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    • Jun 22, 2022by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      2022 Letter #4 from the Bahamas by Greg and Barbara Allard

      Our sincerest thanks to Greg and Barbara Allard for once again sharing their thoughts and beautiful photography from their Bahamas cruises. These photos and descriptions will have you aching to follow in Meander‘s wake! For more this excellent photography, type Allard in our Homepage search window for letters from previous cruises. For more on the OWW, see Greg Allard on the Okeechobee Waterway, June 14, 2022.

      Hello everyone – This will be our last Letter from our 2022 cruise to the Bahamas.  After two years of not visiting the Bahamas due to the pandemic, we were thrilled to return in March.

      This trip was not without its challenges, as it was one of the windiest times in the Bahamas that we can recall. 

      “People who live on continents get into the habit of regarding the ocean as journey’s end, the full stop at the end of the trek. For people who live on islands, the sea is always the beginning. It’s the ferry to the mainland, the escape route from the boredom and narrowness of home.”

      ― Jonathan Raban, Coasting: A Private Voyage

      Towards the end of May, a larger than usual number of fishing boats, center consoles and larger sportfish boats, appeared in the Bahamas from the U.S. This group had landed a beautiful yellowfin tuna. From the opposite side of the fish, they have already cut out the two large fillets which are on the table in the foreground.

      Any time fish are being cleaned, sharks show up for the discarded pieces. The shark on the right is a nurse shark, relatively harmless as sharks go. However the shark on the left is a bull shark, one of the most aggressive sharks; Bahamians fear them. The bull shark has a wound on the right side of his head, likely from a spear. It is illegal to take sharks in the Bahamas.

      Children on the way to school. All children in the Bahamas wear uniforms to school. With the troubled educational system in our own country, this would not seem to be a bad idea. No flaunting of expensive or trendy clothes. Every child, regardless of economic status, starts off at least on the same foot.

      Bahamian Steve Johnson, the manager of the Great Harbour Marina. A hands-on accomplished professional, as well as an all around good guy.

      Takiya, our waitress for lunch at the very good local restaurant Coolie Mae’s. A great smile and a terrific personality.

      Once the hurricane season arrives on June 1st , cruisers in the Bahamas need to have a plan. If you are several hundred miles from the U.S., some very fast boats can “run home” if a hurricane threatens; other cruising boats do not have the speed to outrun such storms, and must find a safe harbor, dock, or anchorage. We watched as Alex, the first named storm of the season, developed into a Tropical Storm and passed over Florida. The eastern edge of Alex produced winds where we were to over 40 knots.

      So it was time for us to say goodbye to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas, and begin our voyage back to the U.S. For us that meant two long passages over open ocean waters, each trip about 9-10 hours total. You can’t just leave on any day; you have to constantly monitor the weather, in particular the wind, waves and thunderstorms. Sometimes the actual weather doesn’t match the forecast, and it gets a bit “salty”, a euphemism for nasty and rough. If I am ever reincarnated, I want to come back as a weather forecaster, where I can be wrong 50% of the time, and still be paid.

      After a successful passage back to the east coast of Florida, we cross to the west coast using the Lake Okeechobee Waterway. In 1937 the government created a waterway to cross the center of Florida by using the St. Lucie River (on the east coast of FL), Lake Okeechobee (a large lake in the center of the state), and the Caloosahatchee River (on the west coast). Five locks had to be built, since the lake is about 15’ above sea level, and as the boats traverse the Waterway, they have to be lifted up the level of the lake, and then down on the other side. In some places the rivers were just too small and shallow so they had to be dredged and many portions were converted into straight canals. By using the Lake Okeechobee Waterway, we save about 150 miles, instead of going around the southern end of Florida (through the Keys) and then up the west coast. With the current cost of diesel, that means a savings for us of about $1,000. The Waterway itself delivers a time-warp view of old Florida, and it’s a fascinating place.

      Along the St. Lucie river portion of the Waterway, we stayed for an evening at the Indiantown Marina, a true “old Florida” boatyard. There are literally hundreds of boats stored there, on land. Some are being worked on, and are in nice condition. Others, many others, like the one in the above photo, are well past ever again going to sea.

