Several years ago there were 4 of us over there but we didn't all meet up. The Abacos are such an easy destination from Florida. Anyone have plans for this winter? Craig (Faith) and I got together a few times last winter. It would be great if a few of us ended up at a beach bonfire sharing an anchorage. Who's going across?
I wish, but it looks like maybe not til NEXT year. I hope.
Cmon Charlie! We'll go if you do!
Why put of to tomorrow with what you can do today CJ. You've got a boat that very seldom see you any more. Saturday night chat will survive without you. You aint getting any younger. 74 come February. You would never be more than a day away from an airport. Lock the house up and go.
Was going to do this as an edit- but a new post is better. So here's the original,, and the edit--
I wish, but it looks like maybe not til NEXT year. I hope.
Edited-
Ya know, I totally missed the 2015 in the subject Line. 2015 is when I'm sorta planning for, and what I meant by "next year".
I have two serious, and unavoidable, complications happening right now, that will tie me up til around Nov 1. After that, I can plan.
And GrimE- you are sadly correct. I HAVE been absent from Tehani FAR too much lately- THAT is soon to stop- Thanks for the wake up call.
One never knows...I've seen windy and cool winters there BUT last January and February were simply beautiful!! Sunny, warm and great breezes for sailing! Throw in the blue/green water and beachs....COME ON OVER!!!
Quote from: CharlieJ on August 23, 2014, 12:30:08 AM
I have two serious, and unavoidable, complications happening right now, that will tie me up til around Nov 1. After that, I can plan.
Start your planning now so when Nov 1 comes along you are done planning. All you have to do is throw off the dock lines and head out.
Oh and I thought you were retired.
QuoteStart your planning now so when Nov 1 comes along you are done planning. All you have to do is throw off the dock lines and head out.
Oh and I thought you were retired.
Time to put the money where the mouth is, Mr. G. I bet that you could get there by then, even with a little ol' outboard!
Well Mr. Woody we never had plans on going to the Bahamas. In fact there is to much to do and see on the great loop than going to some very expensive play ground.
There is no way we could think of leaving before Sept 17 for medical reasons and have to be back Nov 5 for more doctor stuff.
The boat will be ready with 9.9 outboard and beefed up transom by Sept 17. So leaving of a 45 day cruise and then leaving the boat for 5 months in a marina not really worth it leaving now. For us leaving in the spring works out better.
QuoteWell Mr. Woody we never had plans on going to the Bahamas. In fact there is to much to do and see on the great loop than going to some very expensive play ground.
Too true.
Quote
The boat will be ready with 9.9 outboard and beefed up transom by Sept 17. So leaving of a 45 day cruise and then leaving the boat for 5 months in a marina not really worth it leaving now. For us leaving in the spring works out better.
I hear that. Winter is a great time to be sitting by the fire somewhere, not freezing your @$$ off with salt spray in your face. Unless you're in the Bahamas, I guess... Not sure where we will end up this winter yet. Bahamas sound nice, but after sailing all the way north, I'm not in much of a hurry to turn right around yet.
The Bahamas are like anywhere.....you can spend lots or just a little. Personal choices. Yep...there's the $150 cruising permit/fishing license combo and yes food/fuel is more expensive...but $150 permit fees for a 3 mth cruise in beautiful islands isn't too bad. Stock up before leaving...re-stock at the big food store in Marsh Harbor (more selection and better prices), anchor out and sail lots... ads to a pretty cheap getaway. You can blow a bundle on marinas and fuel no matter where you sail. You can't find these waters just anywhere...
Quote from: w00dy on August 23, 2014, 11:13:40 AM
I hear that. Winter is a great time to be sitting by the fire somewhere, not freezing your @$$ off with salt spray in your face. Unless you're in the Bahamas, I guess... Not sure where we will end up this winter yet. Bahamas sound nice, but after sailing all the way north, I'm not in much of a hurry to turn right around yet.
Actually SW Florida, from say Tampa Bay south to the Keys, can have some of the finest cruising weather of the year during Nov, Dec, Jan.
The Punta Gorda area, and Pine Island Sound offers much to see.
You can also get real unlucky and freeze your A** off too, but that doesn't last long. I got caught in 2010 with a very rare freeze, but in two weeks it was back to warmer.
