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: Anchoring to the east of Grand Bahama Yacht CLub
Anchoring to the east of Grand Bahama Yacht CLub
Posted: 01 Apr 2017 04:13 AM PDT
Well, due to the silting in of the Silver Cove inlet, caused by Hurricane Matthew, many deeper draft boats, leave Ocean Reef Yacht Club, on a high tide, and move over to Lucaya, to anchor till morning, when they leave. Deeper water in that channel, at all times of the tide.

So, I decided to do the same, and anchored to the east of the GBYC, and not in anyones way. Sitting there, a pontoon boat comes out, and the Bahamian captain asks me, “what are your intentions”. So, I asked back, what do you mean, “what are my intentions”? He then proceeded to tell me that I could not anchor in front of the marina….I have never had this happen to me before…and I was just wondering if anyone else has run into this situation in Lucaya, Grand Bahama.

I did explain that I would be leaving in the morning, early, but that did not make any difference to him.

Thank you…DenO

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: Berry Islands Club Reopening
Berry Islands Club Reopening
Posted: 31 Mar 2017 08:01 AM PDT
Great news From the owner of the Berry Islands Club: After a very difficult year of renovation and then Hurricane Matthew, the Berry Islands Club will be operating in two weeks. We will have new mooring lines, a new desalination water unit, re-built dock and are working to put wi-fi in place. We are also expanding our solar system. Petroleum product sales are another month out. We will have great food and a full bar service in two weeks or give us three to be sure.

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: “Staniel Cay Regatta fundraiser – James Bond Casino Royale Costume party” plus 5 more

Staniel Cay Regatta fundraiser – James Bond Casino Royale Costume party
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:14 AM PDT
One of the year’s BEST and most enjoyable events! This casino* costume party helps raise money for the Staniel Cay Regatta Committee and the “A-Class Challenge,” an annual regatta that showcases the sailing culture of Staniel and introduces guests to this unique aspect of the island.

Saturday, March 25th
5:00 pm, Staniel Cay Yacht Club

• Dress as your favorite Bond, Bond-Girl, Villain or wear your favorite casino attire!
• Win prizes for Best Costumes – so get creative! Suggestions for Bond, Bond Villains, & Bond-Girls below!
• Try your hand at blackjack*, craps*, and 3-card poker*. Also bid on unique items in our silent auction!
Prizes/Auction items include:
His and her Invicta Dive Watches, Bruno Mars autographed guitar, 3-night stay for 2 in a suite at Treasure Cay Resort including 2 rounds of golf, autographed Chicago Blackhawks jersey, autographed Brett Eldredge guitar, dinner for 2 at Fowl Cay Resort, A-Day-At-The-Beach package (featuring Jypsea Local swimwear & Maui Jim Sunglasses), and a two-night stay at Winter Haven Resort!
• And certainly enjoy our signature drink of the evening, the “Patron Reposado Old Fashioned”! Bond himself would forgo the Vesper for this…
* casino chips have no cash value. prizes for chip leaders.

Have a great time in the Exumas while supporting the local Regatta Committee and the sailing
culture of Staniel Cay!

Valentine’s Resort & Marina giveaway at Palm Beach Boat Show
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:12 AM PDT
Valentines Residences Resort & Marina will be at the 32nd Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, March 23-26, 2017.

Booth #589

Enter for a chance to win a two night stay for two at Valentines Residences

(Hotel & Dockage included)

1. Stop by Booth 589 and fill out the form!

www.valentinesresort.com

Man-O-War Boat Builders Memorial – April 1st
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:07 AM PDT
Just wanted everyone to know the Boat Builders Memorial dedication on MOW Abaco is still slated for April 1. Food, presentations, demonstrations and lots of wooden boats. See you there.

Long Island Cruisers Net
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:06 AM PDT
The chartbooks indicate that the Cruisers Net in Salt Pond is at 0830 on Channel 18. However, after the previous net manager abandoned it the net was changed to 0815 on Channel 18. I recently mentioned this to FAIRHAVEN the net manager and she is considering moving it back to 0830. If you sail into Thompson Bay and Salt Pond feel free to hail FAIRHAVEN and confirm the time she is doing the net. Lots of great info for new cruisers about the lively happenings for boaters there.

Nothern Exumas cell service
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:05 AM PDT
we spend more time in the southern Exumas (Gtown to staniel) and this was our first time stopping around Normans and shroud since the hurricane. Don’t know if it’s related but cell service was worst than before, either no bars or a couple of bars but no connection.