      Here is a close-up of the bow of the boat in the prior picture. The boat is made of steel, and as you can see there is “some” rust in the area of the anchor pulpit. Surprised it just hasn’t fallen off.

      Along the St. Lucie, we came upon this eagle. The eagles are returning to this area, and to many other places in Florida.

      We were docked in the Caloosahatchee River, part of the western Waterway, when a huge thunderstorm came through; thirty minutes later, this was the view.

      ____________

      As you know, we avoid politics in these Letters; our purpose is to let you meet the people we encounter, and to see some of the beautiful places where we cruise.

      That being said, we will end this year’s Letters with this wonderful quote:

      “Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.” ― Mark Twain

      We hope you have enjoyed these Letters and we are pleased that you could join us on this journey.

      Warmest regards.

      Greg and Barbara
      M/V Meander

      Copyright Greg Allard 2022
      FV: 6/21/2022

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Joseph Nekola -  June 24, 2022 - 11:40 am

        Greg,
        I thoroughly enjoy your missives and look forward to reading them both here and in our DeFever Cruisers site.

        Reply to Joseph
    • Jun 15, 2022by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Temporary Website Issues, Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club, Bahamas

      Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club

      Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club is a premier yacht club in the Abacos and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! If you cruise to Abacos and Marsh Harbour area, you should consider joining this great group of like minded cruisers. 

       

      We are currently experiencing a problem with our web site domain name.  In the short term you can access the Club web site using the following sub-domain name:
       
       
      We are sorry for this inconvenience and expect to have the situation remedied shortly.
       
      Best regards
       
      Scott Coles
      Commodore Pro tem
      Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club.

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    • Jun 1, 2022by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      2022 Letter #3 from the Bahamas by Greg and Barbara Allard

      Our sincerest thanks to Greg and Barbara Allard for once again sharing their thoughts and beautiful photography from their Bahamas cruises. These photos and descriptions will have you aching to follow in Meander‘s wake! For more this excellent photography, type Allard in our Homepage search window for letters from previous cruises.

      Greg Allard

      May 30, 2022, 11:31 AM (2 days ago)

      Hello everyone – Here is our third Letter from the Bahamas for 2022.

       
       
       

      “In reality, you don’t ever change the hurricane. You just learn how to stay out of its path.”
      – Jodi Picoult

      We included this photo in our Letter from 2015; it was taken a short while after this fishing boat, Summer Place from Nassau, Bahamas, had been driven aground while trying to run from a hurricane.  In normal circumstances, this boat could have been salvaged and put back into service, but the complexity of the project and the estimated costs would have far exceeded its value; it would have been almost impossible (without extraordinary expense) to have the necessary barges and equipment reach the site, because of the shallow water.
       
       
       
      The sea is unrelenting.  This is a recent photo of the same wreck, showing the effects of seven years of time, tide, gales and hurricanes.  There is an upside – a sunken boat such as this slowly becomes a reef, attracting all kinds of small fish and sea life, which in turn attract larger ones.  As we circled the wreck, we saw an 8’ shark who had come for dinner.
       
       
      Kingsley K. Charles –   His eyes say it all – windows to his soul. 
       
      Every so often you encounter someone who fits the category of  “One of the most interesting persons I’ve met.”  He is known as “King” and he’s a native of Great Harbour Cay; his parents live here, and they had eight children.   Some of his brothers and sisters now live in Nassau, Freeport, and a couple are in the U.S.
       
      He is far from typical.  His father, a minister, wanted him to be a lawyer, and he received a scholarship with help from an ex-pat on the island whose company provided it.  He attended Liberty University in Virginia for three years, then began working in a bank and eventually for a brokerage company, all in the U.S.  While in the U.S. he married and moved to Nashville,  but the union did not work.  At one point in his life he toured around the world.  
       
      He returned to Nassau, and began serious work on the passion of his life which is music.  He is an extremely talented and creative musician, who then worked in Nassau for three years in the industry, including the creation of an album, which he has not finished.  He was engaged to a Bahamian woman in Nassau, but that broke off.
       