Yes, we were in Apalachicola that Christmas and the nights were in the low 20s. Brrrr.
I'm definitely looking forward to the Bahamas, Frank. Also looking forward to a Sailfar meetup and campfire on the beach, but that could be just about anywhere. Let me know where its going down, and I'll bring some firewood!
I'm hoping to keep this as an "advice" and "who's going to go" thread, so all can keep in touch, share ideas and see where each other is. I'll be there over 3mths so the odds will be good of crossing paths with anyone going. Woody...keep in touch...Looking forward to it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just saw this thread.... u guys planning anything on this? I would be very interested in a multi-boat trip across.
No set plans...I "think" most that go don't have a set crossing date or schedule once there. It would be more of a "where are you now...where are you planning to go.....let's meet at ??" type thing. It's very hard to plan a crossing between different departure points and weather windows....schedules seldom work. Once there...it's easy to arrange a get-together. Just my 1 1/2 cents ;D
My current plan is to be out to somewhere between Charleston and Savannah, from the Great Lakes, by October 2015. As long as the cruising kitty holds out, I could be in the Bahamas that winter; sounds like a good idea. I need something to do until May 2016 when I'll haul the boat and travel overland back home for a niece's graduation party.
Bubba...if you can make Ft Lauderdale...it's about a 12-14hr crossing to the West End...then your on the Bahama Banks. Easy stuff from there. Would be great to have a get together with a few of us! ...CJ...are you listening :-)
The choice of Savannah is completely arbitrary. Not a bad stop if I need to work, but otherwise why not keep sailing down to the Ft. Lauderdale area. There are lots of places to work, but if this winter goes as planned I shouldn't need to work yet by then anyway.
If I keep my eyes on the prize.
It would be awesome to meet up as I've lurked around here so long.
Savannah is NOT the greatest place as a cruiser. Hard to get up river, and not much in there for sailors. Have to go to either Thunderbolt or on the creek south of there.
Further south would be better.
Quote from: Frank on September 08, 2014, 08:00:30 AM
Bubba...if you can make Ft Lauderdale...it's about a 12-14hr crossing to the West End...then your on the Bahama Banks. Easy stuff from there. Would be great to have a get together with a few of us! ...CJ...are you listening :-)
Yeah, I'm listening Frank. And hoping. We'll see.
But for me it would be Angel Fish Creek, and Bimini ;D
My ex-in-laws used to live there, so I spent some time there. I agree about sailability.
Originally, I was looking at Charleston, Savannah, and Jacksonville, all ports where there are lots of truckdriving jobs. There are more ports obviously. I guess I got stuck on Savannah because of my land based familiarity.
Mostly, I'm coming south to do some wandering. If you guys are my excuse to go further south earlier than expected, all the better. :o)
The vague plan is to wander around the Caribbean and Central America for a couple years. The official start of wandering will be after May 2016, but I would have time to hang out in the Bahamas for a while next year for sure.
Winter 2015: does that mean this winter, or next? ???
Any time between Dec/14 and Apr/15
No set plans....just seeing who's heading over and what their "intentions" are.
Would be nice to meet others from here if paths cross
Quote from: Frank on August 23, 2014, 01:21:42 PM
I'm hoping to keep this as an "advice" and "who's going to go" thread, so all can keep in touch, share ideas and see where each other is.
So, on the advice side: I'm working on defining freedom and minimalism for my boat and I. I'm currently flirting with yanking the cantankerous 40 yro Volvo and replacing it with a sculling oar, like a Chinese yuloh. I'm wondering about moving around in tidal currents and/or anchorages in the Bahamas regarding sailing and/or sculling as propulsion options.
Any local knowledge or opinions?
tidal currents aren't too bad in the Abacos, although Bimini and some places in the Exumas have stronger currents through narrow passages. Bimini flows like a river at mid tide. It could be done easier in the Abacos....but even a small outboard would be nice.
Quote from: Bubba the Pirate on November 03, 2014, 05:43:30 PM
Quote from: Frank on August 23, 2014, 01:21:42 PM
I'm hoping to keep this as an "advice" and "who's going to go" thread, so all can keep in touch, share ideas and see where each other is.
