Bahamas Chatter: South Berry Islands Marine Reserve

November 17, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: South Berry Islands Marine Reserve
South Berry Islands Marine Reserve
Posted: 16 Nov 2017 04:48 AM PST READ MORE!

We have received information of the existence of the South Berry Islands Marine Reserve. The information was forwarded by the Berry Islands Club and more information can be found at https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/southern-berry-islands-marine-reserve and a map of the reserve can be found at http://parkscaribbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/South-Berry-Islands-Marine-Reserve-Management-Plan-2009-2013.pdf

John Dial, General Manager of the Berry Islands Club advises that the Reserve will be patrolled this year by the Bahamas Constable and no fishing is allowed. Boaters should mark their charts to avoid fishing in the area.

Bahamas Chatter: west end electric?

November 15, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: west end electric?
west end electric?
Posted: 14 Nov 2017 04:18 AM PST
Anyone know if they have electricity on docks?

duetto

Bahamas Chatter: Crossing Gulfstream

November 13, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Bahamas Chatter: Crossing Gulfstream
Crossing Gulfstream
Posted: 12 Nov 2017 01:27 PM PST
We are coming up from Puerto Rico on a R&C 46′ cat via Providence Channel and wanted to know where the best place would be to anchor if we need to wow before crossing over to Fort Lauderdale.

Bahamas Chatter: Turks and Caicos Marinas Report

November 11, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Turks and Caicos Marinas Report
Turks and Caicos Marinas Report
Posted: 10 Nov 2017 01:29 PM PST READ MORE!

We have finally been able to get in touch with the marinas in the Turks and Caicos (mainly Providenciales). Hurricane Irma did some damage but most are recovering and back in operation. Here’s what we found:

Blue Haven: The floating docks were greatly damaged. There is no power or water on the docks currently. They are able to pump fuel and have limited dockage. There is minor shoaling in the channel and they will pilot boats in. The controlling depth is reported to be 10 feet.

Caicos Marina and Shipyard: We weren’t able to speak to anyone there because they are still without electricity and phone service. The report we received was that there was unknown damage to the docks, but it is believed that the channel into the marina is still accessible.

Southside Marina: They fared the best as they were small and better protected. The docks are open. They have electricity and fuel and other normal services. They channel has been re-marked with little change.

Turtle Cove Marina: They had extensive damage to their docks, but they have over half of their docks are back in service now. They will still pilot yachts into the marina. Channel depth has changed little.

The waypoints on the charts still mark the proper approach to the channels. We have been told that the routes in have changed little. The area has been receiving several transient boats recently.

We will continue to update you as we get more information.

Monty Lewis

Explorer Charts

Staniel Cay Yacht Club at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show

October 30, 2017 by: Curtis Hoff Leave a Comment

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

Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas, has always been most accommodating for its guests. Stop by and visit them at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show this week. Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a longtime SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR.

READ MORE!

Staniel Cay Yacht Club at Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show 2017

Bahamas Chatter: “New Fuel and Dockage Survey 10/28/17” plus 1 more

October 29, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “New Fuel and Dockage Survey 10/28/17” plus 1 more
New Fuel and Dockage Survey 10/28/17
Posted: 28 Oct 2017 09:09 AM PDT READ MORE!

We just completed a survey of most of the marinas offering fuel and dockage in the Bahamas. Some we were unable to contact at the present time. More diesel and gas prices were up than down.

Please go to our website www.explorercharts.com under Fuel and Dockage Prices to check our latest findings. We will be updating continuously as we get new information.

Fuel prices
Posted: 28 Oct 2017 04:38 AM PDT
I only have a smartphone which limits my abilities on line.

Can anyone tell me how to get the current fuel prices? I go to home page and can’t find.

Thank you

Bahamas Chatter: West end customs

October 28, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: West end customs
West end customs READ MORE!

Posted: 27 Oct 2017 04:33 AM PDT
I saw the post about west end, but they are a year old.

Is west end custom/check in open?

Anyone heading there next month?

Bahamas Chatter: Ocean Reef Yacht Club inlet channel..aka..Silver Cove Inlet

October 26, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Ocean Reef Yacht Club inlet channel..aka..Silver Cove Inlet
Ocean Reef Yacht Club inlet channel..aka..Silver Cove Inlet
Posted: 25 Oct 2017 04:28 AM PDT READ MORE!

