Memorial WE - Bahama Mama to Lucaya

[Asureyez]

Okay, crusing season is close upon us in SoFla. CSR buddies, let's plan a trip to Lucaya arriving May 22 and departing when you darn well feel like it ...

Alternate destination for bad seas ... Marathon in the keys.

Ports of Departure: Port Everglades, Boca Inlet and Port of Miami - Miami Beach.

I'll make slip reservations on April 15th so sign up now.

Email message me or Barry. Wanna go but need a ride let me know and we may have crew space on boats and there are great hotels at Port Lucaya.

 

[Taradise]

would you allow single engine boats or is this strictly for duals?

 

[Asureyez]

Not wanting to sound like a SA, but the number of engines you have is what you have. Making the passage is a "Skipper's Choice" matter as I see it and not one that a orgaiizer would set a standard too.

That said, making a crossing like this on one screw is no great shakes if you're up to snuff on maintenance. If anything, having a few other bigger boats running close to you can give you comfort of knowing a tow maybe close at hand.

The run from Pt Everglads to Lucaya is about 85 NM with no fuel or Burger Kings along the way.:smt038

Chad

 

[barryg]

Thanks for posting Chad..Can't wait to go..

Barry

 

[Asureyez]

Okay so the alternate destination to Marathon wasn't so popular ... So instead of the alternate destination being Marathon, we'll run to Key West and do the Duvall Crawl!:grin:

My boat can carry 8 to 12 and I need 4 spots, so those wanting the crew spots to stay in hotels speak out!:smt024

This is your chance to make a blue water crossing in your boat or as a student crew. Just want to take the ride one way, NP good air service from both.

There are great hotel accomodations in both Lucaya or Key West.:thumbsup:

Chad

 

[Morpheus]

Could you give some examples or where to look for these hotels I might take you up on the "Student Crew" thinking if I go with you and your experience I would learn something and maybe do it in my 240SD with a group one day or do it in my next BIGGER boat (MM has a 2007 60DA for sale used with 59hr anyone wannt give me 2million come on lottery)

 

[papogator24]

Awww, I would have definitely signed up for this but I have already made plans to be in islamorada for memorial weekend. This is definitely I would love to experience by taking my boat. Maybe next time.

 

[barryg]

Here's a link to the Bahamas website where they show deals to hotels in Grand Bahama (Lucaya) where we are going. You should be able to make reservations now, and find out what the cancellation policy is just in case.


http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/accommodations/accommodations.aspx?abvr=gran&view=deals


Barry

 

[Asureyez]

Thanks BarryG for posting the hotel info.

Both the Westin and the SHearton are featued on the top page with special pricing.

Guys check it out!

Chad

 

[Asureyez]

Okay the plans are taking shape.
QWhen: Depart May 24, Return May 28

Partisipants at this time
Asureyez
BarryG
Odessey
Plus Barry G (Buddy)

Float Plan:
Depart at first light May 24 to Lucaya
Alternate Dest. Miami Beach Marina

We can get slips at Port Lucaya so lets get out there guys.

NOTE: I was serious about those wanting to make the crossing by boat and stay shoreside. This would be a good opportunity to go with experience blue water skippers and learn.
PM me here with questions.

 

[04winger]

I'm interested in doing a crossing to the Bahamas sometime but don't know much about it. What are the best months and are there any months that you would not consider crossing?

 

[barryg]

If you do a search you will probably find other posts about this.. The best time to cross is in the summer as once the winds turn and fronts come thru as in now through the winter, the Gulfstream can be way to dangerous to cross. We just had a weak cold front move through South Florida and the seas tomorrow are predicted to be around 10'...

For your first time, you might want to go over with the Bahamas Boating Flings, which run from June through August and go to either Bimini, Port Lucaya, and Nassau and the Abacos. A great safe way to go as they usually have between 10-20 boats going over at the same time. I can't wait till next summer to do it again!!

Barry

 

[04winger]

Thanks Barry, Is there a list or someone to get in touch with to get setup with for the trip next year?
Stan

 

[Nacho Boat]

Here is the list of the Bahamas Flings for next year - we plan to make at least one (if I still have a job....).

http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/boating-fling-schedule-2009

Boating Flings


Boating Flings are the Bahamian equivalent of a road trip, but instead of cars, we use boats. A lead boat and captain pilot the way for a caravan of pleasure boaters on a journey across the Gulf Stream to our beautiful islands. After the simple crossing, you can relax on our white powder beaches or enjoy an itinerary filled with exciting activities and still have enough time to snorkel, scuba dive, fish and stock up on Bahamian bread.

Flings start on Wednesday and end on Sunday during the summer from June through August.

Fling Schedule for 2010


*note: please call 1-800-32SPORT for more information. June

2 – 6Bimini
16 – 20Grand Bahama Island
23 – 27Bimini


July

7 – 11Grand Bahama Island
14 – 25Abaco/Grand Bahama Island (Extended)

28 – 8Bimini/Chub Cay/Nassau/Cape Eleuthera (Extended)





Boating Fling Registration Form

 

[barryg]

Call Karen Wring at the tourist office at 954-236-9292. We usually go for the first Bimini trip and will again depending on where they stay and of course the weather.. The Bimini trips meet at the Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale for a captains meeting that Wednesday night, and leave first light (6:45am) Thursday morning. Everyone is very friendly and you will make a lot of new friends as well as find other boats that cruise at the same speed you do, so you can go over safely. We return that Sunday morning again at first light... The waters there are amazing and I can't wait to go again!!

Barry

 

[plafontaine]

hi,,, i was checking the web page, and at the bottom of the Registration Form its:

"Enclosed is my $75 non-refundable fee per fling to guarantee space for my boat on a first come/first served basis"

This guarantee a space where?

Another question. those trips are full? if i wait till March +/-,its full??

This is like a Tour? we have to follow an schedule?

Thank you

 

[Nacho Boat]

hi,,, i was checking the web page, and at the bottom of the Registration Form its:

"Enclosed is my $75 non-refundable fee per fling to guarantee space for my boat on a first come/first served basis"

This guarantee a space where?

Another question. those trips are full? if i wait till March +/-,its full??

This is like a Tour? we have to follow an schedule?

Thank you

Each fling is constrained to about 30 boats (depends on where the fling is going and how slips are available (time of year, etc)). I don't know how many have been "sold out"

If you wait until March, you will be plenty early.

This is something like a tour, the group will move from site to site together, but you are on your own once you reach a destination. (you are really on your own, and do not HAVE to follow with the group, but for safety reasons, you are smart to move with the group). Usually, there will be a social event or two on the trip, but it is not a requirement to attend.