Cruising on Ondine

From our anchorage at Norman Cay to Nassau is 41 nautical miles (47.2 road miles to the landlubber!). We could talk on the phone when were were about 10 or 15 miles away from Nassau.

We spoke to Albert several times to coordinate where we would go if we anchored or if we went to a slip. The reports on anchoring in the harbour are unnerving, especially if you do not have an engine. The holding is poor. There is significant current, and little protection from the wind. We wanted a slip.

Shawn got on the phone and and found a towing service, Captain Cameo, at TOW BOAT Bahamas. They also made tentative arrangements for a slip.

We called Albert, unfortunately that marina would not let them work on the boat, so we needed another marina. Shawn got on the phone and called every single Nassau marina on the list. The last one she called was full but they gave us the name a newer marina that was not on her list. We called and they had room. Pointe Marina in Nassau.

We called Captain Cameo and changed our destination. We called Albert and told him where he could find us.

As we entered Nassau Harbour from the east. We called Captain Cameo to arrange a rendezvous at the harbour entrance. He arrived in a tour boat with 3 300 hp engines and a 200 ft tow line. We dropped the sails and went for a ride through Nassau Harbour. The marina is at the west end. We went through two fixed bridges, past several cruise ships and came to Pointe Marina.

We were tired and stressed by the end of journey. We tied up on the T of the dock. That was a bad choice with the waves and wind pounding us all night. We were loaned a large fender by Captain Brett on Cedar Island. That was a huge help. We did not sleep well, again. It was so bad that we called Captain Cameo to return in the morning to move us into a slip, so we could use the docklines to keep us off the pilings.

The next morning, Tuesday, at 8 am we had Captain Cameo back and Jason, Albert Marine's diesel mechanic arrive within minutes of each other. Albert began diagnosing the engine issue with Shawn helping him, while I negotiated with Captain Cameo and Howard (Pointe Marina Harbourmaster) about how and where to best put our boat.

Once we decided where to move her, Jason kept working on the engine while Ondine was relocated. Shawn was on deck handing the lines, Jim and Howard were on the dock walking the boat into the slip while Captain Cameo and his first mate handled the tow.

In the end we were tied safely and securely. Jason continued his diagnosis. He showed us that we were running on cylinders 1 and 2, but 3 and 4 were not firing. He also showed me substantial blowback in the intake. Air is supposed to go in there, not out! He removed the head. The head gasket was blown, with a 1/4 inch gap between cylinders 3 and 4, hence the lack of useful compression and the blowback. He left with the head for service and thinks we will be back in business this weekend.

We have been so fortunate to have so many people here that are capable and willing to help us. What a great place this is!!! Glad we came to Nassau.