Bahamas cruise planning

[March]

Hello.
After two years of getting me feet wet on the local lakes, I am planning a real expedition to the Bahamas, in July.

I would appreciate any suggestins and advice from more experienced sailors, who have already accomplished this feat. What extra equipment did you find useful? Any pointers? Anything to be avoided, apart from the Bermuda triangle? I have done some research, but maybe you have better suggestions

The boat has the typical equipment: main, furling jib, 50 HP Johnson (2 stroke) with two tanks, two batteries, a 40 W solar panel, 2 anchors, radio, Garmin GPS/depth fiinder and, of course, a bimini

Last year, we took her to Naples and hugged the gulf coast for a week. We did not get very far down south because there were shore problems with the trailer (got called on the cell phone, and had to return to move it). So that's the extent of our sea experience.

I plan to leave the trailer somewhere on the east coast and go for Bimini. From there into the Bahamas. What would be a good route?

We are planning to stay on water for about three weeks/a month.

Thank you for your assistance,
March

[windquest]

Check out this site http://www.conchcruisers.net they are a macgregor club and do a trip to the bahamas every year. I am sure they would have some good info for you.

[James V]

It really depends on what you intend to do. If you are planing to stay docked most of the time then 4 - 50 foot 1/2 dock lines will be needed. The slips are that wide. I have 2 50 foot and 2 25 foot.

Where are you planing to go? Grand Bahamas area? Andros? Abacos?

Anchors - This is a big topic. I just received my Super Max 12 with 25 feet of chain. This held and set well. Just keep the scope short.

What do you need. Basic safety stuff. Keep it simple. Make sure you have enough fuel for 110 miles at WOT. Drinking water for 5 days.

Here is another site - http://www.microcruising.com/

July is into the Hurricane season and it can get quite hot. Watch the weather. Do not cross the Gulf Stream in any sea conditions. Check the major crossing points and see if anybody is going over and wants to buddy up. The crusing guides will have these. It depends on where you want to go as to where you will start. Make sure that you plan for weather delayes in your cruising. You will get some. Expect afternoon and nighttime showers with strong winds.

Here is another site for info - http://cruisenews.net/index.php

Check the SSCA forum as well.

You will need something to keep the sun off. It is intense. Good fishing shirts and hat and sunglasses. The Bimini does not do much good in the afternoon or morning sun.

Do a full winterization checklist and repair anything that needs to be fixed. Secure everything for heavy weather. You will not have enough time to do this when the weather gets bad.

Safety harness tied to the bow cleat with 50 feet of 1/2 rope is what I use. (a lot of discussion on this)

[March]

Thank you, guys. This is very helpful--excellent links

Anyoone tried the Bahamas cruise in the summer? The summer/hurricane season seems to be earmarked as the last one on all the lists. Is that such a crazy idea?

[Luke]

March,

Check out the "Regatta Time In Abaco" event scheduled in July.
It is a wonderful regatta.
http://www.rtia.net/

If you go, be sure to attend Stranded Naked's
"Cheeseburger in Paradise Party" on Fiddle Cay, July 3.
http://coconuttelegraph.net/forums/show ... php?t=4282

Last summer ten of us sailed our Macgregors to the Abacos for this event.
It is likely we will do it again July 2007.

Luke
DreamChaser
1999 26X