Much better coverage in staniel, farmers, barraterre and Gtown

Normans cay update
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:04 AM PDT
Looks like work has restarted on the marina project. We were there yesterday and dozers were working (on a Sunday…) on opening the access to the new marina basin, they had big generator powered lights indicating they may even be working late in the evening.

Pascal
84′ Lazzara My

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: Port of entry
Port of entry
Posted: 20 Mar 2017 05:56 PM PDT
Can u still c!ear Customs at Walker Key?

Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas, has always been most accommodating for its guests and word of such exceptional service for cruisers spreads like a wind driven wild fire. Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a longtime SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOOP ON CASINO ROYALE PARTY

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: Planning first trip to Exumas!
Planning first trip to Exumas!
Posted: 16 Mar 2017 03:11 PM PDT
I have done so much reading… and then more reading…

320 EC World Cat – Two Adults – Two Children (6 & 8)… Past experience is running from Deerfield Beach FL to Fort Myers (Lake O, Ditch, etc.) as well as Deerfield Beach to Ft. Jefferson (Tortugas). Generator, AC, Ability to ice. Updated charts (Garmin G2 Vision and Raymarine Navionics +) and a Delorme Sat. Tracker… Also have iPad with Active Captain, etc.

Caves, Pigs, Iguanas, Deans Hole (Maybe), Snorkeling, Lazy Beach Days…

I’ve read so many different threads and blogs… sorting through things… I just changed wireless carries from MetroPCS to T-Mobile, and it appears that they are pretty good in many of the islands that we are looking at.

So far we are leaving from Hillsboro Inlet (Pompano Beach, FL) and heading to Paradise Island (Atlantis Marina) for 2 nights. (Kids are begging to try the water park, and it looks like a logical place to do Customs, fuel, etc. (although we may stop in Bimini for fuel depending on circumstances). After the 2 nights in Paradise Island, there are NO PLANS. And this is 100% intentional. We have plans as far as fuel, etc. But we have no set dockage or anchorage plans. We will maintain a list of anchorages and/or dockage based on our location, but we really want to just enjoy the time and do as we please. Our only limitation is fresh water and fuel. We can carry around 40 gal of fresh water in our tank (not *exactly* potable)… and will have upward of 10 gal. of potable at any given time. This does not include our ice bottle system (Engel Freezer).

So… now that you have a decent idea of our plans. Let’s hear it. The good, the bad, the ugly… My goat with this post is get some ideas as to “don’t miss this” items… and still fit with our laid back no plans ideal.

Thanks!
Pete

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: First timer
First timer
Posted: 15 Mar 2017 02:55 PM PDT
I’m headed to Bahamas from Charleston SC Via Stuart, Fla. Frankly worried about grounding. Have 6.6′ draft sailboat. Have no clue where to first arrive and what best cruise plan/areas are. Could use some advice. I’m used to deep water sailing: Nova Scotia, Maine, New England, Bermuda.

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 BTC data rates” plus 1 more
New BTC data rates
Posted: 09 Mar 2017 01:55 PM PST
Appears BTC has changed their data rates again.
500mb $2.49 1 day
1 GB $7 10 days
2 GB $10 30 days
3 GB $20 30 days
4 GB $30 30 days
All +vat

Long Island Update
Posted: 09 Mar 2017 05:36 AM PST
Good news not only for the Long Island Rally heading for Salt Pond from George Town today but also for all cruisers to the Thompson Bay area. The former Pirates of the Caribbean, on the north shore of Thompson Bay, has reopened to offer several important services to yachts in the Bay. It is now called Tiny’s Hurricane Hole and boaters can take their dinghy there to enjoy a meal at the restaurant, use the WiFi, and even do laundry while relaxing with a beautiful view. Two of the cottages are available as well for those who want to bring guests to the island.

Long Island Petroleum is fully operational with plenty of water at the new dock. However, a word of caution: the dredging may have left a little silt at the channel entrance, but it is easily manageable at high tide.

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: “North exit/entrance to Grand Bahama Waterway” plus 2 more
North exit/entrance to Grand Bahama Waterway
Posted: 03 Mar 2017 05:12 PM PST
I know that Monty Lewis checked out the waterway’s north exit/entrance for depth, and found it to be passable for drafts of 5 to 6 feet at high tide. However, just recently talked to a fellow boater with a power cat, and indicated that he touched bottom, with 3 1/2 feet draft at high tide.