Has anyone been in or out of the above channel, recently, that has a 6 foot draft? There was some serious silting for Matthew, and some more added from Irma and Harvey, due to high winds. Some dredging has been done…aka…attempted with backhoes from shore, but unable to reach all the way across. Anyone have some input. I know that a draft of around 4.5 to 5.o feet, at high water can be carried in, but, just wondering about 6.0 and above…thanks…

Bahamas Chatter: Chicken of the Sea, a story where ‘nothing is what it seems.’

October 19, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Bahamas Chatter: Chicken of the Sea, a story where ‘nothing is what it seems.’
Chicken of the Sea, a story where ‘nothing is what it seems.’
Posted: 18 Oct 2017 05:42 AM PDT READ MORE!

Don’t judge Neil Barry’s Chicken of the Sea by its cover. It’s whimsical for good reason! ‘Nothing is what it seems’ in a mystery so real you’ll wonder, ‘Is it true?’

The ‘chicken’ might be Victor Joshua Walker. He tells the story of his parents dragging three cynical, reluctant kids onto a sailboat the size of a school bus. The problem is Victor’s been lied to for as long as he can remember. There are clues to his past life; burns on his forearms, grandparents who died in a house fire, a missing uncle and aunt, his father’s valuable first-edition books, a guitar once played by Segovia. If that’s not enough, people are following him through the Bahamas. Some of them want to kill Victor.

You can read the first chapter at www.neilbarrybooks.com Click on ‘Books.’ (Warning: beware of the crazy chicken)

After Chicken of the Sea, you’ll want more. Lucky for you, it’s also a trilogy with Chicken Too and Free Range Chicken. Adventurous readers from nine to ninety can find all three books on Amazon in paper and digital versions.

Look for the author on S/V Imagine and get your books personally autographed.

Bahamas Chatter: Submitting Bahamas Chatter posts via email

October 18, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Submitting Bahamas Chatter posts via email
Submitting Bahamas Chatter posts via email
Posted: 17 Oct 2017 06:55 AM PDT READ MORE!

Hello cruisers!

For those new to the group, we welcome your comments and posts! We offer two ways to post to accommodate your needs.

1. Go directly to chatter.explorercharts.com and post or comment from the web.

2. Cruisers can also comment directly from email. Once you subscribe to the group, please email info@explorercharts.com and request permission to post to Bahamas Chatter via email. Your forum membership will be changed to “author” status at which point you can post or comment directly by sending your message to chatter@explorercharts.com.

Thanks for your participation in this great group of cruisers willing and ready to share ideas and experiences!

Kate Fears

Bahamas Chatter: New pet policy

October 17, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: New pet policy
New pet policy
Posted: 15 Oct 2017 03:11 PM PDT READ MORE!

I downloaded the form and instructions to receive a permit to bring my dog to the Bahamas. I sent a money order for $15 ($10 for the application and $5 for the fax service). It has been about 5 weeks ago and still no permit. I noticed on this site the the fee has gone up.

Am I still covered? How do I get my permit if they don’t fax it to me? Is there a time frame for the vet’s health certificate? Is a shot record sufficient? Can I get the permit when I get there?

Any response and help is GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you

Bahamas Chatter: Boat buddy

October 16, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Boat buddy
Boat buddy
Posted: 15 Oct 2017 05:33 AM PDT READ MORE!

We are presently located in NC and waiting on the season to end before heading to the east coast of Florida. (West Palm Beach area) and looking to head to West End in mid to late November. We are looking for other boaters to join in the trip. We are in a 30′ Bayliner and cruise around 20knts. We will eventually cruise our way through to DR and then on to home in Cabo Rojo, PR.

Thank you,

Ron and Bev

Bahamas Chatter: With heavy heart I would like to announce the passing of…

September 25, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: With heavy heart I would like to announce the passing of…
With heavy heart I would like to announce the passing of…
Posted: 24 Sep 2017 04:45 AM PDT READ MORE!

A good friend and long, long time boater. Mike Anderson known as “Mikey” has passed away on his beloved boat Silent Flight, in Salt Pond, Long Island. Mike and I go way back to the days of St. Thomas, in Elephant Bay for 10 years…89 to 99 and before in the Bahamas.

Mike was a solo sailor for most of his sailing life. He was always happy, and loved his rum. It is unclear how he died…suspected heart attack. He will be missed. Dog lover…avid spear fisherman and maker of lobster jerky.

He was also a collector of glass fishing floats…because he went to places where the average cruiser never goes. He once told me he had 15 on his boat and a storage room full someplace else…..

DenO…the old days..Seahawk..the new days…Gadabaut

Bahamas Chatter: TCI Update

September 20, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: TCI Update
TCI Update
Posted: 19 Sep 2017 07:02 AM PDT READ MORE!

