CSR Bahamas Rendezvous (Spring Break 2015)

[Kendall]

Alex:

I would love to do this trip again in my 260 but I do not want to cross the gulf stream again on a schedule. For me two weeks would be a minimum to plan if you are trying to hit Staniel Cay and make it back across in April.

If I were you I would make a back up plan for your kids and wife to hop on a plane in Bimini to get back to Florida if the Stream gets rough for the return trip. The rental rates at the Sands are not that high and you could fly back if needed also for work leaving your boat there. Do not put the gulf stream on a schedule as you already know.

If I only had one week I would spend it at Bimini Sands and see all there is to see around Bimini. Maybe move up to North Bimini if you get bored at Bimini Sands.

A back up plan in Miami is an awesome idea.

Best regards,

Kendall

 

[Alex F]

Alex:

I would love to do this trip again in my 260 but I do not want to cross the gulf stream again on a schedule. For me two weeks would be a minimum to plan if you are trying to hit Staniel Cay and make it back across in April.

If I were you I would make a back up plan for your kids and wife to hop on a plane in Bimini to get back to Florida if the Stream gets rough for the return trip. The rental rates at the Sands are not that high and you could fly back if needed also for work leaving your boat there. Do not put the gulf stream on a schedule as you already know.

If I only had one week I would spend it at Bimini Sands and see all there is to see around Bimini. Maybe move up to North Bimini if you get bored at Bimini Sands.

A back up plan in Miami is an awesome idea.

Best regards,

Kendall

Long time no hear, Kendall. I hope all is well.

We'd be happy to plow the seas for you. So, come on and join the group.

I can't disagree regarding a schedule, but it's the story of life, as well as millions of others, where we have no choice but live on a schedule. So, all we can do is just make best out of it. Considering that the weather is very tricky during spring time, IMO, having good Plan B is just as essential as Plan A. That's why I didn't want to delay much longer and get this thread started, so we have time to brainstorm ideas and come up with good and comfortable plans.

My main idea in any of our rendezvous is to form a group in a given time frame. Unlike in the summer, I have to go by our school calendar (this year is the week of 4/3-4/11). Once we have group of interested parties, coming up with itinerary is a bit easier. In current situation, as long as we have interested parties who are available to do the trip during these dates, we'll come up with good itinerary for plan A and plan B, which are:

Plan A = Bahamas (Itinerary within reasonable distance to be covered within 1 week)
Plan B = Anywhere in FL protected waters. It could be anywhere on the East coast (FTL, Miami, Upper Keys, etc.), or we can even cross over and go to the West coast. As long as we're within a reasonable distance to do it within 1 week.

Then, as we monitor the weather, we should have a cut off point where we (as a group) make the final decision on which plan we'll be executing.

I like your point on leaving the boat in Bahamas and fly back to main land (if we get caught in bad weather), but that would be my plan D. I'm going to include a section on the first page "What to do if get caught in bad weather in Bahamas". This is where we can list our thoughts and number of options.

I'll be reading and searching more on Bimini Sands and North Bimini. If you have more ports in mind, let us know.

 

[Odyssey]

Double Breasted Cay is a protected anchorage (not a marina) in the Northern Abaco chain. it is in a small chain of low lying islands situated in gin clear water. It is 3 miles south of Grand Cay (marina, water, restaurants, etc) and about 10 miles southeast of Walker's. It is the only place outside of Exuma that is close to the Exumas. From Boca inlet, it is 130 miles to DB. We planned a short 4 day trip at the end of the summer but weather and scheduling comflict kept us form going. It is the next "trip in waiting" on my list

 

[Kendall]

Long time no hear, Kendall. I hope all is well.

We'd be happy to plow the seas for you. So, come on and join the group.

I can't disagree regarding a schedule, but it's the story of life, as well as millions of others, where we have no choice but live on a schedule. So, all we can do is just make best out of it. Considering that the weather is very tricky during spring time, IMO, having good Plan B is just as essential as Plan A. That's why I didn't want to delay much longer and get this thread started, so we have time to brainstorm ideas and come up with good and comfortable plans.

