Mangrove Cay to Triangle Rocks ?

[Fortunaut]

Can anyone tell me if this is a viable route? We only have 3 days to sail from West End. I was originally planning on sailing to Sales Cay and anchoring for 2 nights but now I'm wondering if it wouldn't be the same distance to sail to Grand Cays via Mangrove & Triangle Rocks? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Vasco]

Are you just sailing for 3 days out of West End?

[Fortunaut]

yes, 3 days from West End. 5 days total from Freeport.

[Vasco]

That's a short period and as we always say, it all depends on the weather. A trip to Great Sale Cay is what I'd do. You can explore a bit there and hide from weather on the different sides of the cay. I think it's under 50 miles from West End and that'll give you a good sail. If you wish you can break it up by stopping at Mangrove Cay. I've never stopped there so don't know how good the anchoring is. Great Sale in uninhabited ( at least it was the last time I was there) and has good holding. I think trying to get all the way to Grand Cays Harbour would be a bit of a stretch. You have to worry about getting back. Again it's all about the weather. In the past I've sat at Great Sale for a week waiting for weather but I was waiting for weather to cross back to the States. Getting back to West End would not be as difficult.

[Fortunaut]

Thanks for the input. I know many boats travel from Mangrove to Sales in-route to Abaco. I was just wondering if it is possible to sail from Mangrove to Triangle Rocks or if the waters are too shallow. We will most likely go to Sales. Any good snorkeling at Sales Cay?