      So many young men and women who grow up on small Bahamian out-islands follow a pattern:  when they finish high school (or before), they leave the island and do not return.  This is where King differs:  after his music work in Nassau, he said that he “Wanted to come home” to Great Harbour Cay. He mentions “home” often; this is his home. This is where he feels most grounded.
       
      He just turned 40, is smart-smart, reads philosophy and has a high level of intellectual curiosity.  He is looking for his next path in life, but he is not in a hurry.
       
      Currently he is the Assistant General Manager at the marina on Great Harbour, a job he does extremely well.
       
      And finally, he is a truly nice and good person.  It has been a pleasure to know him.
       
       
      King, performing a number of his own songs at a Friday night bar-b-que event at the marina.
       
       
      Most of our photos are taken with a Nikon D7000, a superb professional level camera.  But our back-up camera is….an Apple iPhone.  It has one big advantage over the Nikon – it is light, goes in your pocket (so it’s always with you); plus it takes really good photos in most situations.  It also has a panoramic feature: press the button, and start to pan slowly from left to right, standing in one spot and only moving the phone with your hands and arms.  This photo shows a 180 degree view. When you are done scanning,  the camera seamlessly stitches the whole thing together into one photo.
       
       
      The mailboat has arrived, the lifeline to the cay.  Yes the water is shallow for such a large boat, which is why the captain prefers to arrive and dock at the upper half of the 3’ tide.  Sometimes offloading takes too long, the boat starts to sit on the bottom, and it has to power its way back out.  There is a mini-van on the midship deck, being transported to some island.
       
       
      When the boat docks, dozens of trucks and cars descend on the government dock to take away their goods.  It is organized bedlam.  This pickup truck, heavily loaded with food, is one of the last to leave the dock area. 
       
       
      Few restaurants in the out-islands of the Bahamas look like a major American chain restaurant.  This charming but unassuming place is called Brown’s Garden, and the owner Ronnie is the excellent chef.  He has no inside tables, just a bar under the blue umbrella, and a table on the other side of the road, from which this picture was taken. Fortunately for the rooster and some nearby chickens there was no poultry on the menu.
       
       
      Ronnie Brown.  He served us some excellent cracked conch, and a delicious salad.  Unfortunately we learned that the lease on “this old building” was soon to be up, and he would not be continuing his restaurant.  The pandemic was particularly hard on him, as there were almost no visitors to the island, and the economy affected the locals who had less to spend on locally cooked meals.
       
      He intends to return to his prior career in fishing.
       
       
      One day, at the Beach Club, our waitress Clinique (whom you’ve met in prior Letters)  offered for us to taste a dilly. A dilly??  It is a small fruit which grows on trees, and once it is ripe it is delicious.  We’ve never had one before.  It’s full name is Sapodilla. (We ate it so fast we forgot to take a picture of it, so this is not one of our photos.)  You can see a full sized dilly under the open one.
       
       
      This is Leonard Wright, who has a long and talented career in art.  He recounts that while in school he was always drawing things, and was bopped on the head by the teacher more than once for “doodling and drawing” and being distracted from “real learning.” When he was young, he went for six months to a specialized art school in Freeport, on Grand Bahama, which is the only formal art training he received.  He has self-taught to work in all media including painting, (oils, acrylic, water), drawing, glass etching and wood carving.
       
      He is 59 years old, and has four children, two boys and two girls named Bernice, Bernette, Bernard and Jeremiah.  He has a private pilot’s license.  He and his wife are passionate about the need for their children to have an strong education.  His oldest daughter just finished law school and is preparing to take the bar exam.  Two of his others are in college, one studying construction and engineering, and the other electrical engineering/aerospace. His youngest son is in high school.
       
      He has developed a fine specialty in creative engraving on bottles.  His work is superb. A truly creative, well-spoken, talented and engaging man.
       
       
      A Leonard Wright creation – a beautiful beach scene on a repurposed tequila bottle. My favorite is the hogfish in the lower right. This is only one of the three sides he engraved on this square bottle.  After engraving, he uses a white engraving compound to highlight the drawings.  
       
