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Blacktip1 · 29-08-2015, 09:23

Is there anyone left in the Exumas? My wife and I are coming in on the heals of Erika . We will be at the Sandals Resort Aug 30-Sept 6. We love boats and sailing and would like to hook up with one of you for a day sail opportunity (weather permitting). We are looking for a catamaran if possible. Please contact me through this site if you are interested. I will check back daily.

FSMike · 29-08-2015, 16:35

All you need to hire a cat for charter in the Bahamas is to find a boater with a captains license, a business license, and a work permit. Or somebody who is willing to risk his boat by taking people out on a charter without the aforementioned paperwork.

Probably easier to inquire of the resort about Bahamian owned charters. Emerald Bay Marina and Exuma Yacht Club might also have some information.

Or make friends with a yachtie who'll offer you a ride for free lol.

Bohemian17 · 29-08-2015, 18:25

Why does everybody always go in immediately to that you need to find somebody with insurance and risk and all this other stuff just take somebody sailing and enjoy the day. I can't tell you how many times I've met people on the dock that want to go fishing / sailing. we just go and have a great time and they are always gracious and courteous and nobody worried about getting sued. And they always offer to give you a couple bucks for gas or they bring lunch and beer no big deal. I lived in the Bahamas for several summers in the out islands . nobody cares what you do as long as you don't do it often. the locals need to make a living but nobody cares.

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**GordMay** · 30-08-2015, 03:22

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Blacktip.

davecalvert · 30-08-2015, 05:26

There are a few legal charter cats based in George Town harbor, Rubacon, a St Francis 44 owned by Adam Dreffen and Freebird, a Granger 43, owned by Adam's parents, Peter and Tina Deffen are two, I am sure either one of these would be glad to take you on a fun day charter. Just ask Elvis, with the water taxi, he knows how to reach them.

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FSMike · 30-08-2015, 05:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bohemian17

Why does everybody always go in immediately to that you need to find somebody with insurance and risk and all this other stuff just take somebody sailing and enjoy the day. I can't tell you how many times I've met people on the dock that want to go fishing / sailing. we just go and have a great time and they are always gracious and courteous and nobody worried about getting sued. And they always offer to give you a couple bucks for gas or they bring lunch and beer no big deal. I lived in the Bahamas for several summers in the out islands . nobody cares what you do as long as you don't do it often. the locals need to make a living but nobody cares.

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From the title of his thread it seems that the op wishes to pay for a charter. That's a bit different than chipping in for fuel when invited to go for a sail, a possibility I mentioned in my post.
I don't think "nobody cares" applies when there are locally operated charter boats available, as is often the case on Great Exuma.

FSMike · 30-08-2015, 05:29

Hi Dave, we met a year or two ago @ Catamaran Boatyard.
Good info.

imiloa · 30-08-2015, 11:33

You can reach the Dreffins through their website:
WELCOME

They have added a 3rd cat to their fleet, a Voyage 470 SWISH, captained by their son Warren.
Great folks who really know the area.

jreiter190 · 30-08-2015, 11:36

Bohemian 17, because not everyone has the same outlook. Some are easy going and bend with the breeze. ..some were uptight in their former lives and tend to chastise the easy going ones. The rule of thumb in the Islands used to be, "you can do anything you want; just don't ask permission or get official." I once had the Commissioner in Bimini send a local down to my Bahamian sloop with a message, "Commissioner ax me to tell you, if you was to give people rides in your little boat, you wouldn't be taking food out of anybodies' mouth on this island. " The next day I was chartering. How times have changed.

Bohemian17 · 30-08-2015, 13:01

I agree. It sounds to me like the Dreffin s are the best route. My comment was about so many people on this forum are so worried about insurance and legal and this and that its just its absurd sometimes. Maybe it's just a testament to how many people have been handled by lawyers in the past and it's really been unpleasant. I'm 50 years old and I've received two letters in my life from lawyers I called them both personally and was so brutal on the phone and never heard from them again. You know what they say about first impression s.

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svrubicon · 31-08-2015, 07:49

Hi blacktip1. I am the owner of Rubicon here in Georgetown. Would be happy to take you for a sail. You should be able to send me a private msg here to arrange.
Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you.