3/3/16

No matter where you are in the world the popular topic is the weather.  This winter has been unusually windy and cool here in the Bahamas.  We missed some of the worst weather by arriving late here this year in February.  Those here at the beginning of January tell stories of a weather system called a derecho with 100+ mph gusts of wind from the west causing havoc and damage for those in unprotected anchorages.

Today is the first period of lite/no wind in the month we’ve been here.  The last time I wrote we were in Blackpoint.  We sailed from Blackpoint around the corner to Little Bay and anchored in front of a sandcastle on shore.  The sandcastle is the home to friends Doug and Jean and it is a 3 story home they built themselves that looks like a sandcastle complete with 4 turrets.  We spent the week anchored next to Bluejacket going to shore each day with Donna and Jerry to help Doug and Jean, who had just arrived at Sandcastle, to get their home back into working order.  The work, visiting, and meals shared came to an end when the next cold front was approaching and we sailed north.

Our first stop was Big Major’s Cay known as Pig Beach.  There are always pigs on this island.  Cruisers come by to see the pigs, bring them some treats, and take their picture with the pigs.  Best fed pigs I know of!  The pig population changes when the pig providers need some pork and of course there are always new litters of pigs to replace the old.  While we were here we dinghied to Staniel Cay where Jerry and Donna were anchored and we found Deb and Ron (from Baldwinsville, NY) on Scheherezade at the marina.  They were having engine trouble again and were deciding they’d have to sail or be towed to Nassau to find a mechanic.  Jerry went aboard, found out what was wrong and had the engine running that afternoon.  For those interested in the diagnosis: broken spring in the engine shut off that wouldn’t allow the engine to start.  Also, the bleed screw broke when Ron was trying to bleed the system.  Enough engine talk.  They were VERY happy to have the engine working and VERY happy not to have to go to Nassau for repairs!

Next anchorage for us – Pipe Creek where we had to come in at high tide.  Pipe Creek always means a walk over the hill to the beach to find sea glass.  We enjoyed the company of Donna and Jerry anchored next to us, having dinners together and games after.  We noticed the increase in small boat traffic flying by carrying tourists.

Our next sail was from Pipe Creek to Georgetown.  We came out of a cut between Thomas Cay and Overyonder Cay onto the Exuma Sound.  We were tight to the 10-12 knots of southwest wind for the first part of the trip which clocked around as we sailed south.  By the afternoon, the cold front had passed and we enjoyed the northwest wind behind us.  No fish but a beautiful sail again in record time.  We’re so pleased with the sailing performance of the new Persephone!  Jerry connected the inner forestay for part of our trip and we hauled up our hank on storm jib.   Two jibs flying and the mainsail. We’ve never had a cutter rig before!  Nice!

On the approach into Elizabeth Harbor and Georgetown we could see all the masts.  Over 200 sailboats along Elizabeth Harbor’s anchorages.  The week of the Cruiser’s Regatta was underway with sailboat races, a variety show in town, and many other activities.  We anchored at Sanddollar Beach with Donna and Jerry on Bluejacket nearby.  We have a long dinghy ride powered by our 4 hp outboard across the harbor to town or to another part of the harbor to join in the festivities.  One of the highlights was our ride to the north end of the harbor, a hike up the hill to “the monument” a tall spire where we could see the harbor in one direction and the Exuma sound in the other.  The perfect vantage point to watch the 40 boats in the “round the island race” sail through the harbor, out the north exit to the sound and back in through the south entrance, a total of 18 miles.  There was another Karen at the monument with her VHF providing commentary on the race from that vantage point.  We had our binoculars with us and helped with the commentary.  Jerry Luh showed up and  then Sherry from Alesto.  We soon had a good crowd on the top of the hill enjoying the beautiful day, scenery and the race.   Jerry and I watched the race finish with front row seats with Lee and Sherry aboard Alesto (from Ithaca).  Lee’s sister was crew aboard Triad, the trimaran that finished first going along at 10-12 knots the entire race.   Fast!

In addition to the regatta  activities we’ve been visiting and working on projects. We have two areas of varnish in the cabin that we were going to do last summer.  I have the first two coats on! 

Jerry, Jerry and I went on our first snorkel excursion out of the harbor with light winds.  Lobster and French fries for dinner.

No plans exactly to how long we’ll be here, where we’re going next – so pretty much the usual.  Thanks to Donna and Jerry I am able to use their wifi on their phone to post this! 

Best wishes and hope to hear from you!

Karen and Jerry

Persephone with 3 sails flying!

Jerry looking for sea glass at Pipe Creek.

Karen with sea glass treasures at Black Point.

Jerry Luh stands on Thomas Cay at Pipe Creek looking out to Joe Cay.

Jerry with his plate of mahi I cooked at the Sand Castle.

Donna puts the finishing touches on the banana cream pie she and I made for the Sand Castle dinner.

We watch a sea plane getting ready for take off at Pipe Creek.

Jerry takes apart the jib furler winch to clean it and give it a coat of new winch grease.