My main idea in any of our rendezvous is to form a group in a given time frame. Unlike in the summer, I have to go by our school calendar (this year is the week of 4/3-4/11). Once we have group of interested parties, coming up with itinerary is a bit easier. In current situation, as long as we have interested parties who are available to do the trip during these dates, we'll come up with good itinerary for plan A and plan B, which are:

Plan A = Bahamas (Itinerary within reasonable distance to be covered within 1 week)
Plan B = Anywhere in FL protected waters. It could be anywhere on the East coast (FTL, Miami, Upper Keys, etc.), or we can even cross over and go to the West coast. As long as we're within a reasonable distance to do it within 1 week.

Then, as we monitor the weather, we should have a cut off point where we (as a group) make the final decision on which plan we'll be executing.

I like your point on leaving the boat in Bahamas and fly back to main land (if we get caught in bad weather), but that would be my plan D. I'm going to include a section on the first page "What to do if get caught in bad weather in Bahamas". This is where we can list our thoughts and number of options.

I'll be reading and searching more on Bimini Sands and North Bimini. If you have more ports in mind, let us know.

Alex:

I agree completely. I will talk with the family and see when spring break occurs for us and see if they would like to try Bimini.

As far as dockage I guess you could consider North Bimini's Bimini Bay Resort but the other marinas close to the entrance of the channel are way to wake prone to dock our small boat there....

I really liked South Bimini as they have floating docks (easier for my boat) with plenty of party/eating spots and beautiful water.

 

[nautic_32]

Happy New Year 2015 to all: Its been awhile since I logged in and noticed theres a "trip" for this coming April, I see majority of boaters are on the 40's to 50's range. Will it be an issue if someone will like to go with a 28'?? I am from the tampabay area so I can easily transport my vessel towards the ft. Lauderdale area or closer to the other boaters. I have done the crossing towards bimini so I am familiar to those waters specially growing up in the Caribbean. I deerly hope we All can make this trip this year looks like on summer time the weather hasn't worked for some. I don't usually come here so I will leave my email in case someone has a suggestion or comment; john@unitedplumbing-drain.com. cel. 813-546-9411 have a 1derful time.

 

[Alex F]

Hi John and Happy New Year to you as well!

I personally don't have any objections on having smaller vessel in the group. In fact, going with a group is the best way to do it, IMO. It boils down to very few things:

1. The weather (seas condition, especially in the Gulf stream).
2. Captains and crew tolerance. Even smaller boats can handle a lot more than a crew, most of the time.
3. Boat's fuel range.

I'm still compiling the info and will update the thread with proposed itinerary for the trip. So, stay tuned......

 

[slinky75]

Hello Everyone.
I just came by this thread which seems like a great Idea ...
I was doing my own planing to cruise to the Bahamas either at the spring break or before, As I'm doing my searches I saw this tread.
Any way, I would be happy to join the group, also wanted to share my original plan if you guys still open for suggestions.
I was planing on towing my boat to boat ramp at Rivera Beach,fl start out from the "lake worth inlet" from there head out to the west end of the grand Bahamas island which is 57NM from the inlet.
My plan was to dock at the "Old Bahama Bay" Resort and marina, they have good rates and groups discounts.
From there on there are many things to do or keep on cruising to other places.

Here is there web site with all the info - www.oldbahambay.com

Even if my plan doesn't sound like something you want to go with...as long as you guys have a plan that works for smaller boat like mine, I'm in.

Wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR .

 

[Odyssey]

I might suggest that we start looking at possible routes with ports/marinas. Alex and I have tossed around a couple of ideas but we want the trip to work with everybody. Some folks are talking about West End, others about Bimini and others about further places. Let's start with the trip time. How many days are people thinking about here?

 

[cod]

I'm thinking around 10 days give or take....I personally like the route heading to Double Breasted Cay and working our way to the Abacos. We may have 2 different jumb off points and have a common meeting place. I would be looking to head out from St. lucie Inlet.......

 

[Alex F]

While brainstorming few ideas, Randy and I considered the fact that it's probably best to propose two options. One for shorter trip (7 days) and one for longer (10 days).

Great question, Randy. It's important to know what's the availability for majority in the group. I personally would be targeting 10 days, regardless of the number of legs and their distance. I also made minor correction to the dates on the first page 4/3 - 4/12.

So, here are the proposed two options for discussion:

7 Days / 6 Nights trip
Leg 1:
FTL/Boca to North Bimini (2 nights) big Game marina 60nm
- Day trip to Great Issac (north of Bimini)

Leg 2:
Bimini to West End (1 night) good fuel stop. Marina. 70NM

Leg 3:
West End to Double Brested Cay (2nights anchorage). 55NM

• Grand Cay is a marina option.