So, on the advice side: I'm working on defining freedom and minimalism for my boat and I. I'm currently flirting with yanking the cantankerous 40 yro Volvo and replacing it with a sculling oar, like a Chinese yuloh. I'm wondering about moving around in tidal currents and/or anchorages in the Bahamas regarding sailing and/or sculling as propulsion options.
Any local knowledge or opinions?
Having cruised Bimini, the Berry's, Nassau, Exumas, Eluthera etc, I would strongly advise a small out board engine
I don't even really want just a rowing dinghy for the Bahamas
I hope to cross next Thursday or Friday from Lake Worth to the West End (if window is open) and head E on towards Great Sale, AllansP, Manjack, Green Turtle and beyond.
Anyone else heading over or already there???
Quote from: Frank on January 07, 2015, 08:31:48 PM
I hope to cross next Thursday or Friday from Lake Worth to the West End ...and head E... Anyone else heading over or already there?
Sure wish that I was heading over, too, Frank. :) Was a very cold night here. Hopefully next winter or another one soon.
I've seen you photos of trailer sails with your Sun Cat (including trips to Moosehead Lake), and of your cruise in the motor yacht in the Pacific Northwest awhile back... I seem to recall you refitting a Compac 23 with a pilot house, but that you may have sold that boat? I'm curious which boat you are taking over to the Bahamas...?
:D :D
It was 21 degrees in Tallahassee Florida this morning!!!!
I woke up about 2am with my teeth literally chattering here at Indiantown! Had to dig out a 2nd blanket!
Jim...I'll post a pic once she's in the water. Starts with a C....ends with a C ....and has "27" in there too :o :D ::)
Quote from: CharlieJ on January 08, 2015, 08:21:00 PM
It was 21 degrees in Tallahassee Florida this morning!!!!
Thought I saw/heard something about icing down your way in the news recently. ??? Well, we expect that up here, but way down South...
Quote from: Frank on January 08, 2015, 08:51:08 PM
I woke up about 2am with my teeth literally chattering here at Indiantown! Had to dig out a 2nd blanket!
Jim...I'll post a pic once she's in the water. Starts with a C....ends with a C ....and has "27" in there too :o
Ah...one of them
Carl Alber
C boats...? Well played, sir... ;)
Actually I'm not "down my way"
I'm right now in a motel in Jacksonville Florida on a really sad trip. My dear daughter in law is in the final stages of terminal cancer and I drove over to spend a few days with her while she is still here. It is not looking good.
Charlie, That must be a really sad trip indeed...and mean a lot to her and your family that you are there.
Wishing you all the best possible under such difficult circumstances.
Charlie I know that the situation is very sad but I pray for the best.
"Pixie Dust II", eh Frankie? :D Take a look at the bow down near/at the waterline, real close. Pixie D had a very slight asymmetry where IIRC the port side was just barely less full or curved, a tiny bit flatter than starboard, just enough that you could see it if you really looked. It was not a large difference nor obvious. Until you sailed - and then she would consistently point noticeably higher on one tack than the other, and that tack corresponded with the 'finer entry'.
Now, was that really the cause for better windward ability? Or could it have been which side the genny rolled off of the foil of the rollersnarler, or something like that? I dunno - but there was a correlation, even if it wasn't causation. :)
Anyway - a fun boat to sail, plenty roomy for her size. Keep her flat if you want to/need to point. And as always - pics or it didn't happen! :D
Ya got me Capt K ;) Lotsa reasons to get thisun. Hatch in Vberth and salon, 8 opening ports, 2 huge cowl vents, a storm hood, nearly straight drop boards, a proper bridge deck, over 40% ballast (then I had 200lbs more lead added),a bow sprit to keep the anchor away from the hull, reasonably shallow draft, and the ability to have a small builder do custom work without hurtin ya. I spec'd all LED running and interior lights, engel for the ice box, 2-6volt house batteries, custom cabinet on the stbd settee which comes off easily and the armrests fill in for a bunk, 2 LED reading lights above, (the port settee pulls out to a dble), a gimbled 2 burner stove, custom cabinets over the settees and galley, a larger fuel tank and they mounted a 200watt solar panel I had for me on the bimini so I can adjust it up/dwn. I even had an extra layer of 3408 (34oz biaxle/8oz matt) on the hull. They were SUPER to deal with. I'm a carpenter and I'll tell ya their guy in the wood shop is awesome... and more than fair! This is no ocean boat (although I guess it will do a lot more than I want to)...but for the cruising I do...It will be great. Set up for "living on the hook".....will be fun.