      Two of the cruise ship lines have nearby islands they stop at, about five miles away.  He and his wife have a small booth there, where he sells his beautiful engraved bottles to the passengers.  He can customize existing ones, or create new designs in an hour or two.  When they depart, I hope they appreciate that they have left the island with an authentic craft by an extraordinarily talented  Bahamian artist.
       
       
      A nice home, owned by the family that runs a good local restaurant, Coolie Mae’s.
       
       
      There is still a great deal of poverty on these islands.  This house looks better in the photo than it does in real life.  Curious how the color of the car matches the building.
       
       
      One day, while visiting Ruth Adderley-Rolle’s neat little Bahamian shop, this gentleman entered.  He’s Chief Sherman, Assistant District Superintendent of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.  He is the responsible for all of the Berry Islands, a large area with multiple islands stretching thirty miles from Great Harbour in the north to Chubb Cay in the south.  He does so with 5-6 officers.  He has been with the RBPF for twenty-five years.  He rotates throughout the Bahamas on assignment, and his current one has him in the Berrys for two years. Police Officers here patrol unarmed, and their 4WD Jeep police vehicles don’t have flashing lights – and likely not even a siren. There are no traffic lights here, only a handful of stop signs 
       
       
      A few days later, while at the outdoor Beach Club tiki bar and restaurant, Chief Sherman remembered us, came over to our table and chatted with us for a good while. He was not in uniform, but likely was on-duty.  He has an engaging personality and from our observations, has built strong relationships with the people he serves.
       
       
       
      The next time you are boating in the U.S. and complain about how the Aids to Navigation (buoys and channel markers) are inadequate or improperly placed, remember this photo of what passes for a channel marker.  These are quite common.  The problem with this one is that there is shallow water all around it, for some distance.  Perhaps it is just a reference point, and the locals know to “go 50 yards to the west.”   In some of the larger harbors there are good channel markers, but this one adds local flavor, if not navigational aid.
       
       
      There are hundreds of these private little beaches.
       
       
      No words necessary.
       
      Warmest regards,
      Greg and Barbara
       
      Copyright Greg Allard, 2022
      Final – 5/30/2022
       
       

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Alan V. Cecil. (M/V SIGMACHI) -  June 4, 2022 - 12:25 am

        The photos and the definitive explanations accompanying each of of them of this sojourn through the Berry Islands are non-pareil!
        Thanks for your generosity in sharing them!

        AVC

        Reply to Alan
    • Jan 6, 2022by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      New Updated Travel Advisory 1/5/2022

      This is the latest update from Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
       
       
      BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION STATEMENT ON UPDATED TESTING PROTOCOLS
       

      The Bahamas has suspended the mandatory RT-PCR testing requirement for vaccinated travelers, which was expected to take effect on 7 January 2022. Vaccinated persons, as well as all children ages 2-11, may continue to present either a negative Rapid Antigen Test or negative RT-PCR Test.

      In addition, effective 4 January 2022, all persons remaining in The Bahamas for longer than 48 hours will be required to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test, regardless of vaccination status.   

      To see more details of these protocol changes, please click the ‘Learn More’ button below.

       

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    • Dec 24, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      Uodated Bahamas Travel Advisory – 12/24

      The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has taken note of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases around the world and is implementing new testing requirements for all persons entering The Bahamas as a precautionary effort to continue to keep the destination safe.

      The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has taken note of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases around the world and is implementing new testing requirements for all persons entering The Bahamas as a precautionary effort to continue to keep the destination safe.

      Effective Monday, December 27, 2021, the following protocols will take effect:

      a) All those travelling to The Bahamas from other countries, whether fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.

      b) Vaccinated travellers can present either a Rapid Antigen Test or RT-PCR test, while unvaccinated travellers must present a RT-PCR test.

      Effective Friday, January 7, 2022, the following protocols will take effect:

      a) All those travelling to The Bahamas from other countries, whether fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, will be required to obtain a negative RT-PCR (including PCR, NAA, NAAT, TMA or RNA) test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.

      b) Rapid Antigen Tests will no longer be accepted. All travellers must obtain a RT-PCR test.

      For full details on our entry requirements please visit our website by clicking the button below.

