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: Search for Missing Vessel
Search for Missing Vessel

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 08:02 AM PST 

Sharing this info:BOLO for the S/V ELLIPSIS
Seven Seas Cruising Association’s HF Radio Service KPK has been asked for assistance in locating the S/V ELLIPSIS which departed Puerto Rico on December 26, 2017 on a voyage to St Augustine, Florida. The vessel is a 32’ Westsail cutter rig sloop, light tan hull, maroon stripe below the rail, with tan bark sails.
There are two POB. The Captain is Scott Kans, age approx 55, accompanied by crew Rafael Torres, approx age 30. Neither men are known to have medical issues, although Scott is believed to have a hernia.
The vessel has a 6 person life raft, however no EPIRB, SSB or HF Radio, or other means of communication other than two cell phones. They have no way to receive weather information since departing Puerto Rico. Scott’s cell phone is 787-306-9114.
The vessel sustained major damage during the hurricanes in Puerto Rico, including damage to its rigging which is believed to have been repaired prior to departing Puerto Rico. It is believed the vessel may have a cutlass bearing issue.
Their intended route was to pass close enough to the Turks and Caicos to allow them to call their emergency contact via cell phone. The contact expected hearing from them on or around January 2nd. From the Turks and Caicos they planned to continue through the East Bahamas into the Gulf Stream to St Augustine, Florida.
The USCG Sector Jacksonville has been notified.
Chris Parker of the Marine Weather Center is also aware of this overdue boat and will broadcast a lookout on his Monday SSB morning weather report for the Bahamas.
Dick Giddings of the afternoon Doo Dah SSB Net is also aware and broadcasting a lookout as well as putting it out on the morning Cruiseheimers Net.
KPK will ensure the Waterway Radio & Cruising Club Amateur Radio Net covers it as well as the both SSCA morning SSB nets at 1215 hrs UTC and 1315 hrs UTC on frequency 8.104.
Anyone with information regarding this vessel may contact KPK@ssca.org and the USCG.
Glenn Tuttle – Net Manager
SSCA HF Radio Service KPK
941-456-5070

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: “north eluthera- spanish wells?” plus 1 more
north eluthera- spanish wells?

Posted: 26 Dec 2017 01:49 PM PST

hi all,

later in the season we’ll have guests fly into north eluthera. we’ll probably be at the marina in spanish wells. anyone know about the connections/phone numbers we need to get them from airport to marina?

duetto

Diesel fuel in Andros

Posted: 26 Dec 2017 01:47 PM PST

Planning a trip down Andros and would like to know of Diesel Fuel availability in Andros? Any recent purchases would be helpful.

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: Guns and Ammo in Bahamas
Guns and Ammo in Bahamas
Posted: 15 Dec 2017 07:32 AM PST
We recently had some questions about how many rounds of ammunition one could bring in on a boat cruising in the Bahamas. We were able to talk to an official at Bahamas Customs and get this answer for what is allowed:
3 guns
250 rounds/weapon
Also, as it states in the Customs article of our Explorer Chartbooks, if one is boarded by the Defence Force, the number of rounds of ammunition aboard should equal the number on the cruising permit.
That’s the official word.

Monty Lewis
Explorer Chartbooks

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: “chart plotter software” plus 1 more
chart plotter software
Posted: 11 Dec 2017 04:42 PM PST 
What free chart plotter software on your laptop do you use
when you’re downloading Explorer charts?

Lighthouse Yacht Club Andros
Posted: 11 Dec 2017 04:39 PM PST
Does anyone know if Lighthouse YC marina in Fresh Creek is open? Have heard conflicting reports. If closed, what are the options for stopping there? (don’t need any services) thx

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: “Weather Reports while in the Bahamas” plus 1 more
Weather Reports while in the Bahamas
Posted: 07 Dec 2017 03:45 AM PST
Can anybody provide some information on weather reports while in the Bahamas?

Taking fireams into the Bahamas
Posted: 07 Dec 2017 03:43 AM PST
Does anybody know the amount of ammunition you can have aboard when in the Bahamas? I heard up to a maximum of 250 rounds per weapon.

