[
QUOTE=sailor0007;997170]We are planning to charter a 40ft catamaran from Georgetown, Exumas to Nassau for 7 days. I would appreciate any help in planning an itinerary. Thank you in advance.[/QUOTE]
I can share some of my favorites, but you should tailor your trip to your passenger requirements, i.e., if non-sailors are aboard,
children,
weather, etc.
You alone will know your confidence level (and ability) regarding reading the
water, navigating,
anchoring, etc. Don't do anything silly.
Anyway, from Georgetown north to Farmer Key is a short trip on the Sound side (east side of the island chain), and the cut into Farmers is
usually benign. Terry Bain runs Ocean
Cabin restaurant, and is great entertainment. Easy first day run.
Anchor or pick up a
mooring.
Day 2, a little further - Black Point Settlement for a gorgeous anchorage, except during strong winds from the west. Wonderful coconut bread from the lady in town. Can't
recall her name. You can make this run inside or outside (Sound or the banks) . Let the
weather help you decide. I like outside.
Day 3 might take you Staniel or Sampson. Sampson Cay means you will likely be at the marina. Nice but pricey, and I liked it more in the previous version that was a little bit more laid back sailor oriented. See the nurse sharks at the
dock. Staniel is more downhome but amenities are iffy depending on the locals. There is a grocery store - "Isles" something. Watch for shallow
water if coming into the docks. Maybe dockage but more likely
anchoring. Big Majors is another possibility.
Day 4 Warderick Wells, the nature reserve for a
mooring at the north end of the Land and Sea Park. All spots are moorings except, I believe, at the south end of the park. Good protection here if winds are high. Ask for help if you get confused coming into the north entrance. They
monitor 16. Day 3 and 4 are inside passages
Day 5 Normans Key to see the sunken airplane. Hawksbill and Cistern are other possibilities along the way, though Cistern is private and you can't go ashore. I read that to mean I can't go above the high waterline on the beach but use your best judgement. All three have decent
anchorages, but may be less than desirable under certain winds. All on the inside.
Day 6 Short run to Allans Cay for the dragons. Great success with the
kids but don't feed them. This can be busy many times of the year, and
anchorages can be in short supply. Much of the sand has been scoured out and it takes a sharp hook to get
purchase on the bottom.
Day 7 run to Nassau. This will be the longest sailing day - say 5-6 hours across the Yellow Bank. Watch for
coral heads, especially approaching New Providence. They are rare but they are out there and get hit every season. Pay attention around Porghee Rock.
Have good
charts, practice good seamanship. Get the early morning weather at Georgetown around 8:15 am (corrections appreciated), and as you go north pick up the Highbourne Cay weather broadcast.
Have a great trip.
I forgot about Lee Stocking. There is an underwater
research center that can sometimes be talked into giving tours. Nice anchorage except for strong winds from the SW.
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