Leg 4:
Double Brested to West End. (1 night) 55NM

Leg 5:
West End to FTL/Boca 125nm



10 Days / 9 Nights
Leg 1:
FTL/Boca to North Bimini (2 nights) big Game marina 60nm
- Day trip to Great Issac (north of Bimini)

Leg 2:
Bimini to West End (1 night) good fuel stop. Marina. 70NM.

Leg 3:
West End to Green Turtle Cay

Legs 4:
Green Turtle Cay to Treasure Cay

Leg 5:
There we have few places close together:

• Hope Town,
• Great Guana Cay,
• Marsh Harbor (30nm from Green Turtle)

So, let’s decide how we should do these islands hopping.

Leg N:
Option a) Marsh HBR to North Bimini (180nm)
Option b) Marsh HBR to West End (125nm)

Final Leg :
Option a) N.Bimini to FTL/Boca (60nm)
Option b) West End to FTL/Boca (70nm)



Guys, please treat the above as only proposed ideas. We're looking for everyone's feedback, so we can come up with nice itinerary that fits majority.

It's time to get this thread in full swing...:smt038:smt038:smt038

 

[Alex F]

Hello Everyone.
I just came by this thread which seems like a great Idea ...
I was doing my own planing to cruise to the Bahamas either at the spring break or before, As I'm doing my searches I saw this tread.
Any way, I would be happy to join the group, also wanted to share my original plan if you guys still open for suggestions.
I was planing on towing my boat to boat ramp at Rivera Beach,fl start out from the "lake worth inlet" from there head out to the west end of the grand Bahamas island which is 57NM from the inlet.
My plan was to dock at the "Old Bahama Bay" Resort and marina, they have good rates and groups discounts.
From there on there are many things to do or keep on cruising to other places.

Here is there web site with all the info - www.oldbahambay.com

Even if my plan doesn't sound like something you want to go with...as long as you guys have a plan that works for smaller boat like mine, I'm in.

Wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR .

slinky75,

Welcome and Happy New Year. As I mentioned in earlier post, we welcome smaller boats and will be happy to "plow the seas" for you guys. If you don't plan on doing the whole trip with the group and only doing one or two legs, no problem. Do whatever works for your crew.


P.S.

Those who considering signing up for the trip, please provide your info in the following format:


List of Potential Participants (depending on time availability, itinerary and weather):
[CSR name]: [crew names], [boat info], [Traveling From]
1. "Alex F": Alex and Jelena, Michelle(17), Daniel(10), "Inspiration" 420DB, Ft Lauderdale
2. "Arl798": Andrew and crew TBD, "TBD" 400DB, Key West
3. "shadow9999": Robert and Diane, "TBD" Viking 50VSC, FL West Coast
4. "N/A": Robert's friend crew TBD, "TBD", FL West Coast
5. "COD": Steve and Kris, kids TBD, "Retreat" 500DB, Naples
6. "Odyssey": Randy crew TBD, "Odyssey" 44EB, Delray Beach
7. TBD

Who else is going?

 

[trit21]

Even though I am not going I just thought I would interject some information here, take it for what its worth. Bimini AND Abacos in only 10 days is not nearly enough time. Even Abacos in 10 days isn't enough time. There is a lot to do and see in the Abacos and if you only spend a short time you are selling yourself short, especially during April as the Seas can really kick up in no time at all. Bimini, Freeport (Lucaya) and West End maybe OR go directly to the Abacos maybe but both in 10 days is just a lot traveling, a lot of fuel and you miss most of the good stuff because you are always on the move. We do the Abacos every June/July and spend 2 weeks and that isn't enough time. Sometimes the wind blows and you can't get past Whale Cay in the rage. Sometimes you are stuck on the north side, sometimes the south side. Bahamas have no markers, no red and green, no nothing. Better know how to read the water, water depth, fish muds, grass dark water which is shallow vs dark water with depth. Difference is between 2' and 10'. Not saying you can't do it but it would be a much better trip for longer time frame. I know Odyssey knows all this as he has been there, done that but I just saw your map thought, Holy Mackeral, that is a lot of traveling in only 10 days.

