Hello all - I've noticed several requests for buddy boats, etc. to get to the
Bahamas this fall - in the past two years, I've done eight trips along the ICW,
plus the Bahamas, and four times across lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron on
deliveries. If there's any way I can assist with information, etc., I'd be glad
to do so, just drop me a line with the above subject. As I'm still busy with
the charter season here in the North Channel of Lake Huron, don't panic if I
don't get back to you right away.
In the meantime, some suggestions.
For charts, get the Kettlewell's chartbook with the accompanying guide, you
will need nothing more than those two to get you through. In addition, pick up
a copy of the Waterway Guide editions for the ICW (please note, I am a cruising
editor for the WW Guide, however, during my first trip south, I was not with
them and found it invaluable for marina and harbour information.)
Get either Sea Tow or Boat US - it's $149 well spent, trust me, and if you
never use it, it's inexpensive peace of mind. You can get deals on all of the
above at any fall boat show.
Although Georgia is a pain to travel through, if it's your first time, go for
it. It's really quite lovely.
If you do choose to go offshore, try either Beaufort (Bew-fort) SC or
Charleston SC to Jacksonville - you could also come back in at St. Augustine,
but it's a more challenging entrance, not as well marked.
Depending on how far south in FL you plan to go, go offshore from Palm Beach
south - from there on in, (most of) the power boaters are functionally brain
dead and it shows. And they say Floridians can't drive cars....
LEARN to SLOW DOWN so powerboaters can easily pass you on the ICW - if they
can't fall off plane to pass you, you'll get waked every time. It makes it
easier for ALL of us. And when they DO slow down, thank them!
If you're a power boater reading this, please slow down for us blowboaters. And
if you know/learn the fast pass method of passing, bonus points to you - you
get to scare the crap out of every sailor who's never seen it, then get their
admiration for your skills and ability! It's a winner for you!
Bahamas - enter at Bimini if you can, it's an easy run in, and there's no fee
for dockage when you clear in, use the west side of the big concrete dock.
They're quite casual, you can also anchor off, dinghy in to clear. Most of the
marinas are $1 per foot there, $30 min., so you might prefer to take a slip
your first day in and get sorted out.
Water in the Bahamas - the most you'll pay is 50ยข per gallon for OR or
distilled. Most docks have water, but check to see if it's local town water,
which is often somewhat brackish. You're very unlikely to run out of water
except in the more remote islands, so you won't need to carry jerry jugs. Use
the space for more beer, which isn't cheap - it's at Canadian prices! Rum,
however, is a deal and most wines (esp French for some reason) are not badly
priced either.
Grow some herbs (no, not THAT kind) and bring them with you. Herbs, spices,
etc. are not easy to find. Beef is pretty much non-existant, chicken is easy.
You can generally buy fish off the docks, same for conch and lobster, just
watch the size of tail that you buy - lots are too small. Let's not encourage
that practice.
Finally, remember this - don't cross the stream if the letter N is in the
forecast - you'll surely regret it!
Wally
s/v Gypsy Wind
Dufour 34, lying Annapolis MD
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