Big migration south this year!

[Frank]

I've noticed a steady decline in the Abacos since 2008's economic crash....but that does little to answer why it seems busy further south.
Maybe if people are speading their mony they want to be assured of warmer weather? The Abacos can get cool and windy in winter months....although this has been an awesome year.

[Kettlewell]

Are places like Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, and Man O' War still jammed?

[s/v Faith]

Hope Town is at about 50% right this moment, but 20-30k W winds might account for some of the boats being in here.

[Frank]

a week ago Marsh Harbor only had about 15 boats anchored. The "Jib Room" marina was about half full.

[Kettlewell]

Wow! That does sound quiet. I know I'm strange, but I rather liked the winter weather in the Abacos with the occasional evening where you need a sweater and with a refreshing breeze.

[Frank]

We pulled out of Black Sound, Green turtle on Sunday. Very few boats left there. We anchored in Treasure Cay's basin and were surprised both by the number anchored and the boats at the marina! Left to Marsh harbour monday and it was way up from our last visit....over 40 anchored. In Hope Town now and very few balls available..again way up from our last visit just a few weeks ago. Nice to see more boats.  PS...man Marsh Harbour has a great bottom for anchoring. I could not break ours out without using the engine...it was PLANTED!

[Kettlewell]

It is possible to get a wrong impression of boat traffic just based on luck or your particular route not coinciding with the herd. I can remember being way Down East in Maine once, anchored up in Cutler thinking what a neat spot and all to ourselves when that evening the entire New York Yacht Club fleet showed up! And once when we worked our way down the shallow inside route south of Little Farmer's in the Exumas we were the only boat within sight for days, but then when we got to Georgetown there were hundreds of boats anchored up for the Regatta. I've even run into this in the ICW when I just happened to be running slightly later or slightly earlier than most of the boats, and I was beginning to wonder where everybody was, but then I found them in some popular spot like Beaufort or backed up at one of the opening bridges. I've sometimes been the only boat in the Great Bridge lock, and other times been one sardine with boats tied up along both sides. Luck plays a big part in what you see and experience.

[s/v Faith]

One of those nights... Anchored aboard Fairwads, on the ICW somewhere south of Georgetown.