I know there is a hard spot that must be avoided on the right side going out and he was not sure if this was what he touched or not.

Has anyone been through the waterway recently, and if so, what was you draft and tide situation. Thanks…DenO

Buddy Boat to the Abacos
Posted: 03 Mar 2017 05:09 PM PST
Planning Abaco trip from SW Florida (Punta Gorda) via Okeechobee leaving April 7, 8, or 9. 17+ knot power boat. Would like crossing buddy boat.

swansontyler7@gmail.com
Tyler Swanson

Exuma Yacht club update
Posted: 03 Mar 2017 05:04 PM PST
Good news, they are fixing up the docks at Exuma Yacht Club. We were there a week ago (late February) and new planks had been installed on the main dock and there were making progress on the finger piers. Power working at some pedestals and both gas and diesel pumps working. Restaurant open as well.

Our thanks to Norman Quinn sending this report and video.

Mysterious wave of death strikes the Bahamas’ famous swimming pigs

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT from The Washington Post

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: Traveling to the Exumas 
Traveling to the Exumas
Posted: 27 Feb 2017 05:24 AM PST
We were planning to travel from West Palm to the Exumas in June however the boat that was going to travel with us has backed out. Is there anyone going to the Exuma’s during that time if not maybe next year?

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: Propane Tank Dates 
Propane Tank Dates
Posted: 22 Feb 2017 04:08 PM PST
I want to make sure my tanks are legal for refilling when we get to the Bahamas. In the US it is 12 years from the date stamped on the tank and 5 years after retesting.

Does the Bahamas have any requirements?bh

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: Repost: Another source for weather forecasts
Repost: Another source for weather forecasts
Posted: 22 Feb 2017 08:06 AM PST
Another source for weather forecasts
Here is a link for Marvin Market’s free weather forecasts:

www.marvsweather.com

Marv has been offering this service for a number of years. Marv says… After checking out our daily buoy reports if you find them of use, feel free to sign up for our free service and we will add you to our daily eMail list …

also once you have had a chance to check out our free service please feel free to share our free service via your Bahamas Chatter …

please let us know if you have any questions .

marvboater1@aol.com

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: “ALIV Phone Service” plus 1 more
ALIV Phone Service
Posted: 21 Feb 2017 09:41 AM PST
There is a new phone plan available called ALIV with calls to the Bahamas, U.S. and Canada. Their website is bealiv.com. They offer 7- and 30-day prepaid plans as well as smartphones of various brands.

Has anyone of our subscribers used this plan? Can you give us a report on how and where it works. All of our Chatter subscribers would be interested in knowing about this new phone service and/or company for Bahamas cruisers.

Clearing in at West End
Posted: 20 Feb 2017 05:09 PM PST
White Pepper cleared in at West End last Sunday. Everything went well. Customs and Immigration were very professional as always. However, I was asked about pets for the first time in 5 clearings. Just a heads up. If you clear in at West End have your pet documentation in order.

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 Vet established in Eleuthra
New Vet established in Eleuthra
Posted: 20 Feb 2017 04:59 AM PST
Eleuthra has a vetinarian now. Dr Sands-Johnson has established a roving practice here in Eleuthra, and should have a clinc up and running sometime in the next month in Rock Sound.
The practice is called Noah’s Ark Animal Center.
She does house/dock/boat calls!
Reasonable rates as well.
Email is noahsark.eleu@gmail.com
The clinic is on fb, follow her and you will see when it opens.

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: Explorer Chartbook Waypoint Corrections
Explorer Chartbook Waypoint Corrections 
Posted: 16 Feb 2017 06:20 AM PST
Three errors have been found in Waypoint Lists in two chartbooks. Please note the following in your books:

EXPLORER CHARTBOOK NEAR BAHAMAS

On the Waypoint List on p. 62, there is an error in the Schooner Bay waypoint. (The same waypoint on Chart 4 p. 13 and Chart AB 25 on p. 46 is correct on the charts; the error is only on the Waypoint List.)
Please change the Schooner Bay waypoint on p. 62 to

26° 10.50’N
77° 09.95’ W.

EXPLORER CHARTBOOK FAR BAHAMAS

On the Waypoint List on p. 55, there is an error in the French Bay (San Salvador) waypoint and the French Cay (Turks & Caicos) waypoint. (The same waypoints on Chart SAN 1 p. 41, Chart SAN 3 p. 42, and Chart TC1 p. 74 are correct on the charts; the error is only on the Waypoint List.)

