You might want to caution your members about Brown’s Marina in Bimini – it is inherently exposed which was almost a problem last weekend …. when I pointed out to the dockmaster Mike he was cleating lines backwards he said he knew that, but he’s been tying up boats much longer than you (me) have. He also slept
through the full gale that Saturday night leaving boaters on the dock to look out for each other, including retrieving a bow when a line parted almost putting one sailboat into another. “You don’t expect me to stay up all night do you?” Dangerous old metal parts on my slip – broken ladder – would take 10 minutes to unbolt them but instead they stay, saying “Medivac, foot surgery, lawsuits.” I’d spend the extra money and go to the Big Fish and Game Club docks, more protected and while not quite as refurbished as the ads might lead you to believe, they offer free wifi even to boats on anchor and have a really nice restaurant and
bar. $1 a foot sounds good, but sometimes you get even less than what you pay for.
Peter TenHaagen

After hurricane Irene, the entrance to Sumner Point marina Rum Cay Bahamas, has shoaled in on the starboard side and is rather narrow but deep. One needs to enter through the posts. We are a catamaran with 14 ft beam and had no problem. A sailboat with 6 ft draft entered after us on a falling tide. Some entrance buoys are missing and visual navigation required. The VHF at Sumner was not working but as we approached staff came down to direct us into slip. Dredging to return entrance to previous status is planned. Fuel not at marina because the barge can’ t get in. The locals are ordering maybe 20 gallons to come on mail boat which comes in weekly. The restaurant at marina is open as well as ones in town and market is open. Batelco is still closed but phone cards for Bahamian cells are bought off island and available from the post office or police officer. There are about 80 full time residents and total population is about 150 with winter residents. Some docks with power and water and internet. Docking is $1.00 a foot.

Ronnie gives us up to date information and Jerold would like more explanation:

Customs and Border Protection Decal – Renewal Lead Time Now Running 60 Days
For cruisers planning to head to the Bahamas this year. I just spoke to the Customs and Border Protection – Decal Renewal office in Indianapolis. Because of reduced government staffing, their processing time is currently running 4-6 weeks from the time they receive the correct completed application and payment for a sticker (or renewal). Allowing for receipt in the mail, they suggest that people apply at least 60 days prior to their planned departure. This can be done online or by mail, and requires that an account be set up with C&BP.
Regular cruisers to the Bahamas in HISC probably renew this decal annually in November for the following calendar year. For those not aware of the need to have it (first time Bahamas cruisers), or who prefer wait until a closer time to their departure, the new 60-day lead time could become a challenge.
Ronnie Babin

What is this border protection decal all about. My first time going there, will they turn me away or not be allowed to get back into the US? I have passport, boat papers, etc. Need to understand this decal stuff….
Jerold

Jerold
In answer to your question about the Customs Sticker, on re-entry you are required to give this number to Customs and Border Protection as part of your clearance. I hope you are aware of the Local Boater Option which allows you to pre-register with CBP and then a simple phone call upon arrival in US will complete your clearance. You can access this information via Decal and Transponder Online System Email decals@dhs.gov , PH: 317-298-1245. Customs/Border for the Local Boater Option, http://www.cbp.gov. Hope this is helpful.
John
s/v Shadow,
Hudson, Florida.

Well, of course this fine facility is continuing to improve. After all they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!

Construction of these six new cottages was begun in April of 2011 and three are now open in this lovely setting.

SCYC is happy to announce the opening of the first 3 of our new, hillside cottages!
Some great amenities include: waterfront, large outdoor covered porches, rain shower, deluxe pillow-top king size beds, unique double sinks, minibar, and 17′ skiff (included in package plan)

For details and more photos, go to:

www.stanielcay.com

Cruising News:
In early June, 2011, I experienced a very friendly & knowledgeable staff, but a poorly managed Bluff House Marina. It appears they are between owners and/or managers, but charging first class dockage fees for less than first class service. I feel they are living off a past reputation, but with proper management could be revived to a first clas status. Until this happens, I would recommend you stay at Green Turtle Club in White Sound for the same price per foot.
Roger Henderson

I docked there last week for three nights … new owners are doing a great job of fixing problems. I will go there again.
Gary P

We docked at Bluff House Marine with our group in late July, 2011. The new owners (Ian & Stacy) were fantastic! Their level of service & attention to our needs was well above our typical Bahamian experience. They are making very positive changes. We recommend them & will be back.
Tim H