       

      button

       
       
       
      Visit us on Facebook
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      Copyright © 2021 The Islands Of The Bahamas
      1200 South Pine Island Rd., Suite 450, Plantation, FL. 33324

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Rasselas -  December 31, 2021 - 2:33 pm

        What are the requirements if arriving by boat. Consider the fact that it could take 4-5 days Jacksonville, FL to the Bahamas on the ocean or you could blow a 3 day test waiting for an appropriate weather window to leave FTL or , WPB or MIA and cross to the West End or Bimini.

        Reply to Rasselas
    • Dec 15, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      New Fee Schedule from Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas
      From our partners at Explorer Chartbooks, the following updates for Exuma Park fees. The 176 square mile Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park, created in 1958, was the first land and sea park in the world and is one of the most successful marine parks. 
       

      EXUMA PARK MOORING FEES

      Up to 39’11” – $30 • 40’ – 49’11” – $40

      50’ – 59’11” – $50 • 60’ – 69’11” – $80

      70’ – 89’11” – $120 • 90’ – 119’ – $150

      120’ – over – $170

      Landing Fee – $10/pp (visitors9not on mooring)

      ANCHORING FEES (Daily)

      under 90’ – $0.50/ft

      over 90’ – $1.00/ft

      Check www.bnt.bs for latest info.

       

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Edwin T Shuttleworth -  December 17, 2021 - 6:29 am

        Shame that the cruising fees have double , Don't mind the park fees.

        Reply to Edwin
    • Nov 12, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Updates, Deals, and Dreams with Makers Air, Ft Lauderdale, FL

      Welcome to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, your own paradise in the middle of the beautiful Exumas.

      With commercial airlines limiting and cancelling flights, Makers Air is continuing to schedule flights with every safety precaution in mind. Growing from its initial operations servicing Staniel Cay, Makers Air is today’s premier air service to and from the Out Islands of the Bahamas. Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas.

      Click here for Updates, Deals, and Dreams with Makers Air

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    • May 4, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bahamas Chatter goes MOBILE

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Bahamas Chatter is published by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Click here for Bahamas Chatter goes MOBILE

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    • Mar 28, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      New Moorings at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Exumas, Bahamas

      Welcome to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, your own paradise in the middle of the beautiful Exumas.

      staniel

      Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR  and a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas, is excited to announce the addition of 21 new moorings balls in the vicinity of their marina.


       

       

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    • Mar 10, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Update from Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club, Abacos, Bahamas

      Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club

      Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club is a premier yacht club in the Abacos and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! If you cruise to Abacos and Marsh Harbour area, you should consider joining this great group of like minded cruisers. See also Bahamas Chatter.

       

      The following is an update on what’s happening in the Abacos.  Evidence of rebuilding is everywhere and great progress has been made.  Basically, there is no reason to stay away any longer.

       
      Of course, everything is not open yet, but enough is open so you can be comfortable and well supplied.  The vegetation is returning, the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing and the people are as friendly and welcoming as ever. If not for the Covid-19 pandemic, there would be more boats cruising around.  The Bahamas Health Visa requirements are necessary for everyone’s well being, but very do-able. 
       
       All the information is available at https://www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopening.  
       

      Because of the current Covid-19 restrictions imposed on Great Abaco and Marsh Harbor, RMHYC members have not made their way there yet but hope to soon.

      Below are some pictures showing evidence of the good work done by the various organizations to which the RMHYC made donations last year; it helped make a difference.

      Water Mission water maker on the freight pier at Green Turtle Cay.  Although the municipal water system is up and running via a pipe from mainland Abaco, this unit is kept in service for emergency use.
      Another view of the unit.  The smaller square tank is clean water to be dispensed into jugs or bottles for emergency use or for those not yet fully connected to the municipal system.
      Samaritan’s Purse arrived in Hope Town soon after the hurricane and installed heavy blue tarps to close in buildings in the area.  Not much of that remains since a lot has been repaired or rebuilt.  It has been 18 months since the storm and this tarp remains tight as a drum, a testament to the quality of the materials and the commitment of the installers.
      Another building in Hope Town showing a blue tarp by Samaritan’s Purse.  Notice the black spray paint marking the building.  This was done by emergency responders and is dated 8 Sept, just a few days after the storm subsided.  These markings are still visible on quite a few buildings.
       
