were lots of rocks on the entrance and I didn't bring my snorkel. I eventually got into the water and it was cold but hugely refreshing as the day was very warm. We walked back to the dinghy dock and Mark and Robert filled up the dinghy fuel tank. We all came back to the boat and showered and then we decided to break into our West End coconut. Mark used his power drill to make a hole and we poured out the coconut water and a few more juices and rum and enjoyed them with some fresh ice and appetizers. Not sure if we will bother with dinner tonight. It's so nice and flat here. We will sleep well tonight.