On May nineteenth with a ten a.m. departure Captain Ted navigates through Snake Creek Bridge with an all woman crew. With seven onboard we headed out in to the Gulf Stream with our destination being the Sea of Abaco. After a star filled sky we reached West End, the western tip of Grand Bahama, eight hours later. Barely any air was captured by our sails. This time of year flat windless seas are very welcomed. As we entered the Bahamas Banks the shallow waters was a smooth ride.

Our passengers on board are all from the Florida Keys. Mary our friend from Islamorada, Tiffany my Blue Water Surrender buddy, with her friend Cynthia from Amora Dive, and our youngest members at fifteen years old are Finley and Clair from Marathon. What a great loving and supportive group, all are a sheer pleasure to sail with.

We had our first challenge this week with a forgotten passport. Thanks to grace , a loving husband and a good team Bahama side, all went well. A small reprimand from the customs agent and we were on our way.

As you look out across the water the Bahama color's are breathtaking. At mid day we approached Man Jack Cay where the rays gather near the shore. Due to people feeding wildlife they have become very friendly. As they swim by their touch is soft as silk. Just watch out for the backbone which runs down to their defensive barb. Enjoying the day we took an adventure trail which lead to the windy side of the Island. The waves were fun to play in.

Anchoring off of Fox Town we settled into the night, happy to have a rest. There was no shortage of food on board, with all pitching in we had beautiful dinners every night. Our evenings and morning were filled with deep meaningful conversations, pondering the presence of God is our lives which was being reflected by all the beauty around us.



Sailing through Whale Cut the next day was one of many highlights. The wind filled our sails as we rolled on towards Marsh Harbor. We took the time to explore diving for conch. I saw a fish racing by next was the shark who was chasing him, who decided to circle around and check me out. My heart raised a bit!

Snorkeling the outer reef of Great Guana was a 5 star event. Our reef explorers found numerous tunnels to dive through. They would dive into a cave and look for the light and follow it coming out the other side with grand smiles. When we were off of Man-O-War Cay looking for the canons of the USS Adirondack wreck a storm blew in. The already surging sea became that much more exciting to make it back to our vessel and pull the anchor before the skies broke loose. The storm passed and we finished up at Fowl Cay. The edge of the reef line had waves breaking as we bobbed up and down wondering about the precious sea turtle who was nervously hiding in the rocks below.

Our last night out before heading into the harbor, of Marsh Harbor, was out by Matt Lowe Cay. Usually this is a calm anchorage. However we rocked and rolled through out the night from another passing storm. The Sea of Abaco can have some very exciting lightening storms that you are blessed if you miss.

All ends well aboard Viento Azul as our crew flies home on American Airlines. Captain Ted and I remain aboard prepare our vessel while we wonder who will come aboard next.

August 7, 2022

26 21'N: 76 35'W

Rolling around the Sea of Abaco at 5 a.m. as the main sail is being raised. Little Harbor channel is just ahead. The last two weeks in these beautiful waters of the Bahamas was shared with Troop and Troop from New Jersey.

We shared great times swimming on the reef, sleeping under the stars, running from the rain, cooking great meals and exchanging thoughts and feelings. Each person who comes across our deck is special and is here for a purpose. Whether it is a moment of excitement for seeing a shark, the elation of a sea turtle, or possibly encountering the neon squid on the reef, or contemplating and discussing life and its challenges. It is important because we are sharing a moment of time which will never be again. As we live life together, we learn and grow. I cannot think of a more beautiful place to be alive than on the Sea of Abaco.

The wind brushes across your skin as the wind fills your sails, taking you across the turquoise water. Each island and reef is a gem of its own, uniquely created, hosting life in various forms, shapes, sizes and colors. The undersea world is stunning with sea-fans waving as the sea gently surges. The mystery of the marvelous hand of God at work to bring you good pleasure, filling your heart with awe and never ceasing. The white sand beaches stretching along the coast of palm-filled islands beckon you to explore her settlements filled with island homes.

The allure of an historic, red and white candy-striped light house on Elbow Caye is compelling. stands tall . It stands tall as a popular landmark, shedding light across the sea at night. During the day, it beckons hikers to climb the 101 steps for a bird's-eye view.

Remote Water Caye sits quietly undisturbed most of the time. On one side of the Caye, tucked away in trees, is a deserted fish camp- and on the other, the beach hosts our last cookout. Ending our season with a bang, the scouts caught and prepared a 10-pound mutton snapper. With the opening of lobster season, the fish was accompanied by fresh lobster in a coconut curry sauce over an open fire.

The Bahamas have a special place in our hearts along with the beautiful people that live here. The joy of the islands is experienced as we see Florence and Forty at "Cafe Florence" on every Wednesday. Here, hot cinnamon buns are devoured by our scouts with a smile. What I love most about our visit is the light of love which shines forth form Florence's eyes, which I will treasure for ever.


25:24'N 77 57"W


As night falls, the brilliant stars and moon reflect shimmering light across the way to soothe your soul, as peace whispers in the gentle breeze with a trail of memories in our wake. It is time to move on to what is next, a mystery to be revealed. Viento Azul is now a quiet vessel with captain Ted at the helm and Gail by his side.

Having left the Sea of Abaco with the wind blowing 17-20, our travel is one of rocking and rolling across the deep blue at 7.5-8. The main sail and jib are reefed. As the day wears on, the seas subside along with the wind. Yet, we pass our waypoint of Chub Caye earlier than expected.

In the dark of night in the vast wildreness of the shallows of Elbow bank , the sea is flat with a depth of 9 to 14 feet. Our speed has decreased to 5 - 6 still undersail. It is peaceful and dark with a spit of rain only for a moment. In the wee hours of the morning, the lighning flashes, making you aware of its presence, but thankfully never showing its face. The water rushes by, lapping on the hulls while the warm wind whispers as a new-found friend to look and see the Milky Way above.

Our compass heading is 246 degrees. Passing the reef, the depth reaches over 2,000 feet with Florida ahead. As we get into the deep of the ocean, we change course setting to 237 degrees, headed for Crocker Reef close to our home port of Islamorada, Florida . As we progress, it becomes a busy day of shipping surrouned by 10 large ships at one time. You definately want to keep your eyes open.

Thirty-six hours from departing the Sea of Abaco, we reach Snake Creek drawbridge. Talking to the friendly voice of Vinny Bob above, he raises the bridge close to 7:30 p.m. just before the most magnificent sunset. Our lines are tied off at the dock for the next two weeks as we prepare for Guatemala.