Another day, another anchorage

13 May 2012

Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas

Finished changing the oil.  I had gotten everything done but the last quart of oil.  Had to go into town to find another quart.  Now what to do with the used oil.  So right now we will keep it with us.

14 May 2012

Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas

1330

Planning to throw the lines at 1345.  There are thunderstorms in the near distance, and Renne’ and I are wondering why we are leaving at this moment.  We realize we will get out over the low level in the bay, but we hate the idea of going out into the thunderstorms.

Departed GTC as planned, enroute to Great Guana Cay.

  As it turns out, we are the “scardy pants”.  We do rediscover that we are cruising neophytes again!!  We are in the presence of 4 other boats who have probably 100 years of cruising between them, and again and again, we are glad we are in their presence.  The decision to go was not a bad decision.  It rained and threatened all around us, but the trip is excellent.  We entered Whale Cay, which we were all on edge about.  The Cruise Guide we use is “A Yachtsman’s Guide to the Bahamas”, by Tropical Island Publishers. 

On page 174 there is a caution:  “The passage outside Whale Cay should NEVER be attempted in strong onshore winds, particularly from the north or northeast, or in a rage sea, as the sea breaks in the passage seaward of Whale Cay and also right across all the cuts northwest and southeast of Whale Cay. Always wait for fair weather and calm seas.  Remember there can be rage conditions without any apparent wind.”

And Another:  “Never pass close to the west end of Whale Cay, where there are dangerous swells even in settled weather.  Never underestimate the Whale Cay Passage;  several boats and lives have been lost here.”

We entered Whale Cay Channel with 20 kts of wind out of the Southeast. Waves were 3-4ft, but at an interval that was quite comfortable, and when we were perpendicular to the waves, they were tolerable for the 22 minutes we were in that position.  All in all, we made it through with no difficulties.  We arrived at Great Guana Cay under rainy conditions at 1700.  We jumped out and claimed an anchorage just to the west of the western most boat.  Apparently there was a reason THEY were the western most boat!!  We attempted to set the anchor 4 times without success.  It was a sandy bottom, and we just couldn’t get the anchor to set.  At some point in the attempts, Renne’ discovered the helm was not responding to her input.  She called me back.  I was a bit aggravated with getting a good set.  Fortunately, we still had about 100 feet of chain in the water, so I was able to go below and check the cable on the rudder quadrant.  In the meantime, Renne’ put out a call to the others for assistance.  Ron Blanchard (Squeak, aboard PowMia) got over to us aboard his dinghy, and I am grateful to him for his assistance.  We were able to reseat the cable on the quadrant and tighten it down.  I hadn’t had that issue in 15 years when the same thing occurred aboard my CT-41.  That time, a support arm collapsed, and there was no repairing it quickly.  That took several hours to resolve then, so I was please Ron and I could get it resolved quickly this time.

Ron also suggested another area of the inlet to set our anchor, and it still took 3 attempts to get the hook to set.  With it done, Ron left and we were able to get settled “on the hook”.  I had a beer, then another, then during dinner, a couple of glasses of wine.  I thought I deserved them!!!

So here we are off Great Guana Cay.  Dinner was chicken and pasta with Italian Cream Cheese.  It was a suggestion from Gerri, aboard Fair Haven.  It was excellent.

So we are sitting here waiting for you.  We turned the anchor light on so you can find us.  Come over anytime for Sundowners.  We look forward to seeing you.

JonNe'