       
       
       
       
       
      World Central Kitchen was on the scene early and provided many thousands of hot meals for anyone who needed them.  This picture shows the label from something provided by WCK.  The label is sitting on the bottom of the sea beside the Hope Town Sailing Club dinghy dock.  The water is as clear as ever!
       
       
      Cruisers Net is proud to support the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club, whose members are willing to support, protect, and preserve the wonderful and beautiful islands of the Bahamas, especially in and around Marsh Harbour.  They will  be uploading pictures to the Club website RMHYC.com as time and internet connectivity allows.  Look in the Photo Albums section.  Newest pix will be at the top.
       

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    • Feb 28, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      New Explorer Bahamas Chatter Forum

      The Explorer Team has been hard at work on their newly designed website with new content and updated information for you, the Bahamas cruiser. The new platform means that you’ll need to sign up to continue access to their free Bahamas Chatter Forum. We invite you to visit and join for free!

       

       

      Click here for invitation to join! Come on over to the new Explorer Bahamas Chatter Forum!

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    • Feb 8, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: Abacos Update 2/21

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Bahamas Chatter is published by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

       

      Bahamas Chatter: Abacos Update 2/21

      Abacos Update 2/21

      Posted: 07 Feb 2021 08:51 AM PST

      Our contacts in the Abacos have updated us on things our Bahamas Cruisers will want to know before they go. The Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas 9th edition contains a more detailed update as of fall 2020. Since then, the able Abaconians have made amazing progress on restoring what was devastated by Hurricane Dorian. Please send us first-hand updates to share when you get them. Here’s the latest from locals:

      Marsh Harbour

      BANKS:

      Commonwealth is open at Maxwells.

      Royal Bank has a small office in town.

      1st Caribbean CIBC is reopening soon.

      ATMs are located in various places in town, including Rubis Gas Station and the airport.

      BOAT RENTALS: Harbour View, Cruise Abaco.

      CRUISERS’ NET: Tune in to Channel 16 for announcements of Cruisers’ Net time and VHF channel. Announcements are being made with daily updates for area services and facilities. Listen for the ever-changing updates.

      DINGHY LANDING: Union Jack dock has been repaired as a dinghy dock in the harbour.

      FERRY SERVICE: Two services are now operational with service to Hope Town, Man o War, Guana Cay. The former Albury’s Ferry is now “The Ferry.” G&L also offers a full schedule of trips.

      FUEL: Boat Harbour Marina.

      GROCERIES:

      Maxwells is fully open, also offering an ATM machine.

      Abaco Groceries is also open, with a liquor store as well.

      HARDWARE: National Hardware open. Also Yamaha has a new building . The Outboard Shop now services Suzuki, Evinrude and Yamaha (no sales).

      LODGING: The Island Breeze Motel on the harbour is open. They also have car rentals.

      MARINAS: Harbour View Marina and Cruise Abaco have some rentals available.

      Harbour View Marina is working hard to get their docks fully functional. Docks have been stabilized and new wiring is being installed now. The reception area buildings will be next.

      The Conch Inn docks are gone. Reconstruction has begun with expectations of reopening in 2022. The Moorings charter companies are still operational, keeping their boats at anchor. Snappa’s will be rebuilt on the Conch Inn site with a summer 2021 opening planned.

      Marsh Harbour Marina has one dock open. Work is being done to restore the Jib Room Restaurant and boutique.

      Boat Harbour at Abaco Beach Resort offers full services with dockage and fuel. The reception area and restaurant areas are still under tents, but reconstruction is ongoing. The marina plans three fishing tournaments for the spring.

      MEDICAL SERVICES: Hospital was used for refugee shelter and is being renovated. Integrated Medical Services mobile medical unit offering assistance and treatment.

      PROPANE: Abaco Gas will fill your propane tank on the spot.

      RESTAURANTS: Wally’s will be opening soon. Snappa’s will be coming to the Conch Inn property. The Jib Room is being rebuilt. Stay tuned for opening dates. Several takeouts are available in walking distance from the harbour. A waterside cabana, located at the old site of Long’s Seafood, is serving food.