 

[Alex F]

Even though I am not going I just thought I would interject some information here, take it for what its worth. Bimini AND Abacos in only 10 days is not nearly enough time. Even Abacos in 10 days isn't enough time. There is a lot to do and see in the Abacos and if you only spend a short time you are selling yourself short, especially during April as the Seas can really kick up in no time at all. Bimini, Freeport (Lucaya) and West End maybe OR go directly to the Abacos maybe but both in 10 days is just a lot traveling, a lot of fuel and you miss most of the good stuff because you are always on the move. We do the Abacos every June/July and spend 2 weeks and that isn't enough time. Sometimes the wind blows and you can't get past Whale Cay in the rage. Sometimes you are stuck on the north side, sometimes the south side. Bahamas have no markers, no red and green, no nothing. Better know how to read the water, water depth, fish muds, grass dark water which is shallow vs dark water with depth. Difference is between 2' and 10'. Not saying you can't do it but it would be a much better trip for longer time frame. I know Odyssey knows all this as he has been there, done that but I just saw your map thought, Holy Mackeral, that is a lot of traveling in only 10 days.

Great post, Tom. I know what you mean and we're be looking to make necessary adjustments that makes most sense.

No Nav markers? That's something new, but I'm not surprised though, hey it's Bahamas....:lol:

When you go to Abacos, do you go directly or do you stop at West End for fuel and clear customs? When in Abacos, where to do you go? Are any of these fit in your "usual" itinerary:
Green Turtle Cay, Treasure Cay, Hope Town, Great Guana Cay, Marsh Harbor?

P.S.

I just did a quick draft of the float plan options in my spreadsheet and the numbers speak for themselves, which is in line to what you said, Tom.



I totally agree that doing both, Bimini and Abacos is too overwhelming in 10 days trip.

Any thoughts, guys?

 

[trit21]

We go directly from Ft Piece to Green Turtle Cay, but I also have a 400 mile range on my boat so I don't worry about fuel. One of our friends has a 44 DB and he is real close on fuel from Ft Pierce to GTC so he stops at West End of the night and meets us the next day. We also are coming from a more northern area and go across White Sand Ridge and try to avoid Indian Cay cut as it is real shallow, no markers and no very wide. If you are going to the Abacos, get the Abaco guide book and FOLLOW IT. Gives you all the waypoints you MUST hit.

When we are in the Abacos we are at Grand Cay (Rosies), Green Turtle, Great Guana, Treasure Cay, Marsh Harbor, Hopetown and Elbow Cay, Man O War, Lubber Quarters (awesome little restaurant but very shallow draft, 3') Spanish if needed and go Tuna fishing right outside of Whale Cay. 2 weeks and we still run out of time, some of our group spend the month and we MAY do that this year (depends on finances and flights back and forth the Marsh). We clear customs in Green Turtle but if you stop at West End, you better clear there OR the first place you stop which is required.

Also remember, you guys are trying to go at one of the worst times of the year when the winds can change from a nice south/southeast to a strong north/northeast in just hours. That takes seas from 2' to 5-6' in just hours as well so do ALOT of planning, there is no intercoastal to run and hide and you only run in 10-15' (depth of the bank with some slightly deeper spots) with no markers at all. Water so clear you can see the bottom and all the rocks you run across. Makes you pucker the first couple of times as you think you are surely going to hit one. Not trying to scare anyone because this is a beautiful spot to cruise but just be prepared.

Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWK08bUbmgw
Trip from last year.

 

[k9medic]

Too bad you guys aren't doing this later in the summer. I plan on taking a trip to the Abacos myself towards the end of July beginning of August.

Stuart to Great Sale Cay
Great Sale Cay to Green Turtle
Green Turtle to Elbow
Elbow to Little Harbor
Little Harbor to Green Turtle
Green Turtle to Great Sale Cay
Great Sale to Stuart

 

[cod]

I agree that trying to do Bimini and the Abacos in the same trip is creating a lot of travel...... In regards to the Abacos, personally, I could pass on Treasure Cay.... It had a "barren" feeling to me and I wasn't impressed the last time we were there... I would opt for a nice secluded cove in Manjack Cay or go to Sea Spray Marina on Elbow.....If in the Abacos, Hopetown is a must. Marsh Harbor is more commercialized and I don't think I would consider this a destination either. This is where most of the charter boats operate from. Just my 2 cents.....