We stayed at Bluff House for 4 nights over New Years of 2012. The food was wonderful the docks are in great shape, the showers and laundry are set for updating soon but were OK and reasonably clean. The owners are helpful, interested in feedback and completely engaged in getting The Bluff House up to high standards. Green Turtle Marina was very nice, but the dock master had something of an attitude they were the only game in town, which with The Bluff House coming on strong is just not the case. His attitude kind of forced us over to the Bluff House…he was not exactly rude, but almost.
Be sure to check their specials……and give any helpful ideas or feedback to them (Bluff House) you can. They seem to be genuinely open to it….they are resort owners and do not completely understand what cruisers need and want……….also there is a beautiful private beach just over the bluff the main house/homes sit on that is to die for….and you will probably have it all to yourself.
We are going back on our way back to the states.
Sami and Barry Shreve

Cruising News:
While cruising the Staniel and Sampons Cays in Dec. Our dog Andale came down with Lyme disease. We heard reports at Long Is. and Gearge Town and later were told by June the weather lady her friend’s dog died. Well we turned and got back to the states and dog in for test. Never did we find a tick, I checked paws and pads, ears and belly. She swims daily,but on the beach she got into some briar patch that drew blood. Maybe that is the link, I just don’t know. Test confirmed Lyme and medications saved her. I suggest having the meds on board and watch for signs. Good Luck and beware for your pets sake.
Kat Luchene

Cruising News:
Be careful where and when you get Fuel in the Bahamas. If you are crossing to the Abacos and need Fuel, one of the better and cheaper places is Old Bahama Bay / West end, believe it or not. BUT… Do not get the Fuel if they just had their tanks filled. The mess in the Bottom of their tanks gets stirred up and the first one or two boats right after they get fuel will have a bad day. Spanish is Ok, but not cheap. Green Turtle White sound, is your next best bet.
If you do get BAD FUEL. There is a great product available to tell you when your Racor Filter is Dirty. It is NOT a typical vacuum Gauge.
This T-Handle Gauge simply replaces the existing T-Handle on your Racor and it locks in position so you can read it with the engine OFF. You can check it any time, and it will show you what your filters were doing when the engine was running at operating RPM, Not just at the dock.
This unit saved us 2 engine shut downs that there was NO way we would have never been aware of. We filled tanks with BAD FUEL and the Racor 900 was clogged in 9 hours one time and 12 hours the next time. It happens real quick with BAD FUEL. The Gauge was showing a clogging Filter and we didn’t believe it until we saw the mess that used to be our perfectly clean filter.
I think it is a MUST HAVE for anyone with a diesel engine in their Boat / Yacht. It can save you a bunch of BIG headachs
You can find it at www.DirtyFuelFilter.com
Capt. ROB

Nassau Yacht Haven is decent, they have showers, laundry you can walk to markets, and over bridge to Atlantis. Reasonable rates friendly dock hands.
Capn Dan

Well, of course this fine facility is announcing improvements. After all they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!

Dock Refurbishment and New Electric – SCYC just completed the final phase of a complete dock renovation with new pilings and decking. In addition, all electric boxes are brand new and include individual water and electric meters for each slip. Finally, the overall electric capacity has been quadrupled. Everything back to the BEC power pole is brand new.

New Fuel System – SCYC has nearly completed a new fuel farm that increases capacity of both diesel and gas. In addition, new high-speed (40 gal/minute) pumps and longer hoses will make fueling fast and easy. Finally, a new dedicated fuel dock has been added, which is separate from the existing main dock. The new dock has a 12ft. controlling depth. This new fuel facility will be operational by June 2011.

New Cottages – SCYC will break ground this month (April) on the first phase of our cottage expansion. The six additional single cottages will be located along the hillside just north of the clubhouse, overlooking the water. The new cottages will feature an octagonal shape, large shaded balconies facing west over the water and marina (perfect for our famous sunsets), and a fresh tropical décor. These first six cottages are expected to be complete in the first half of 2012. Some larger cottages (in design now) will also be added in the next phase.
Chris

The discussion below is copied from the MTOA List-Serve, an organization, by the way, which all of us at the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net continue to recommend highly!!!!

