Dagny's Winter Cruise

09 February 2025
09 February 2025
01 February 2025
01 February 2025
25 January 2025
25 January 2025
20 January 2025
05 January 2025
05 January 2025
31 December 2024
26 December 2024
26 December 2024
23 December 2024
23 December 2024
21 December 2024
13 December 2024
26 November 2024
26 November 2024

Happy New Year

05 January 2025
Allan Gray
As 2024 wound down we were looking at our options of where to spend New Year's Eve. Since we were already in the Big Majors anchorage, Staniel Cay Yacht Club was an option, they always throw a great party however, the $175 pp price was a little over the top for us. Fortunately, we had discovered that the Blue grocery store had received a shipment of fresh food via airfreight on Monday evening, so plans were made for an onboard New Years celebration if all else failed. Armed with our shopping list we hit the beach at 8 a.m. for the store opening and were delighted at the freshness and variety of the fruit and vegetables.

Once our shopping was done the anchor was pulled and we set off for a leisurely sail to Blackpoint and the famous Rockside laundry. After all, nothing says New Years Eve like an afternoon in the laundry mat. Peter and I checked out the various establishments in town and a decision was reached that happy hour at Scorpio's and a light dinner on the deck would be a great way to toast the New Year. As we headed back to the boats at cruiser's midnight (9.p.m.) we had a great view of Staniel Cay's fireworks 7 miles away. As we hit the bed at 10 we were happy to have had shared a relaxing evening with good friends. Although sleep came fast we were abruptly awoken at midnight by Blackpoint's fireworks that were launched a mere 300 yards from the anchorage. All in all a great way to end 2024.

The weather forecasters have been predicting windy conditions the next couple of weeks from various directions so we have been carefully studying our options. It was decided that Lee Stocking Island was one of our best options, although not perfect it would give us the highest percentage of good coverage without having to move very much. The trip would take us out Galliot Cut and in at Adderly so timing the tides would be crucial in the 12-16 knot north east breeze. Our day started at 6:30 with a great 14 mile sail on the bank in flat water. Pretty hard to top sailing at 7.5 knots as Otto steered us on a nice beam reach allowing the crew to enjoy coffee and breakfast prior to heading offshore. As expected we hit a stiff current heading out the cut but with wind and current in the same direction the ride was good and we nailed slack tide at Adderly for a smooth ride. The only disappointment of the day was when we lost a fish. During our last trip we never had a bite in 4 months, at least this time we had a strike as Bev returned to her favourite lure.

For now we have staked our claim with WhiteBird in Williams Bay and expect to be here for 10 days or so. It's a great place to hike, snorkel and kayak and so far there is only a handful of boats. During our morning kayak trip we saw 6 big Southern string rays and yesterday morning a pair of dolphins entertained us as they played under the boat. Certainly is a great way to start 2025.

Today's picture is of a fuel tanker weaving his way through the anchorage at Big Majors.
Comments
Vessel Name: Dagny
Vessel Make/Model: Sabre 402
Hailing Port: South Lancaster On
Crew: Allan Gray and Bev Bethune
About: Allan is a retired Montreal Air Traffic Controller and Bev is a retired Elementary School Principal.
Extra: After many years of local cruising and Etchells racing we are living our dream of sailing to the Bahamas. Allan enjoys golfing, cycling and skiing. Bev is an active cyclist, runner, aerobics participant and cross country skier.

Who: Allan Gray and Bev Bethune
Port: South Lancaster On