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Old 06-12-2021, 07:59   #1
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How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

Considering The Bahamas this winter.
However, have serious concerns how feasible (safety) is for a single person.

NAVIGATION:
have done Panama Kuna islands years ago and 2 persons were fine, one at the tiller, the other between bow or spreaders steps checking the water for danger when required.
This time I will be alone.
Not sure.

your personal experiences appreciated.
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Old 06-12-2021, 09:58   #2
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

It is not entirely clear what your concern is w.r.t. single handing in the Bahamas. I do not singlehanded as I sail with my wife as a couple, but we have spent the last four winters in the Bahamas. If you are comfortable single handing on the US east coast I see no reason you would have any difficulty in the Bahamas.

You can cruise the Bahamas without ever making an overnight passage. We have friends that do it that way. Only in a few spots do we send someone to the bow to read the water, and those could be easily avoided. Also, we've never actually needed that person at the bow. Plan your travel through thin water to have the sun overhead and it is easy enough to read the water from the helm.

We meet plenty of single handers in the Bahamas. Unless you have a deep draft I don't think you would have any issue you don't have on the US east coast.
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Old 06-12-2021, 10:20   #3
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

Agree with Doug. If you singlehand anywhere else then the Bahamas present no significant additional difficulties.

Like anywhere, get updated charts and guidebooks. Then pay attention to the water. Keep to well marked channels and harbors until you feel comfortable with eyeball navigation.
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Old 06-12-2021, 10:39   #4
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dougweibel View Post
It is not entirely clear what your concern is w.r.t. single handing in the Bahamas. I do not singlehanded as I sail with my wife as a couple, but we have spent the last four winters in the Bahamas. If you are comfortable single handing on the US east coast I see no reason you would have any difficulty in the Bahamas.

You can cruise the Bahamas without ever making an overnight passage. We have friends that do it that way. Only in a few spots do we send someone to the bow to read the water, and those could be easily avoided. Also, we've never actually needed that person at the bow. Plan your travel through thin water to have the sun overhead and it is easy enough to read the water from the helm.

We meet plenty of single handers in the Bahamas. Unless you have a deep draft I don't think you would have any issue you don't have on the US east coast.
============
thank you and skipmac
yes to been comfortable with my boat single handling,
have made all needed changes and have sailed alone since returned to sail/cruising 2018, do not need to leave the cockpit, except for docking/anchoring.
have secured and been spending time going over charts and cruising guides, and agree seems doable for me, just like to double-check and have feedback as both of you have.
Have "double duty" on having to reassure also my daughter that I'm not going "gaga", sailing is perhaps the most important part of my life at this point.
take care and thank you both.
David
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Old 06-12-2021, 10:46   #5
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

Should be great. It's fairly easy cruising and not hard to read the water once you get used to it.
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Old 07-12-2021, 09:54   #6
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

I spent 3 winters single-handed cruising in The Bahamas. I agree with all others that it is very doable. I really appreciated having the Explorer Chartbooks on my chartplotter/iPad and had NO difficulty. That said, crossing the White Banks and Yellow Banks without someone on the bow is not something I would do.

Have a great winter!!!!

Jay
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Old 07-12-2021, 10:40   #7
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

A fellow named Sumner cruised there in his Mac25 a number of years ago, all by his lonesome after his wife passed away.


Bonneville and Land Speed Racing at Purple Sage Trading Post


I "re-met" him on an n scale model railroading forum earlier this year. Great guy, documented a lot of great material.
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Old 07-12-2021, 11:28   #8
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

Thank you Kwenlanu you too
Stu thanks for the link,very very nice, appreciate.
take care
David
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Old 07-12-2021, 13:29   #9
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenlanu View Post
crossing the White Banks and Yellow Banks without someone on the bow is not something I would do.
This would be my concern too. Don't know how good your forward visibility is, but you need to be able to see the coral heads as dark patches of water, which really only become visible at a fairly close range.

I wonder if a down and forward-looking video camera mounted on the pulpit or mast would work for that task.
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Old 07-12-2021, 14:02   #10
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

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Originally Posted by Lodesman View Post
This would be my concern too. Don't know how good your forward visibility is, but you need to be able to see the coral heads as dark patches of water, which really only become visible at a fairly close range.

I wonder if a down and forward-looking video camera mounted on the pulpit or mast would work for that task.
=============
now that is an idea,my forward visibility is zilch.
thank you
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Old 07-12-2021, 14:13   #11
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

cursory search produced this unit, looks quite useful,never thought about it.


Ring Stick Up Cam Battery – see every corner of your home from anywhere – White

https://www.google.com/search?q=Ring...hrome&ie=UTF-8
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Old 07-12-2021, 14:41   #12
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lodesman View Post
I wonder if a down and forward-looking video camera mounted on the pulpit or mast would work for that task.

+1 for a fwd looking camera up the mast
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Old 07-12-2021, 15:21   #13
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

Bill,found the answer,GTO cable,thanks
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Old 07-12-2021, 15:40   #14
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

Two tips for cruising the Bahamas alone.

1) Don’t cross the gulf with any wind coming from the north.

2) Keep shallow water cruising to daytime only. Charts are not super accurate outside the main channels. Markers disappear and are sometimes not replaced for several years.
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Old 07-12-2021, 16:01   #15
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Re: How feasible The Bahamas for single hand?

A long time ago now ... but we cruised the Exumas and there was a great guy single handing ... but ... he had no legs, he was a vet!
So you should have no worries! Same old, 'ere on the side of caution!
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