Wow, that's the nicest CP27 I have ever seen. Good job! I like it all except for the wheel, but that can be lived with. ;D Is the storm hood/cowl vents a regular feature/option for them now? Also - give me a call before you take off - I have an almost new drifter/assy (IIRC) that was for a CD28 which would probably work great for that boat.
I'm not familiar with the Compac 27, so it's nice to be given a reason to check it out. Lot of space in the cabin for 27-feet LOA and 6,000 lbs. I can see how some extra beam does not hurt for your planned use. Nice feature the way that port settee berth pulls out to convert to a double (in a more comfortable part of the boat than the forward V-berth), especially for couples. Would think that would be a common feature in more boats.
Interesting that the head is located aft (to starboard), where it can be turned fore & aft and made larger to include a shower. Handy to get to from the cockpit, and with the shower, maybe a good place to hang some wet foulies in weather.
I also saw a photo of one in a trailer [see below], which doesn't surprise me, given its displacement and longish keel with modest draft.
Congrats, Frank. :)
That is one fine looking boat!
I met Hutchinson?, the owner of Compac @ the Boston Boat show last winter. He seemed to be a real down to earth guy.
I always enjoy seeing small boats here. You really do not need 'big' to do it! This year I've seen a C&C 25, ComPac 23, this boat? and even a Catalina 22!!
One young guy, about 27yrs old, has been here since September on his 'pop top' Catalina 25!
I've cruised here myself in a 20, 23. 25, 26...
So.....GET OVER HERE!!!!!
Plan for next year guys!! A good crossing window and you're here.
PS...what boat is this??
Resembles a Rhodes Ranger, but the shear is wrong. ports are correct. Also resembles a Pearson Triton
nope...definitely not a Triton. Not sure what it is...I may dingy over today and ask.
Typically Allure at 27ft is the smallest boat at anchor...but I love seeing the smaller ones. Back when I had my Montgomery 15, I toyed with the thought of bringing it over. Once here....that shallow draft would have been a hoot!
Might be a Columbia. I looked closely at one years ago.
http://www.columbia-yachts.com/c-26.html (http://www.columbia-yachts.com/c-26.html)
Mystery solved. I stopped over.. it's a very young couple from Kingston Ontario. The boat is a steel hulled "H O 28". I remember them advertised in "Canadian Yachting" mag back in the 70's.
I'm just day dreaming...but I honestly think if you could get by with a super shallow draft boat like the ComPac 23 (2ft 3in)...man....hiding out in wind, getting places to anchor, getting right up to beach's etc would be SO easy!!
It would honestly open up another world. The Bahamas has SO many shallow areas that are unused!
Who needs standing headroom when you can step over the side at the beach :D
With a good window....crossing would be easily made.
There are a ton of very shallow draft boats out there. Would be fun!!
How about 9" draft?
http://www.microcruising.com/sca1.htm (http://www.microcruising.com/sca1.htm)
I've followed their travel's for many years! Case in point!!
Wow...can they ever go where ALL fear to tread!! ;)
Great link!!!
I won't make it to the Bahamas on my boat until winter 2016/17. I'm helping Alex Dorsey move his Westsail 42 from NY to Panama. I am out of my kind excited. I stand to learn A LOT about voyaging.
I almost said 'crash course' but that would not be good. How about graduate seminar in voyaging?
GREAT Todd!! Pictures when it happens!!
Absolutely!
I'm as giddy as a little kid with a secret. I left my 2 wk notice at the terminal when I headed out last night. Nobody's in the office until tomorrow morning.
Best resignation ever: "um ... I need to quit because I'm sailing to Panama."
Quote from: Bubba the Pirate on March 15, 2015, 02:13:36 AM
I won't make it to the Bahamas on my boat until winter 2016/17. I'm helping Alex Dorsey move his Westsail 42 from NY to Panama. I am out of my kind excited. I stand to learn A LOT about voyaging.
I almost said 'crash course' but that would not be good. How about graduate seminar in voyaging?
I lived at Howard AFB in Panama as kid, service brat. This is pretty cool!
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime, I'd be pissing my pants over this.