We are happy to receive this report from TCI after Irma but before Maria. Our hope is that the report will continue to be favorable. Please send us any news you have on the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.
Sara and Monty

Hi Friends!

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts!

We have made it through safe and sound!

We were scheduled for closing for annual shutdown, however due to our favorite new girlfriends Hurricane Irma and Maria, we will have to let everyone know when the re-opening will now be. We are repairing and look forward to welcoming everyone very soon!

Ginny & Tom? and the Bohio Family!!

Bohio Dive Resort
Grand Turk
Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI
T: (649) 946 2135
F: (649) 946 1536
E: info@bohioresort.com
W: www.bohioresort.com

Bahamas Chatter: Bimini Sands Marina to reopen on September 21st

September 18, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Bimini Sands Marina to reopen on September 21st
Bimini Sands Marina to reopen on September 21st
READ MORE!

Posted: 17 Sep 2017 04:39 AM PDT
Bimini Sands Resort and Marina today announced that their property, located on South Bimini in The Bahamas, has emerged from Hurricane Irma without significant structural damage and is slated to reopen its doors to guests on Thursday, September 21, 2017.

“We couldn’t be happier to report that Bimini Sands has weathered the storm and we’ll be ready to welcome our friends and loyal guests back to their home away from home very soon,” said Brad G. Michael, Bimini Sands’ Resort Coordinator. “I am grateful to our dedicated and hardworking team, who have been working around the clock to ensure our resort and marina are back up and running as soon as possible.”

Bimini Sands is already making ice, has gasoline and diesel. The fact that the property suffered only minor damage to gutters, power slips on the docks and a few satellite dishes, can be attributed to its prime location, which is heavily protected by the island’s native mangroves.

Bahamas Chatter: Irma Update for Ragged Island

September 16, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Irma Update for Ragged Island
Irma Update for Ragged Island
Posted: 14 Sep 2017 03:44 PM PDT
Ragged Island was devastated by Hurricane Irma. Apparently, the seven people who were not evacuated from the island survived, but the town itself has been deemed “uninhabitable” by government authorities. Most of the buildings are leveled, except for the Silvertail Lodge and a few others, and no government structures were left standing. The oil depot at Gun Point was also wiped out. The folks that survived the hurricane have also left the island. This is sad news for the many cruising boats that visit the Ragged Islands during the winter season. There will be none of the already limited facilities available. Boats cruising to the Ragged Islands are truly on their own.

Bahamas Chatter: Most Bahamas marinas open

September 15, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Most Bahamas marinas open READ MORE!

Most Bahamas marinas open
Posted: 14 Sep 2017 06:29 AM PDT
The marine recreational sector of the Bahamas’ tourism industry is up and open for business. Most of the member marinas of the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) are reporting no damage from hurricane Irma and are open and ready for business.

“This hurricane caused great damage throughout the region and the southern Bahamas,” says ABM President, Stephen Kappeler, “and we sympathize with the citizens of the islands that were so badly affected. We are also deeply concerned about the welfare of citizens of the state of Florida, whose lives have been so disrupted by hurricane Irma,” he said.

“However, we are greatly relieved that hurricane Irma by-passed so many of the islands in The Bahamas and spared most of our members from damage or dislocation,” said Kappeler.

Full article attached in Word file or at following link: https://bahamasmarinas.com/blog/2017/09/12/bahamas-marinas-are-open-for-business-september-2017/

Basil Smith
Executive Director
Association of Bahamas Marinas
(242) 462-4376

Bahamas Chatter: Irma Update on Little Farmers Cay

September 13, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Irma Update on Little Farmers Cay
Irma Update on Little Farmers Cay
Posted: 13 Sep 2017 11:08 AM PDT
Good afternoon Monty and Sara Lewis, thanks for checking on us. Every thing is fine with us we did not get any damage from Irma.
Thank God for that. We prayed for Ragged Island and the other Cays .We also pray for the Caribbean Islands.
We also pray for South Florida and the Cays, Texas .There is no damage to the Yacht Club .We will Be open for next Winter Gods will.
Best regards,

Roosevelt Nixon
Farmers Cay Yacht Club.

Report from Staniel Cay, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas

September 13, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Bahamas Chatter: “Irma Update on Staniel Cay” plus 1 more

Irma Update on Staniel Cay

Posted: 11 Sep 2017 03:33 PM PDT

Hi All – just wanted to let you know that we escaped with virtually no significant damage at SCYC and the island in general.