We are looking for an inexpensive place to check-in to customs/immigration. Bimini has moorings to tie to but we can’t find out who manages them or what they cost. Cat Cay charges $100 to tie up a dinghy to clear customs. Chubb Cay has an anchor area but no information on whether they also charge to tie up the dinghy. Any ideas/information would be helpful.
Barry Kipnis

By far the easiest place to check in is at Old Bahama Bay / West End. Tie up to their dock, near the fuel pumps for FREE and check in 30′ away. Reliably Open 7 days a week, minimum from 9am to 5pm. Great customs people. Best bet is to try to arrive at about 2pm. all the Go Fast boats have cleared by then. Fuel is good and is about the cheapest in the Bahamas.
Captain Rob

Barry, Our experiences are long ago, however we loved checking in at Turtle Key. (Abacos) Anchored out and then went ashore. May have changed. We did anchor at Chubb last time, however arrived too late to check in and went on to check in at Nassau. There we rafted up to a tug boat……did not allow you to anchor and check in. Out of date information I am sure…..Later Dude.
Pat

Barry, Things in the Bahamas are constantly changing, so what is OK today may not be next week. We have anchored in Bimini and outside Chubb Cay and checked in. We immediately moved on after check in. The holding at Bimini is poor and there is strong currents. We have also anchored and checked in at Green Turtle. Most other stops are either convenient to find a slip or required as at Cat/Gunn. Walkers Cay marina was closed but Customs and Immigration is still there so that may be another option. Of course the marina could re-open by the time you get there. That is how quickly things change. Good luck.
Chuck

Barry,
Sounds like you will have to spend a night on the banks. Bimini, the banks, Chub Cay anchorage and then on to Nassau to check in. You might get lucky at Chub Cay!
Good luck,
John Knapp

Barry,
Last fall we stopped at the Berry Island Club, just a few miles east of Chubb. Lincoln, the manager drove us to the airport customs office in his truck for $25, and we rented moorings from him for $15/night.
Doug

Barry,
There is plenty of room to anchor just off of the customs dock and further up by Bimini Bay. There were several boats at anchor when we were there in December.
Gerry & Linda Etzold

Hi All,
We just cleared Customs at the West end…Anchored over night for free and tied up to the Customs dock ,,,Were in and out in fifteen minutes and 150.00 cash…..our boat is the Stella Maris Ip35 Enjoy….
Larry

We just returned from Bimini and checked in to customs and immigration by temporarily tying up to the government dock there. we then anchored out several days in an area just south of the new Bimini Marina at the very end North Bimini. this is the 3rd time doing this and we find it works nicely with our 49 ft Endeavour power catamaran.
Colleen Anderson

Hello there,
My husband and I are planning a sail trip from Florida to the Abacos in May of this year. We don’t know whether we will be going by way of Miami and then Bimini, the Berries and then north…..or do we go by way of West End and then east and then south until we can turn west and go back towards Miami and Ft. Lauderdale?
My question is….Can any one tell us what direction the wind most likely would be blowing in May? Does any one remember where it was coming from last May?
We know it is mostly from the south east at about 5-10 during the beginning of July, when we usually get there.
D. Benjamin

Every sailor is going to give his or her opinion. You are starting to get less of a northerly component but any given year is different from the past to some degree. Personally I would start out going through Bimini and working my way north.
C. Winston Fowler

If your going to the Abacos my opinion would be to use the Gulf Stream to your advantage from Miami. It wil give you a Free 3 knots and You may not even have to adjust your sails. Head directly to the tip of Grand Bahama Island. Old Bahama Bay / West end 26′ 42′ 25n / 79′00′20 w. Great place to check in, Customs is right there 7 days a week 9am to 5pm at minimum; and I would suggest pay for a slip and stay over one night. You made it across the Gulf Stream and will need to unwind and relax to start the rest of your adventure. Then your next stop could be to anchor off Great Sale.
The wind last year mid May was East / S.East and is about the norm. Probably the Best time of year in the Abacos.
Captain Rob

Hopetown Inn & Marina is offering a special while the marina is under construction. All the docks are built but only a few have water and power. They are charging $ 20.00 a night for boats up to 40′ and .75 a foot/night over 40 ‘, $4.00 for showers and water is .25 a gallon and free wifi in the laundry room or outside the office. The rate for my 39′ Mainship is $100.00 a week. Mooring balls are $ 20.00 a night. Contact the dockmaster Aaron on ch. 16 or 242-366-0003. There is a ferry to Marsh Harbor $17 one way and round trip $27, a 20 minute ride. The islanders go out of their way to be friendly and greet you with a smile. This is a well protected harbor with restaurants, shops and beautiful Bahamian cottages and roads built for golf carts. The restaurants and grocery store have dingy docks. This is one of
my favorite locations in the Abacos. Treasure Cay has the prettist beach at Coco’s Beach.
Charles Crawford, Mobile, Al.
MV Bama Belle 390 Mainship

What is the status of Chub Cay. I heard it is closed and shut down. I heard this from a charter fisherman.
Bahama Pappa