      TELEPHONE: Some land lines have been restored by BTC, but not all telephones are connected. The local land line exchange is 365. Cable Bahamas phones are more reliable with 699 numbers. Also ALIV with 559 and 801 exchanges are reliable. Many folks switched to ALIV, which generously gave free phones and phone cards at the outset of Hurricane Dorian. Since there is no directory, we are slow to get new phone numbers listed for these customers.

      CAUTION: Although progress has been made, there is still much debris in the water, particularly in the inner anchorage area of Marsh Harbour. Some obstructions are buoyed; some are not. Proceed with great caution. Also, locals warn of increased crime ashore. Because most streetlights are still not working, it is unwise to wander ashore at night.

      HOPE TOWN

      Mostly cleaned up with businesses in various stages of reopening. Lighthouse Marina has fuel at the dock. Hope Town Inn and Marina is yet to be fully opened.

      MAN O WAR

      Harbour cleaned up. Marina docks are gone with no current progress on reconstruction. Hibiscus Restaurant is open.

      TREASURE CAY: Treasure Cay Marina is under reconstruction with a few slips available. Moorings are available as well. The fuel dock is open.

      GUANA CAY

      Progress continues with waterfront businesses beginning to reopen. A new grocery is coming on the harbour. Orchid Bay Marina has some services and is making progress.

      GREEN TURTLE CAY

      Green Turtle Cay, as a community, has made great strides to getting the cay back to normal. The Green Turtle Club is fully operational and welcoming visitors. Bluff House Marina is still undergoing repairs before reopening.

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    • Jan 26, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: Sand “bores”?

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Bahamas Chatter is published by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

       

      Bahamas Chatter: Sand “bores”?

      Sand “bores”?

      Posted: 25 Jan 2021 04:27 AM PST

      Email

      I’ve got a question that I’m hoping you might be able to help with, and the internet so far has been less-than-helpful. I notice in the Explorer charts and many other guides the use of the term “sand bore.” Explorer defines this on several charts as a “fluid, shifting, live sand bar.”

      Can anyone shed some light on the origins of the term, or perhaps point me towards some reference materials? How exactly is a bore different than a “shifting sand bar,” a term often used on the same chart near the same feature? I know there are several geographic places where the term is used, but my question is mostly academic. What exactly is a sand bore?

      Thanks in advance!
      Matt Claiborne
      s/v Dulcinea

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    • Jan 25, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      New U.S. COVID-19 Air Travel Rules

      This advisory is from Tripadvisor and the US Embassy in the Bahamas.

      Dear traveler,
      Are you considering an international trip? If so, read on. The CDC has issued a COVID-19 order that may impact your plans for re-entering the United States.
      Effective January 26, 2021 travelers arriving in the U.S. must:
      1) Get tested for COVID-19 no more than 3 days before departing to the United States and show a negative test result to the airline before boarding OR 2) show documentation of recent recovery from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding.
      This new order applies to all air passengers — including U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents — aged 2 years and older. It also applies regardless of the length of time spent outside of the United States.
      Acceptable documentation of recovery from COVID-19 includes both a positive viral test result within 3 months of travel (or the time period specified in current CDC guidance) AND a letter from a healthcare provider or public health official stating that the passenger is cleared to end isolation.
      Passengers who have tested positive for COVID-19 will need to delay their travel until they meet the criteria to end isolation; learn more here.
      Need more information? Visit this FAQ page at CDC.gov.

      For more details, see COVID-19 Information for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
      US Embassy in the Bahamas

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    • Jan 14, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: “ABACO UPDATE” plus 1 more

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits

       

      Bahamas Chatter: “ABACO UPDATE” plus 1 more

      ABACO UPDATE

      Posted: 13 Jan 2021 02:16 PM PST

      ABACOS UPDATE

      Here are some responses we got back from a query to update you on what is going on in the Abacos. PLEASE SEND US ANY FIRST-HAND INFORMATION YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH FELLOW CRUISERS.

