First time Bahamas bound..... solo

[Kunyngam]

For many years people would say to me - "oh, I wish I could go too". I always said, "You're welcome to go, but I ain't waitin'". So typically I went alone.
So, I may sail my Ericson 25 swing keel (2' draft w/ keel up) solo to the Bahamas mid February (leave from Homestead, FL) to do some spearfishing, cooking and eating, swimming and sight seeing.

What do you reccomend for a first timer?

Thanks,

Dave Kunyngam

[Kunyngam]

Just wanted to say I have just recently became aquainted with this website and I have learned so much in such a short time. I love it! Thanks CF! and all of YOU!

Dave Kunyngam

[boatman61]

Hi Dave.. Welcome to CF..
As to the Bahama's..!!
Only thing I know about them is.. They're usually in the bludi way..

[CSY Man]

. What do you reccomend for a first timer?

1) Pick a good weather window for crossing the Florida Current (Gulf Stream)
2) Bring good anchor gear and use it well.

[a64pilot]

Depart from a good location, but wx primarily, bring money.

[sharkbait]

Originally Posted by Kunyngam

For many years people would say to me - "oh, I wish I could go too". I always said, "You're welcome to go, but I ain't waitin'". So typically I went alone.
So, I may sail my Ericson 25 swing keel (2' draft w/ keel up) solo to the Bahamas mid February (leave from Homestead, FL) to do some spearfishing, cooking and eating, swimming and sight seeing.

What do you reccomend for a first timer?

Thanks,

Dave Kunyngam

Stock up on beer before you leave fla.
It's $45/case here

[Travis McGee]

I'd go Miami to Bimini first time.
No matter what, GO! Don't hesitate. You won't regret going, but you will regret not going.

[Travis McGee]

Originally Posted by sharkbait

Stock up on beer before you leave fla.
It's $45/case here

Not much room for beer on a 25'er.
OTOH, it could be used as moveable ballast....yeah....that's the ticket.

[Meandercp]

In February, I'd head south to the Exumas (and beyond). It is a bit warmer, but you will still get fronts that come down. You need to watch the weather and know where you will go for protection when the wind comes from the west.

It is MUCH better if you don't have to tow your dinghy on the crossing. Once you get there, it can be towed without as much risk.

There are enough places to pick up basic foods between Nassau and George Town, but it will not be cheap. Rum is cheaper than in the states.

Don't miss the Exumas Park around Warderick Wells or Thunderball Cave at Staniel.

Have fun!

[Franziska]

Make sure you can trace your boat if the anchor drags...

Enjoy, I wish there was such a sunny winter escape over here in Northern Europe.

www.ladyrover.jimdo.com

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Travis McGee

Not much room for beer on a 25'er.

OTOH, it could be used as moveable ballast....yeah....that's the ticket.

I'd find room for beer, maybe sleep on it?


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[laika]

My first time heading over there in a few weeks, also solo. Planning on departing Lake Worth over to Memory Rocks, across the bank, and then south down the Abacos and beyond. I've heard the Abacos is a nice spot to start, being relatively sheltered with more services if needs arise. I've heard it compared to cruising with training wheels.

Lots of experience along the US mainland. Still a bit nervous for the crossing

See ya there!

[Kunyngam]

You all are awesome and I am actually taking notes. I had enough warm beer in China. I'll use de-boxed bags of crap like Franzia as moveable ballast.
Going solo, I will probably leave Homestead around first light and do the Gulf stream by daylight. If I can see what water I'm getting into I can know better when to hold on!

[Stu Jackson]

Dave, here's an example of a small boat trip

http://1fatgmc.com/boat/mac-1/2015%2...Main-Menu.html

Another fellow and his gf did it on a Hunter 25 maybe four years ago.

Bring as much as you can without overloading the boat, stuff is expensive or not available at all there. There are tons of Bahamas posts on this and other boating website forums, you could read for years, or just go.

Safe journey.

[CSY Man]

The forecast's are usually pretty good for Florida to Bimini.
SE winds is the norm and means settled wearher, no front activity.
If you are new to this game, pick a window that says SE 5-10 and seas 2-3, then pick a heading that is East or North of East. Anything South of East and you will be banging into the Stream for a slow ground speed and a long day.