I just called Chub Cay and am told they are fully open, including marina.
Fuel is US$5.35 per gallon for both diesel and gas.
Tele: 954-634-7496
C. Winston Fowler

Arrived from Bimini to Chub Cay marina near noon in a Pearson 365 ketch. Although very friendly marina, we were stunned by the sticker price of 4.50 USD per foot with a 40 foot minimum. This does not include power, as it is metered at 85 cents per kw. The water continues to be 40 cents per gallon in addition to slip fee. $174.00 for a night shocked us. We are leaving in the morning, early.
Barry Umberger

Hello,
Staniel Cay referred me to you. We will be in the Exumas soon and I recall from a few years ago a morning weather report/net from a land based person near Staniel. I would like to be able to telephone them when I am not in VHF range. Do you have a phone number/information regarding this???
Thanks,
Bob Teffenhart-trawler “islander”

Hi Bob,

The only regular weather that I can remember being available on regular basis, come from Highborne Cay at 8:00 AM – she makes the general call on channel #16 then switches to channel #6. That is the only one I know of at the moment and you can call Highborne for this on their telephone 242-355-1008 before coming down. I think they get their input from NOAA – Nassau. Another contact would be further down the island chain to George Town. At 8:10 AM they have a net which I believe is on channel #68.
Things are changing fast in the Exumas. If you learn of new resources that we can share with the cruising community, please share them with us.
Hope this has been of some assistance Bob. Enjoy your cruise; you’re headed for some beautiful waters and islands.
God’s speed,
C. Winston Fowler

Weather in the Bahamas can be found on 4003 kHz at 0720 daily. It is from BASRA.
Jim Kane

Highborne weather broadcast at 0730
Frank

In the Staniel area there is a woman, call sign “Blue Yonder” that gives weather and community announcements every morning at 8 am on VHF 12. She always announces first on VHF 16 before switching to 12. She relays Bahamas and NOAA weather along with 5 day buoy forecasts for Staniel Cay and The Tongue of the Ocean.
Chris on M/V Private Idaho

Anyone have a list of vets in the Bahamas?
Beth Durocher

Don’t expect vet’s on the smaller islands. Nassau is of course the major source of vet care. Not sure about the villages of West End, Marsh Harbor, and George Town . . . but will try to find out.

HepLyn Veterinary Home Service

Veterinarians (DVM),Pet Care Services

• Nassau
• Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas

Central Animal Hospital

Palmdale Veterinary Clinic

• Palmdale Avenue & Patton Street
• Nassau
• Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas

Caribbean Veterinary Health & Healing Centre

• Queens Highway
• Freeport
• Grand Bahama, Bahamas

Freeport Animal Clinic

• Queen Hwy
• Freeport
• Grand Bahama, Bahamas

ANNOUNCING THE ANNUAL JAMES BOND CASINO ROYALE COSTUME PARTY Saturday, March 19thAnnual James Bond Casino Royale Costume Party 8:00 pm, Staniel Cay Yacht Club Dress as your favorite Bond, Bond-Girl, Villain or feel free to dress up in your best casino attire Try your hand at blackjack* and poker* Enjoy cocktails, music and dancing Win prizes for Best Costumes so go all out! Proceeds from this event support the annual Mixed-Doubles C-Class Regatta held every New Years at Staniel Cay. Bond in the Bahamas is a REALLY good time… Be a Villain… Be a Bond-Girl… good or bad! Or, of course, be your favorite 007! Fly… Boat… or Swim… Just get here! Staniel Cay Yacht Club… like no other place on Earth. *gaming chips have no cash value. prizes for chip leaders. Contact us for more information. www.stanielcay.com | e: info@stanielcay.com | Bahamas t: 242.355.2024 | U.S. t: 954.467.8920

Cruising News*: Just checked in yesterday Friday, 1/21/11 at Chub Cay. No problems with 180 day stay. The officer I worked with was a junior inspector (single stripe on his shoulder). He said there was no problem with 180 days and gave me same.
However, his boss (a three stripe man) walked in about 3/4 of the way through the process. I related to him all of the concern in the U.S. about the 30 day vs. 90 day vs. 180 day stay. He told me he was only granting 90 immigration permits.
The junior officer looked over at his boss having already done all the paperwork for me for a 180 day permit. His boss just waved his hand and said that was ok. I guess the junior man just learned something new.
The boss said you could get an extension to the first application approximately 80 to 89 days after the first one for an additional 90 days, without any problem at any immigration office in the Bahamas.
Scott Harris

Captain Chuck Baier, managing Editor for the Waterway Guide, has been kind enough to allow us to reproduce his note below which originally appeared on the MTOA List-Serve. Perhaps this will finally answer at least some of the questions which have recently been raised on the Net, and other on-line nautical mail lists and web sites about the regulations surrounding stays in Bahamian waters.

