We decided to leave at 17:25 in order to have the last remaining light to leave the Harbour. We have a total of 88 miles to go and because we travel at 6 knots if we left in the light we would arrive in the dark which is not a good idea. So we decided to travel at night and arrive in the light. The waves were diminished but still rolling in the Harbour along with the tide working against us. It was quite unnerving leaving because the centre of the channel has filled in with sand and is too shallow for us so we were leaving with the spars on the wrong side of the boat! There was still enough light to clearly see the bottom and the reef we were running parallel to! Seven feet of water is just a little too close for comfort.
We had a forecast of seas 1-2' overnight and winds south east 5-10 knots. That would be perfect if it was true! We headed up the west side of North Bimini with light wind, motoring. We cleared North Rock which apparently has a tower and a light, but in the pitch black nothing was visible. Once clear of the "light" we headed on a direct course for the Berry Islands. There are two common course lines on the chart. We followed the northern line to keep well off the shoal water of the Moselle Bank. Unbelievably right in the middle of the course line is a charted ship wreck in 3' of water. We adjusted course to stay 2 miles north of it.
The wind started to freshen so we hoisted the main. We could have used a headsail but didn't want to go too fast or we would arrive in the dark. It was so dark the stars looked unreal. In the distance was a fairly bright glow on the horizon that was in the direction of Freeport.
The night was uneventful except that the wind was actually 7-19 knots and the seas crossing the "Bank", (Great Bahama Bank), were in the 3-4' range on the beam. We passed several other boats and a tow that were all going the opposite direction to us on the lower course line. We saw a ship in the distance that was anchored just off the bank. AIS confirmed it wasn't moving so no danger to us. It was the Suzuka Express and even though it was 2 miles away form us it looked gigantic. (It holds 4000 cars!) There was a large cruise ship , "Empress of the Seas" anchored at Great Stirrup Cay waiting to take the passengers to shore where they have built an island oasis.
At daybreak we had a steady 13-19 knots of wind. Approaching the Bullocks Harbour entrance it appears that you are about to sail right into the island when suddenly the narrow entrance appears and we were in! We are a day early for our reservation but were welcomed to slip 38.
We were so tired but took the time to look around a bit. This is another very friendly place and the Marina is located in a hurricane hole. Absolute calm at the dock. By the way its Pizza Night and we are included! A large fully dressed pizza delivered to the boat at 6pm! Ahh!