MacGregorSailors.com

Speaking of the Bahamas, I came across another account by two Romanian fellows who sail to the Bahamas in their 26X. I know Chinook's account is referenced and well known but I haven't seen this one ever mentioned. It may very well be that their account is well known to most board members but it was new to me and thus I have provided the link should anyone be so interested. I found it well written, amusing at times but definitely not a template that I would care to follow. Nonetheless, I think its worth reading for those considering, at some point in time, a crossing of their own.

Sail On
Jimmac99

https://haihuitobahamas.wordpress.com/

I don't consider the Gulf crossing to the Bahamas nor the San Pedro Channel crossing to Catalina to be problematic. The depth of the water isn't really a concern, the problem is being caught unaware in a storm you can't do anything about. In both of these cases, a full tank of gas will get you out of harm's way, the weather is stable enough to know in advance whether you can go or not, and they're both short crossings with little risk of unexpected weather.

"offshore" to me is measured in terms of days, not depths.

mastreb wrote:I don't consider the Gulf crossing to the Bahamas nor the San Pedro Channel crossing to Catalina to be problematic. The depth of the water isn't really a concern, the problem is being caught unaware in a storm you can't do anything about. In both of these cases, a full tank of gas will get you out of harm's way, the weather is stable enough to know in advance whether you can go or not, and they're both short crossings with little risk of unexpected weather.

"offshore" to me is measured in terms of days, not depths.

Sum's trip from Bimini to Whale Cay is 36 hours in open water with no refuge. Shallow to the extent he won't have ships to contend with, but sometimes that amplifies wave action. Even with modern forecasting, the Atlantic can be a bitch at times. Storms can pop up where not predicted. In a 26' coastal boat, this is still a daring undertaking, especially alone (although Ruth's spirit will be with him). I've sailed 24 hours from Manasquan to Block Island and can tell you being on the Atlantic at night is a different animal. And in a 26S, a tank of gas will only move you at 5 knots.

This time of year with a good forecast, I'm sure his crossing will go fine. However, that region (the infamous Bermuda Triangle) is known for freak storms. I've never sailed the Pacific, but can tell you that the Atlantic is not 100% predictable. A prudent sailor is always prepared.

Ah yes, I forgot he was on a 26s. That cuts the "offshore" distance by 2/3rds.

I made the crossing with a v222 and a five horse honda. Sumner seems quite well equipped and should have no issues. There IS boat traffic on the banks. Bahamian smacks with little regard to proper lighting. Stay off the rhumblines from nw providence channel light to either Bimini or cat key. The banks can get jumpy but it's only 12 feet deep. The weather reports are fairly good, and you can still get the noaa reports out of the mainland us at Bimini.
Ix

RussMT wrote: However, that region (the infamous Bermuda Triangle)

Is Sumner going to see the Aliens? They said on TV that the Bermuda Triangle has aliens from outer space living there under the water. They said that's where the alien base station is. I hope Sumner is very very careful, I don't trust aliens.

They are only considered aliens once they got to the USA.

RobertB wrote:They are only considered aliens once they got to the USA.

Well, I still don't trust them, I think Mr. Sumner should steer clear of them if he spots any of those space aliens. They're nothing but trouble. That and that kraken thing I saw on the Jack Sparrow movie, also trouble. Steer clear.


.

Well if all went well he should be dropping anchor about now!

Has anyone heard anything of our friend Mr. Sumner?
Did he get to meet and greet any aliens in "THE TRIANGLE"?

I just checked marine weather conditions for Nassau, and it looks pretty breezy, out of the east, for the next several days. Not sure what it's been doing for the past week. Our friend Sumner had some fairly long open water passages ahead of him, before reaching a location where he can communicate again. I do know that he didn't plan on putting in at Chub Cay in the Berrys, and he also planned on bypassing Nassau, so until he reaches Highbourne Cay or Wardrick Wells in the Exumas, he won't have access to cell or wifi communications. We'll all just have to trust that both he and his boat are doing well. I picture him sitting on a beach, in the shade of a cassarina pine, reading a good book and waiting for favorable winds to points east and south.

Just a quick post as I finally got somewhere with wifi. I'm at Black Point in the Exumas, probably 45-50 miles north of Georgetown. I'm fine, life is good, there have been 'some moments'. More later when I get something to eat and rest up,

Sumner

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Great to hear from You again

I wanna know if Mr. Sumner saw any of those Bermuda Triangle Space Creatures or the Ghost Pirates they are always talking about on TV. Sounds pretty scary.

Hey Mon,

Good to hear from you. You've really been moving. Looking forward to hearing about where you stopped, and how your passages went.