I thought I would update everyone on this since it has been the topic of discussion for a while now. This was just published on The Eleutheran News site, http://www.eleutheranews.com/national/1193.html , and this from Director Jack Thompson……

“(Nassau, Bahamas)
– In recent weeks a number of queries have been lodged with the Department regarding length of stay for Canadian, American and British nationals in The Bahamas.
*All bona fide visitors (nationals)from the United States, Canada and United Kingdom are landed at allports for thirty (30) days.
*Visitors from the aforementioned countries are allowed to remain in The Bahamas for a period up to eight (8) months.
*Stay periods are approved following an interview with an Immigration Officer(s). In instances where visitors are desirous of additional time, an extension should be requested.
*Visitors arriving by Pleasure crafts are required to complete the requisite forms and are allowed to remain in The Bahamas for up to eight (8) months. This policy also applies to the Home Owners.
*The Department of
Immigration encourages all foreign homes owners in The Bahamas to apply to the Department for a Home Owners Card in accordance with the International Persons Land Holding Ltd. The Department is ever mindful of its mandate to welcome genuine visitors while safeguarding our boarders against undesirables.”

So this means that 30 days is the rule. For those lucky enough to get more, you have received a bonus, but everyone can not expect to receive more than 30 days. Have a great season.
Chuck

I was told the cruising permit for the boat is for a year,is that right because I left my boat there to go back,and I can renew 2 times before having to take her back to the states or pay duty on it. Can you tell me if that is right ?
Thank you
Bill

To follow our adventures, go to
http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/
http://sea-trek.blogspot.com/

All,
We arrived at Bimini last week and received a 30 day permit.  Others  who  arrived received 120 plus.  It was purely based on who was at the desk  at the time.  However, when we arrived in Nassau, the dockmaster told us  that
there is a new policy to allow only 30 days,  but US citizens can get it extended if you go to an immigration  office (not customs) 3 or 4 days before it expires for to up to 6 months.   He strongly encouraged all US citizens to
write the immigration office and  complain loudly, as it has already affected his business.
He indicated that the policy is directed at Canadian citizens who seemingly take more from the Bahamas than they bring (his words, not mine).  He  pointed out that there were no Canadian boats in his marina, but the anchorage  was full of them.
So, it is politics as usual here, but it is also warm and sunny.
Gerry Etzold
Monk’s Vineyard

We went to both the Immigration Office and the Customs office at the docks in Bimini. The other advice we received from the Customs folks (after we complained there) was to clear in at the central administration office downtown for immigration. Apparently, that office is much more lenient and interprets the “new” policy in their own way.
Gerry

We cleared in earlier this year at Bimini downtown. We docked at the Sea Crest Marina and Hotel (http://www.seacrestbimini.com) next door to the government docks. Gave us 120 days for our $300. It was a slow day. Customs guy was asleep behind the desk. With much trepidation, I woke him up. Said nothing, just took my papers, stamped them, handed them back and went back to sleep. Immigration lady behind the glass was incredibly public relations savvy and public service oriented. She made sure everything was in order and offered up the extra 30 days when I told her we were headed to the Exumas on our trawler.
So it seems like you can get anywhere from 30 days to 120 days depending on where you check in and who checks you in. I wonder what’s up with that?
Gerry, I finally figured it out. I know what it is!!!!! You tried to teach them how to play “Butt Darts” didn’t you? Where is Capt. Sterling when you need him.
Bob

As a boater, who happens to be Canadian, I think that maybe there is another side to this. If we boaters spend all our money on marinas then only one business makes money, but if more boaters anchor out then more then likely they will spend that marina money instead, at many businesses and more then one person will make money. Maybe it’s time to look at the big picture of where and how we spend our money and on who. Maybe it’s time for the Gov’t to see this and act with responsibility.
Wil

Subject: Spanish Cay, Bahamas
Cruising News: I just checked in to the Bahamas at Spanish Cay Marina and it was great. New managers, former cruisers. They couldn’t of been more helpful and by the end of the day we had 8 sailboats here and no one else. The Clearing in was a snap and we got 180 days. I told the lady that I wanted to stay for a year and she laughed and then told me she could give me 180 days. Just a great stay.
Mike Link