Memorial Day trip to Port Lucaya

Fresh water in the Bahamas is scarce and because of that, expensive. Unlike the US, there are no lakes or underground sources for water so they must import it (Andros is a large source of fresh water for some of the islands), make it with water makers or collect it (cisterns). All marinas in Bahamas charge for dockside water by the gallon. In some of the out islands, the cost can reach $1.00 per gallon. Because of that, everyone should be careful with their usage and conserve. Those boats with water makers, you Rock !!!!

We follow a simple plan... start all ice makers on the boat 3 days before leaving; fill water tanks 100% before departing; pack as much ice as possible in the beer coolers; conserve while in the Islands; and recycle the melted ice from the beer coolers.

I'm glad you asked about this, I'll think of similar items that may be of concern.

Randy
 
earthmover17 said:
Guys,
Chad posted previously that we needed to bring a bunch of bagged ice. Why is that? Is it expensive or not good to ingest? Just getting down to the final things I need to deal with before we leave.
Coming from the West coast we have to provision for quite a few more days and space is shrinking rapidly. Any other Info. as to what we can't get in Lucaya would help.
Jack
Click to expand...

I agree, we have two fridges that will be filled (beer needs to go somewhere ya know), but we would need coolers for ice and will be running out of room. I was hoping we could pick it up at the Ship Store?

Anyone know what the cost of a bag of ice is in Port Lucaya?

Ken
 
I do not remember the cost of a bag of ice in PLM. It is definitely more than here but not triple. I'll find out and post it !!!
 
Ken,
We decided to keep the food in the fridge, which is very unlike me as I only care about keeping the beer cold. Who cares about eating when you have cold beer.
We are gonna keep the beer in a huge cooler in the cockpit area and freshen the ice at every stop.
I will take Randy and Chads advice and bring some bag ice for the mixed drinks. My icemakers wil be on maximum.
Jack
 
2 points for further consideration.....

1. SeaTow, Tow Boat US or other similar services are a good insurance policy. I know that Tow Boat's Fort Lauderdale station covers a 120 mile range and that there is a TB station at West End as well.
2. Speaking of insurance, you may want to check your carrier's policy coverage for the Bahamas. Mine does not come standard and you must add it to the base policy.

Randy
 
First Light: In my sailing experience "First Light" means the very first hint of sunlight ... that ghost like hint of light rising from the east. Hence the term First light, sometimes called "False Dawn" .

Now on Thursday the 21st. here is the detail:


Port Everglades, Turning Basin

21 May 2009 - 22 May 2009

26.0917° N, 80.1233° W

Thu 04:00 EDT Moonrise2009-05-21
Thu 05:52 EDT 2.45 feet High Tide2009-05-21
Thu 06:31 EDT Sunrise2009-05-21
Thu 12:09 EDT -0.16 feet Low Tide2009-05-21
Thu 17:18 EDT Moonset2009-05-21
Thu 18:40 EDT 2.75 feet High Tide2009-05-21
Thu 20:03 EDT Sunset2009-05-22
Fri 00:41 EDT 0.27 feet Low Tide2009-05-22
Fri 04:39 EDT Moonrise2009-05-22
Fri 06:31 EDT Sunrise2009-05-22
Fri 06:44 EDT 2.56 feet High Tide2009-05-22
Fri 12:57 EDT -0.37 feet Low Tide2009-05-22
Fri 18:23 EDT Moonset2009-05-22
Fri 19:32 EDT 2.92 feet High Tide2009-05-22
Fri 20:03 EDT Sunset


Thus "First Light" will be around 5:30-5:45AM. Why so early? Well on the East Coast w/o any major weather systems the winds laydown during the night and so do the SEAS.

Day winds of 12knts will be 2-6 in the evening and the seas will drop right behind. Thursday at 5:30 AM leaving PT Everglades at the top of high tide and little projected wind I can scoot like a stepped on cat.

Hitting the open water early lets me get about 20 miles NE before I have sun in my eyes and chop on my bow. By 9:30 I'm out of the GS and into NPC, all the time having current and TIDE pushing me along. (read cost less to transit).

So Ray, get out there buddy and do'er right, I'm with you.
 
Scoot like a stepped on cat.

That's got to be one of the coolest ways to put it. I've also heard 'shoot out like a raped ape' but I like the stepped-on-cat analogy better. You can say it in front of kids.
 
Now this is what we need for the trip over. This was the ocean off Ft. Lauderdale Beach at 6:30 am this morning.
sunrise_FT_Laud.jpg


Yeah Baby
Ray
 
Ken,
You must be in CO. cause it's after 9. We are going to go with the flow. I don't think Ray makes the speed we do so he has to get up EARLY and go. Seas seem to be more favorable early but if it looks wavvy we go early( if we can get up from our own west coast party).
Jack
 
We're now less than 2 weeks from leaving. A couple of friendly reminders.....

1) passports are required. Don't leave home without them for every person on board.
2) check you boat insurance to make sure you're covered in the Bahamas.
3) decide on a towing service.
4) make reservations at Port Lucaya Marina.

Randy
 
Credit cards are accepted widely, BUT clearance fees must be paid in CASH - US or Bahamian DOLLARS.

The conch salad guy only takes cash.
 
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