 

[Alex F]

We go directly from Ft Piece to Green Turtle Cay, but I also have a 400 mile range on my boat so I don't worry about fuel. One of our friends has a 44 DB and he is real close on fuel from Ft Pierce to GTC so he stops at West End of the night and meets us the next day. We also are coming from a more northern area and go across White Sand Ridge and try to avoid Indian Cay cut as it is real shallow, no markers and no very wide. If you are going to the Abacos, get the Abaco guide book and FOLLOW IT. Gives you all the waypoints you MUST hit.

When we are in the Abacos we are at Grand Cay (Rosies), Green Turtle, Great Guana, Treasure Cay, Marsh Harbor, Hopetown and Elbow Cay, Man O War, Lubber Quarters (awesome little restaurant but very shallow draft, 3') Spanish if needed and go Tuna fishing right outside of Whale Cay. 2 weeks and we still run out of time, some of our group spend the month and we MAY do that this year (depends on finances and flights back and forth the Marsh). We clear customs in Green Turtle but if you stop at West End, you better clear there OR the first place you stop which is required.

Also remember, you guys are trying to go at one of the worst times of the year when the winds can change from a nice south/southeast to a strong north/northeast in just hours. That takes seas from 2' to 5-6' in just hours as well so do ALOT of planning, there is no intercoastal to run and hide and you only run in 10-15' (depth of the bank with some slightly deeper spots) with no markers at all. Water so clear you can see the bottom and all the rocks you run across. Makes you pucker the first couple of times as you think you are surely going to hit one. Not trying to scare anyone because this is a beautiful spot to cruise but just be prepared.

Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWK08bUbmgw
Trip from last year.

Very helpful input, Tom. The video is great. Very good quality too. I'm guessing you're using GoPro?

When in Abacos, where do you get fuel, in Green Turtle Cay or somewhere else? Besides good price, I'm trying to understand where the clean fuel is. You've mentioned Abacos Cruising guide, I know there are few publications. Is there anyone you like better?

Is this one good?
http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Guid...F8&qid=1420754554&sr=1-1&keywords=abaco+guide

Or would you go with usual waterway guide?
http://www.waterwayguide.com/shipstore/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=210

My "Maptech Embassy Cruising Guide: Florida and the Bahamas - 5th Edition" has only couple of pages covering Bahamas, I'll definitely will need a new book.

 

[Odyssey]

just food for thought.....

the West End/Double Breasted/Abaco (no Bimini) seems like a good trip for many people. The folks that don't have as much time can come home after Double Breasted, the rest can keep going. Bimini can be a separate trip

everyone's input is encouraged.

 

[Odyssey]

When in Abacos, where do you get fuel, in Green Turtle Cay or somewhere else? Besides good price, I'm trying to understand where the clean fuel is. You've mentioned Abacos Cruising guide, I know there are few publications. Is there anyone you like better?

Is this one good?
http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Guid...F8&qid=1420754554&sr=1-1&keywords=abaco+guide

Or would you go with usual waterway guide?
http://www.waterwayguide.com/shipstore/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=210

My "Maptech Embassy Cruising Guide: Florida and the Bahamas - 5th Edition" has only couple of pages covering Bahamas, I'll definitely will need a new book.

I think the Cruising Guide to Abaco is the best publication for that region. I would also pick up the Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas Edition #7. If heading to the Exumas (great idea) get the Explorer Chartbook Exuma-Ragged #7

Regarding clean fuel, the middle Abacos (from Spanish Cay south) are all pretty much the same with the exception of Marsh Harbour. Marsh is more populated and gets more frequent fuel shipments. Stay away from fuel at Grand Cay if possible (Norther Abaco)

 

[Alex F]

I need your local knowladge, guys, to understand if this makes sense. By looking at the AC chart it wasn't showing details very well, so I assumed we have to go around the islands to get from West End to Green Turtle area. But, when I looked at the charts on my iPad, I see that there should be plenty of water. So, I did a quick route just to get the idea what it would take to get from one side to the other and this is what it looks like.

FTL to West End ~ 70NM


West End to Green Turtle ~100NM


Do these numbers and mainly my understanding cutting thru sounds right?

Randy,

I'm sure you've done this leg many times, what's the distance to get from West End to Double Breasted Cay? I assume there's also some sort of a cut thru.