Re-opening schedule:
Bar (open)
Fuel Dock (open)
Restaurant (open Tuesday)
Hotel (open Thursday)
Marina (open Thursday)

We hope you all made it through the storm OK!
Thanks,
Chris
SCYC

Turks & Caicos Photos

Posted: 11 Sep 2017 03:32 PM PDT

As of today, September 11, the airport at Providenciales is still not open. There is no power and water. All supplies come to the islands by boat from Florida and none have been able to get there so far.

Here are some photos from Provo:

Bahamas Chatter: “Bahamas Update after Irma” plus 1 more

September 11, 2017 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Bahamas Update after Irma” plus 1 more

READ MORE!

Bahamas Update after Irma

Posted: 11 Sep 2017 05:16 AM PDT

We have received bits and pieces of information from various sources and will continue to post them here as they come in. We invite you to post text and links and pictures as you get them.
Thanks,
Monty and Sara Lewis
Explorer Chartbooks

Peace and Plenty Hotel in George Town, Exuma, reported moderate damage to their dock but little damage otherwise.

Exuma Yacht Club suffered serious damage to its docks. A major rebuild will be required.

We had a report of Big Major’s Swimming Pigs with no harm done. The Central and Northern Exumas did not seem to suffer any damage except perhaps for beach erosion and some downed trees.

Long Island was spared any major damage. The odd thing was all the water being pushed out of the bank side, leaving the western flats exposed.

A video of Acklins showed a walk along the western shoreline revealing thousands of dead fish washed up. Again, water was pushed off the bank side exposing flats and habitats.

Ragged Island took a bad hit with buildings destroyed.

Bimini experienced water over the streets and many buildings with floors under water as well as marina docks under water and being hammered by waves. No report on the extent of damage.

Updates for Turks & Caicos

Posted: 11 Sep 2017 05:03 AM PDT

We will continue to post news from Irma’s passage as we get it. Please feel free to send us more information to share.

Sara and Monty Lewis

TCI photos
http://tinyurl.com/ybgtmqjk

More pix
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6bxfl1xyxz9svjb/AAAvh4TCx0w3QffSJzs8KYBsa?dl=0

baci

Turtle Cove entrance

Turtle Cove Shops

Sept. 9, From Dan at TCI Villas:
Thankfully I still have not heard of any loss of life or injuries. We have heard back on the condition of most villas and almost without exception the damage is very minimal. A status on power/water/communications/airport is below

Water – Statement from the water company – Following yesterday’s temporary switch on, Provo Water Company have identified and fixed a number of bursts caused by Hurricane Irma. We shall be switching on water supply again today between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., so once again encourage customers to fill water containers between those hours to have water available when the water supply is switched off again. We again request that any leaks or bursts observed are reported to 231-0705. This will enable us to record and attend to those leaks, to more quickly restore normal operations at the earliest opportunity. If you do not have cell service, you can report observed leaks via this page. Thank you for your assistance and patience while we restore the network.
Power – Fortis trucks can be seen throughout the island making repairs. As soon as the airport opens Fortis said it will bring in 50+ additional workers to help get power lines restored. They estimate 2-3 weeks until power is largely restored. A statement from them is attached
Communications – The cell phone voice network is mostly down however the cell phone data network is operating sporadicly. I have had success calling the island over the data network as opposed to the cell phone network. The free app “Whatsapp” can be used to make/receive voice calls over the data network.. This app also has a texting feature.
Airport – PRESS RELEASE HURRICANE IRMA ?UPDATE? #2?: Flight Operations Soon Restored
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands, Saturday, September 9th, 2017– The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) announces that flight operations will soon be restored as we assess the aftermath of the storm and first focus on emergency and rescue flights.
Scheduled carrier flights remain suspended within the Turks & Caicos Islands until further notice.
Flight operations are expected to resume at all Airports as soon as possible, since the ” All Clear” has been issued.
As the airport operator and air navigation service provider, the Airports Authority remains committed to the safety of aircraft, passengers, staff and other users of the airport. The Authority regrets any inconvenience caused and passengers are asked to contact their respective airlines for flight scheduling.
The Airports Authority is grateful that we are able to survive this storm and will continue to focus on restoration efforts to ensure minimal disruption of service.
END

I previously mentioned that the beach in Turtle Cove is new and improved with a lot of sand. Here are some photos. This was taken in front of Conch Beach Villa (formerly Conch Pearl) which is just to the right of bridge road on coconut rd.

I will continue to send updates as I know them.

all best regards,
Dan (TCI Villas)

https://www.facebook.com/PeoplesTelevision/videos/1620134271376078/