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Old 15-10-2024, 03:13   #1
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Spanish Wells to the Exumas: Experiences with Yellow Banks/Middle Ground

My wife and son and I are staying in SW for a week in December. Following that, my son wants to cruise the Exumas for a week or two. He and I enjoyed it during our trip together January of 2023 (a trip for which this forum provided some very useful and very appreciated information). When He and I did the Exumas, we crossed the Exuma Sound from Davis Channel to Highborne. I would like to avoid an ocean passage this year as my wife will be aboard and we want to keep her happy as possible. Therefore, my preference will be Current Cut to Ship Channel Cay or Allans. The chart looks daunting with app. 10 nm of scattered heads to transit. I draw 4.7ft.

I know I need good sunlight good lookout and slick seas. How much chop (wind speed) are you comfortable with for visibility of coral heads? This will be essential to my planning for the transit.

My other concern is anchorages for strong westerlies once I'm there. I've been pouring over the charts and have made notes. I won't hesitate to get a slip at a marina for strong frontal passages if I am able to. Again keeping my wife happy is a priority. the happier she is, the longer she and our son will stay on the boat.

I would love to hear your experiences crossing from SW to the Exumas and some of your favorite anchorages for Westerly protection.

Thanks in advance, this is a great crew here!

Greg
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Old 15-10-2024, 03:48   #2
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Re: Spanish Wells to the Exumas: Experiences with Yellow Banks/Middle Ground

I took this route a couple years ago with a similar draft using the explorer charts. There are only a couple spots where the coral heads are shallow enough that you need to actively avoid them (I believe there is a 6ft bank that you cross about half way). Problem is it's tricky to eyeball danger vs. non-danger so you'll be dodging heads the whole way. But, follow the explorer charts and you'll be fine.

I did it going the other way in a strong south easterly. It was fine, but if I did it again I'd wait for lighter conditions.

Unless you can motor over 6 knots, make sure you time the tide when you go through current cut. We almost didn't make it.
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Old 15-10-2024, 04:31   #3
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Re: Spanish Wells to the Exumas: Experiences with Yellow Banks/Middle Ground

Thank you, Donahue, that's just the kind of information I was looking for. I've done Current Cut several times, always time it for slack or following current.
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