Suggestions for One Month (January 2011) Bahamas Cruise

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by imagine2frolic

Therapy,

That's from Miami, and back to Miami. You may be able to go across Okeechobee?......i2f

So boring.

I will have to allow two months then.

[imagine2frolic]

Do you mean going across the lake would be boring? It may save time, and make the Bahamas more doable for your time frame was my thinking?.........i2f

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by imagine2frolic

Do you mean going across the lake would be boring? It may save time, and make the Bahamas more doable for your time frame was my thinking?.........i2f

Yes.

I suppose it would be a little faster.

How much I have not done the math on. Nor looked closely at the charts.

Can't one cross Florida bay and leave by the northern most of the keys, let the gulf stream push you up some and arrive in the Bahamas.

Since the Abacos are south anyway as is Eluthera

What is the real urge in crossing only at the shortest distance?
Is the Gulf stream that much narrower?
Is it faster in the narrow spot?
Are the narrow parts where the only customs places are?

I really am ignorant on these points.

[imagine2frolic]

Just my personal thinking is to get to the Bahamas in the least amount of time. I have not done the research of what is quickest for you. I just took a quick look. You are in Tampa? If so the lake could cut days off of your travel.

The problem with the Bahamas is leaving, nobody wants to leave.....lol.......i2f

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by imagine2frolic

If so the lake could cut days off of your travel.

The problem with the Bahamas is leaving, nobody wants to leave.....lol.......i2f

I will have to consider it then.

[witchcraft]

What have we liked about Eleuthera? There are anchorages reasonably spaced. It is true there are not many marinas...however there are a couple of 360 degree protected harbours, one of which provides free moorings and free wall for visiting boaters...along with an extremely friendly community that will assist you to find anything you need. There are other spots further along with communities are just as friendly and helpful. Without a car, it is no trouble getting round as folks happily pick you up when trying to move from one place to another. We have joined in on local festivals, cook-outs among other community activities.
This certainly has been a very welcoming and friendly place and we have found services that we needed.
If you like to surf, you can do that here as well. In the end there are many things we have enjoyed and are enjoying about Eleuthera
cheers
fair winds
witchcraft

[AnchorageGuy]

This year has been difficult and an example of the need for a plan B. Many boats have been waiting since January for window to cross over to the Bahamas and the marinas and anchorages in South Florida are full of folks that just can't get there from here. We have often in January, had to wait two weeks for a window to get over and then get to a protected harbor for the next blow and then sat a week there until we could move again. This is a real possibility for that time of year so planning a trip like this based solely on the number of days may not translate into reality. WG

[daysailj]

I feel like I have gotten a pretty good review form so many of you on a range of opinions regarding Bahamas in January. I want to thank you all for your great tips and sharing your experience. Hopefully the 2010 January weather was an anomoly, but I will certainly stay flexible next January. I'll probably shoot for an Abacos-centered cruise, and I won't consider the month to be a tragic waste if I am "stuck" in South Florida for an extended time waiting for that elusive weather window with no N's in the forecast.

John