      GREEN TURTLE CAY:  Many repairs going on in Abaco.  Green Turtle Cay is doing well all things considered.  You can purchase diesel and unleaded gasoline at Green Turtle Club Marina or at Sunset Marine both on Green Turtle Cay

      Bluff House Marina  242-824-6231(cell) and restaurant and pool were destroyed but are currently being rebuilt.  Beach Bar restaurant (Tranquil Turtle Beach Bar) will be open by the 1st of March, rooms and villas are projected to be available for rent by the 1st of May (maybe a few of the villas in advance of that date. Email frontdesk@bluffhouse.com for more info on availability).

      Many restaurants and bars and stores are open, freight boats arriving several times a week bringing in building materials for businesses and home owners that are fixing their homes for rental.

      Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina is open.

      Regarding COVID: Keep checking the Bahamas.com website for updates. There is no quarantining currently unless you test positive while here.  We have had no confirmed cases on Green Turtle Cay.  We are a port of entry; cruisers should call to arrange clearing and regarding the 5 day Rapid antigen test if staying more than 4 nights.  Call Green Turtle Club for more information. 

      From Bluff House: We thank all of the Cruisers that have helped people on Green Turtle Cay since Hurricane Dorian and want them to know how hard we are working to be able to welcome them back and are in fact welcoming guests back on Green Turtle Cay already.  There are volunteers on the island and volunteers from the island that are currently helping to rebuild homes and to provide drinking water, etc.  Things are being built back better than ever.  Most people are either back in their homes or close to being back after 18 months of living in other people’s homes.

      GUANA CAY: Orchid Bay Marina is presently open from Monday – Saturday from 7:00 – 1:00 pm for fuel and boats coming in.  Our restaurant is not open at this time.  We have gas, diesel, ice, electricity, water and gift shop items. Orchid Bay’s land line 242-365-5175 is working. 

      Grocery store is rebuilding on the front street.  The original Guana Harbour grocery is not reopening.

      Grabbers Bar and Restaurant has reopened; Mama’s Takeaway has reopened;  Guana Lumber and dive Guana too.

      At present, a negative COVID test is required upon entering the Bahamas.  After being here 5 days you must have the rapid test done.  They apparently have done away with the quarantine.  It appears that the cases in Abaco have decreased.

      LITTLE HARBOUR, ABACO: At Pete’s Pub & Gallery,  the Johnstons are overjoyed to be able to welcome everyone back. Please don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns. They hope to see you soon. 
      Greg & Heather Johnston
      242-357-6648
      242-577-5487

      Inside Report on COVID

      Posted: 13 Jan 2021 12:58 PM PST

      From a cruiser in Spanish Wells, we had this up-to-date report on real-time experience:

      Generally, Store owners are requiring people to wear masks inside their businesses.

      Yachtsmen are cooperating with wearing masks in public.

      “With the Bahamas policy we feel pretty sure that most newly arrived cruisers are negative (especially after the second test) but most cruisers are not socializing with each other.”

      The concern among the cruising community is being careful not to get COVID from the locals.

      Two private clinics in Spanish Wells

      Eagles Landing on Main Street (fee for testing)

      Bahamas Wellness Eagles Landing on Main Street

      242-333-4869 or 242-359-7555 M-F

      *******

      Sat/Sun appt only

      242-819-1167

      ________________________

      Free private clinic

      Bonnie Symonette

      242-422-9952

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    • Jan 5, 2021by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: Bahamian Covid

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

       

      Bahamas Chatter: Bahamian Covid

      Bahamian Covid

      Posted: 04 Jan 2021 05:06 AM PST

      Email

      Just talked to a captain returning from a Christmas/New Years trip to the Bahamas.
      Come for the sunshine….go home with Covid.
      4 people have already tested positive and others are having symptoms.
      Damn it…wear a mask and be careful everyone or we’ll never get to travel

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Perry -  January 22, 2021 - 1:18 pm

        Since you have to COVID free to receive the shots I would hope they would accept us.

        Reply to Perry
      2. James Gano -  January 9, 2021 - 11:50 am

        I have been following the continuously changing policies for entry into the Bahamas. My wife and I just got our first of two vaccines for Covid (we got Moderna). Is anyone hearing that proof of vaccination may in the future suffice for entry into the Bahamas?

        Reply to James

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