Episode #119 Tips on Sailing to the Bahamas
July 27, 2017 · 6 min · 13K views · South Carolina
What this video covers
Vince and Amy are preparing their boat, Nervous- Starting Over!, for future travel while stationed in South Carolina. They discuss logistics for crossing the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas, emphasizing the need to avoid north winds.1:44 A typical crossing from No Name Harbor to Bimini takes nine to 10 hours, often requiring motoring.1:57 Bimini offers limited safe anchorage, frequently forcing cruisers into expensive marinas while waiting for weather windows.3:32 The subsequent 70-mile leg to the Berry Islands presents a challenge, as it often requires an overnight passage or anchoring on the Great Bahama Bank.2:59 Anchoring on the banks involves navigating shallow depths, sometimes 20 to 30 feet, which can result in uncomfortable chop.4:32 Once in the Berry Islands, sailors can choose between heading north to the Abacos or south toward the Exumas and Eleuthera.3:54 Returning to Florida is generally easier due to prevailing easterly winds.5:27 Successful cruising in the Bahamas depends on monitoring weather fronts and maintaining flexibility in travel plans.5:19
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