Bahamas Chatter: “The pet thing…addendum” plus 2 more
The pet thing…addemdum
Posted: 28 Nov 2017 07:37 AM PST
To those that have pets on board. I sent in my International moneys order, and the proper form on the 16th of Sept, 2017. We left Bakers Haulover for Bimini on the 24th of November. Without having received any formal paper work back. To this day, my mail delivery/receive service has not received any paper work. Tis the Bahamas…

With that in mind, I cleared into Bimini. The very nice lady at Customs, went through the usual paperwork, and questions. When she asked if I had any pets on board, I said yes, but, and then I went through the above paragraph with her. I showed her the receipts for the money orders, the Nassau form, the health certificate for Bentley, etc.

She looked at everything, shook her head, pushed all the papers back to me. So, on my cruising permit, next to the dingy and motor, the skiff and motor that I tow, the fishing poles on board, and the slings, is listed…………..ready for this……… (1) dog….

What a great country…not tied up in red tape at all…denO and Bentley

Crossing Flotilla
Posted: 28 Nov 2017 07:35 AM PST
We are planning a crossing from West Palm to the West End around the second week of January 2018. This being our first trip we would like to travel with others planning to cross to the Bahamas. We travel in a Carver 450 Voyager so our speed can vary to 20 MPH. Please let us know if you might be interested.

Sea Conditions for Crossing from Ft. Laudeerdale
Posted: 28 Nov 2017 07:34 AM PST
Can anybody tell me where I can get accurate sea conditions for crossing the stream. We’re heading to Bimini. From what I can see on the off shore reports it looks like 2 ft seas, with a NE wind. Can I rely on that information? Also, anything we should know going into Bimini.

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: “Thanksgiving at Rosie’s Place” plus 1 more
Thanksgiving at Rosie’s Place
Posted: 27 Nov 2017 05:17 AM PST
Rather than stopping at great sale we decided to go to grand cay and rosie’s place. It happened to be thanksgiving so we signed up for their turkey dinner. It’s a wonderful thing when something exceeds your expectation, but this dinner truly did. Thick slices of turkey, baked ham, stuffing, cranberry, conch fritters, crab salad, cheese cake, the list just goes on. All this for $15! We’ll definetly be back.

duetto

Propane and Composite Tanks
Posted: 27 Nov 2017 04:11 AM PST
Looking for guidance with getting composite tanks filled in the Bahamas?

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: Need Crew?
Need Crew?
Posted: 26 Nov 2017 01:27 PM PST
Are you looking for a rock solid crew member to sail with or help you with chores?

I’m a super easy going guy, not as quite young as I used to be, but close, and very experienced in all aspects of boating, both power and sail. I have my own 36′ sailboat, but it’s here in Eastern Canada; need I say more! I need “warm and sand”.

Looking to spend some time in the Bahamas this winter in order to better prepare myself for my trip south next year. A terminally ill family member has prevented me from sailing from here this fall, so hopefully God willing, next year.

I have tons of boating experience, inshore and offshore; very adapt at most repairs; super clean; love to laugh; non smoker; very attentive; dislike politics; love to cook and prepare. Can come for a week, a month or longer. Will pay all of my expenses, and then some.

Or maybe you need someone to look after your boat? I guarantee it’ll be left better than it was found. References available.

Consider me please if you need crew, maintenance, etc.

Thanks for reading this ad.

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: “Tides Exumas” plus 1 more
Tides Exumas
Posted: 20 Nov 2017 07:56 AM PST

Hi. Explorer charts note tide for Galliot Point 1-2 hrs later than Nassau. Looking for info on East Barracouta Rocks, Pudding Cut & Barreterre as well. Thx.

Boat buddies
Posted: 20 Nov 2017 07:55 AM PST
Is there a spot on here that posts destinations for other boaters?

We are in a 30′ Bayliner heading to South Florida in a few days and looking for others that are going to the Bahamas in mid December.

If anyone is going and looking to travel with another boat, we would appreciate your company and comments.

Thank you,

Ron and Bev

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: parker webcast?
parker webcast?
Posted: 17 Nov 2017 01:45 PM PST

hi all,

Has chris parker stopped doing his webcasts?

duetto

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
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.

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
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.

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
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

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
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

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
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?

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

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
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