So once again we lived up to our nickname "Wind on the Nose" as we pushed south to Emerald Bay. This leg took us on the "outside" off the banks and in Exhuma Sound. We took Little Farmers cut to get there which proved to be bouncy with about a 1/4 mile of standing waves, but once clear we headed south. Once again we lived up to our nickname "wind on the nose" which made progress slow. Fortunately as the day wore on the wind clocked a bit and abated so we got back to above 5 kts.
The entrance to Emerald Bay Marina is tricky. You have to run directly towards the shore through some standing waves and then at the last moment turn hard to port, broadside to the surf, and tuck in behind the short seawall. A few days later we saw a 40' cat depart and it completely disappeared at times.
The Marina at Emerald Bay is owned by Sandels resort. When they bought it construction was not complete, with only two docks having complete service (water/electricity/cable tv). The other docks have only water and are called "unserviced docks" In a brilliant move the marina allows cruisers to use the unserviced docks for $1.00/ft/day. Add to this that they have free showers, free laundry, free internet, morning coffee and a beautiful lounge its a major deal and luxury after two months of island hopping.
Once settled we got ready for the big blow. Extra lines and chafe guards. As the wind built we felt it a lot as it was on the beam. Add to that the surge coming from the inlet and it got uncomfortable for a few days. An almost major crisis, our inflatable fenders started failing. One by one they started turning into pancakes, with seams starting to leak in some and then others the fill tube sheared off. Fortunately Paul and Carol saved the day and lent us a couple to tie us over so I could run to Georgetown and buy three new ones ($100 cab + $80 fenders).
The winds and seas stayed nasty for about a week and a half, not too bad in the Marina but the entrance was intense with high surf. Watching those who ventured out it was scary. 50 degree healing and then after the turn massive pitching. Even the mega yachts were tossed around.
So based on nasty entrance and the esquisite amenities available (including free shopping shuttle to Georgetown on Wednesdays) we ended up staying three weeks, probably a week longer than weather dictated.
Lots to see and do here, beachcombing, sea beaning, dinning out, biking. We found a huge lobster in a hole in the wall but Leo the Lobster remained elusive enough to stay out of Burry's BBQ (didnt help that Wendy wouldnt let him use a spear). The resort even set up a couple of receptions for us. All and all an nice stay.
But time to push on and wrestle ourselves away from the luxuries of Emerald Bay. Odyesseous was already long gone to Long Island, but a new buddy boat (Moon) decided to meander with us up the chain.