Sailing to the Bahamas 6/1/19
Sat, Jun 01
|Fort Lauderdale
Deadline: May 1, 2019
Date, Time & Location
Jun 01, 2019, 7:00 PM – Jun 09, 2019, 11:00 PM
Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
About The Event
This has become our annual sailing to the small island of Bimini, it’s actually two islands but they are so small and close together they are referred to as one. Between the two, a perfect harbor and the small settlement called Alice Town.
This trip will spark a light in every adventurous soul on board. Several of the nearby surrounding islands are uninhabited and untouched since time began white sandy beaches and pristine coral reefs. Perfect for snorkeling and diving. No commercial ports on this venture.
Planning is essential; everything we need for the week must be onboard when we cast off. There are no stores to buy food on the islands. A dinner party three weeks prior to sailing is mandatory. Who will cook (some people love to cook). The cooks do not clean-up (captains’ rule). What to cook is important. Special dietary needs of some. Who will do the shopping? Personal items to bring, there is a list of items to cover. All successful voyages are the result of effective planning.
The adventure will begin in Ft. Lauderdale, after provisioning, a short four hour sail to Miami and anchor for the night. At first light we’ll make the crossing to Bimini, about a 5 hr. sail across the Gulf Stream.
After clearing customs in Alice Town we’ll spend the night at a marina, giving you a chance to explore the island, local shops, restaurants and bars. In the morning a short sail to the wreck of the Sapona for a relaxing afternoon snorkel would be in order. We all heard of the fighter squadron that never returned from the Bermuda Triangle, well this is the wreck they were returning from, a simple practice bombing run. Yes, the entire trip is inside the Bermuda Triangle.
Nightfall will find us anchored off Gunn Cay. Now uninhabited, an old Coast Guard station and dock are all that remains after a hurricane destroyed the Bahamas’ processing center for drug runners. The lighthouse is still operational on the southern tip providing a beacon for sailors to navigate the very narrow pass between Gun Cay and Cat Cay on their way to The Barry Islands. Snorkeling on the west side of the island is unmatched with sea life. This is one of those forgotten places in the Bahamas. For some reason the manta rays here just love to be petted, they’ll even eat out of your hand. They are not trained but have learned that sailors are an easy hit for a hand-out.
Located off North Bimini is the famous “Road to Atlantis”, first spotted by airline pilots. Locals claim it is the road to the lost city of Atlantis. Archaeologists have visited this site and theorize that this was maybe an ancient sea port. Either way we’ll do our own investigating. It is definitely man-made. 10 to 15’ in depth and runs for almost a mile, it’s an interesting snorkel.
There are several dive shops on the island for those that wish to do some diving on some pristine reefs with over 200’ visibility.
Final stop is Bluewater Marina in Alice town, time to top off the tanks with fuel and water. Relax at the bar and swim in their large freshwater pool. Enjoy the town with its many shops, restaurants and famous bars like the End of the World Salon.
Leaving Alice Town about midnight navigating the narrow channel leading out to the open ocean is a challenge even in daylight. Once in the clear, sails are set, course is set and the currents of the Gulf Stream will be with us most of the way back to Ft. Lauderdale and home.
This is a “live on board sailing trip”, everyone has to work together. Bring your camera.
The cost for this 7-day sailing trip is just 2,000 per couple !
Payments can be make 50% down = 1,000 April 1, first payment 25% = 500.00 May 1, final payment 25% = 500.00
You can use PayPal on our website for all payments
We will need to put together a food plan, so a pre-party will be in order.
Cost Share
Sailing to the Bahamas
Per person.
$1,000.00Sale ended
Total
$0.00