PHOTO ABOVE: Some of the captains and crew from the Island Packet mini-fleet that got together for cool libations at the Harbors Edge, Hope Town.

As the title might suggest, we are still moored in Hope Town. And why not?

We were going to leave last Wednesday until a small fleet of other Island Packets arrived and we convened the May 2012 Hope Town, Abaco IP 'mini-vous' at the Harbors Edge. Moored in the harbor were cruising friends from last season, s/v WInd Spirit, s/v Optimystique, s/v Kalex, s/v Tintean, s/v Emerald Seas, s/v, s/v Barefoot, and yours truly s/v Far Niente.

A couple of us sailed WInd Spirit over to Marsh Harbor on Thursday to go to the only ATM machine in the northern Abacos, pick up a few groceries, and stop by the Bristol Liquor store to secure vino for our on board cellars. Other than a quick nasty rain squall, it was a productive and enjoyable day.

Now everyone except for Far Niente and Barefoot have left Hope Town. Some will explore the Abacos further north and others are headed back to the U.S. as soon as weather is suitable for a comfortable Gulf Stream crossing.

We are 'planning' (there is that word again) on staying in Hope Town a few more days while some confusing weather systems work things out. Marjorie is anchoring the Abaco Cruiser's Net again this Sunday.

Some time in late May or early June we will be making landfall in Florida (where?) then move north and now plan on stopping in Beaufort, SC for awhile. Many, many new boat projects as well as some major PM need to be addressed this summer. Its not likely we'll sail Far Niente any further north this year. We'll then be staged much further south when November rolls around and we can make for the Keys and Bahamas again.