Emerald Bay Re-Opening

[Entlie]

We were at Emerald Bay in 2008 because my husband's father was ill in the states, and the "no frills" dockage was a good spot to leave me with the boat while George flew home to be with his Dad.

George was only back at Emerald bay a few days when his Dad passed away. We learned of this about 9 in the morning. Doug Black (the manager then and now) drove George to the airport himself, and he was on a flight to the US which left at noon that same day.

Glenroy (the dockmaster then and now) managed to find the only dog crate on the island large enough to fit our dog, so I could fly out the next day with out pet. The island vet was adamant that he had nothing available. I don't recall her name, but one of the receptionists arranged for her father, a cab driver, to pick Toby and me up at 4 am so we could get to the airport in time for our flight.

Yes, we could have managed fine with the boat anchored out and cruising friends could have helped us as they always do. But I just wanted to say that this marina and staff went absolutely above and beyond the call at a time when we really needed assistance.

Last year (2009) we met several of the former employees on the streets of George Town. They were all making do, but hoping that a deal would go through and they could go back to Emerald Bay.

While a separate entity, the marina was affiliated with the Four Seasons resort next door and both were definitely upscale. There were megayachts and big bucks passing through every day. At the no frills dock, with no water and electricity, we were treated like first class citizens, no different than any other. A good thing.

If you paid $50 bucks for dockage and did $50 bucks worth of free laundry in nice machines that actually worked, and used the laptop computer in the lounge to check your email (at no charge), it just about made up for the overnight stop. You could also fuel your boat and put it on a credit card with no surcharge, unlike at Exuma Docks 15 miles south in George Town.

Of course the way to see the Exumas is not to hang out in a marina. But sometimes there's a reason to duck in for a short time. However, the entrance can be treacherous, and a short stay can turn into several days if you haven't paid particular attention to the weather.

Anyway, that's my take on Emerald Bay. I hope it is successful and that the Bahamians in George Town, and average cruisers if they choose to, can benefit from it once again.

Entlie
Sailing Catamaran Sunspot Baby