Please change the French Bay waypoint on p. 55 to
23° 56.35’N
72° 33.05’ W.

and the French Cay waypoint on p. 55 to

21° 30.30’N
72° 12.40’ W.

Thanks much to Captain Bradley Elder for pointing out two of these errors and helping us to find the third. Many times we are asked for a digital waypoint list so the captain can plug in the entire list of waypoints into the GPS chartplotter. This type of transcription error is exactly why we don’t make available a digital waypoint list. We always say that it is not wise to enter a list because of the possibility of errors in the original list. It is best to type in and verify your own list of the waypoints you actually use. It’s not necessary to have all the waypoints on your GPS; you can never use all of them. On our vessel, we put in waypoints only as necessary that we need for the trip. We check them carefully as we enter them to see if they appear on the right place on the chart.

After all the proofreading we do, we still somehow missed these errors. We greatly apologize for these mistakes but are grateful that they have been caught and corrected.

We encourage you to let us know of anything else you suspect might not be correct so that we can check it and rectify any mistakes.

Monty Lewis

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: “Abacos Update” plus 3 more
Abacos Update
Report on Questionable Fuel Service
Treasure Cay Valentines
Spanish Wells Update
Abacos Update
Posted: 09 Feb 2017 12:29 PM PST
Abaco Update

As we travel the Abacos, we are pleased to share with you things that have changed since our 7th edition of the Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas. We recently updated you on Spanish Cay and Green Turtle Cay and now we can add our findings for the rest of the island group.

Sara and Monty Lewis

NAVIGATION NOTES: North Bar Channel—wreck of a stranded barge on the north tip of Linyard Cay.

Marsh Harbour— entering the harbour only the red buoy is lighted, not the green buoy. The flashing green lights shown on the chart at Outer Point Cay and Inner Point Cay are not functioning.

GREAT GUANA CAY

Guana Hideaways Marina is not operational.

TREASURE CAY

American and Delta now fly to both Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay airports. Tropic Ocean has added flights to MHH as well.

The phone number for the Treasure Cay fuel dock is 242-365-8869.

New numbers under MEDICAL SERVICES. Integrated Medical Center 242-365-8186/8092 and Emergency 242-458-1234.

The price of the moorings is now $30/night and the anchoring fee in the basin has gone up to $20/night.

Add Bahamas Beach Club and Treasure Sands Club to RESTAURANTS.

MAN O WAR CAY

A disappointment for lovers of baked goods, Lola Sawyer no longer delivers her sweets and treats by golf cart. However, Ena’s Place Bakery (242-365-6060/475-8118) has taken over providing bread and other goodies. She comes around to the marina and the MOW Grocery and you can also call her for custom orders.

Under FERRY, add G&L, a new enterprise from Grant Albury with regular schedules to Marsh Harbour and other spots as well as a charter ferry service for special needs, such as your guests flying in to meet you on the island 242-366-6208.

The government clinic is closed. There is no set schedule for the doctor visits.

Some changes under RESTAURANTS: Islanders Seaside and Island Treats Ice Cream are closed. The good news is, in addition to the Dock n Dine at the marina, the Hibiscus has reopened and also added an ice cream shop to the side of the building.

There is a new gift and straw shop as part of the marina complex. It is called Native Jewels and it carries high quality all- Bahamian straw work, jewelry and other gifts. 242-425-0265.

HOPE TOWN

For GROCERIES, Albury’s Fish Market, Salty’s Sky Market and Sweetings are no longer in operation.

The former Hope Town Hideaways Marina is now a part of the newly expanded Hope Town Inn and Marina.

Sea Spray Resort and Marina is undergoing some improvements and expansion of the dockside restaurant and bar under its new ownership.

As with most Bahamian communities, public phones are no longer available in town.

The Sugar Shack burned and its Sun-Dried T’s is gone along with it.

MARSH HARBOUR

Customs and Immigration will come to the marina docks to clear you in.

Long’s Landing (seafood market) is closed. In its place is the Island Sports Bar.

Marsh Harbour Boatyards also has fuel

The Double R Convenience Store is across the street from the Conch Inn.

The number for the Ambulance is 242-359-6282.

FLIGHTS: Baer Air and Island Express are no longer flying in to MH or Treasure Cay.

No obvious changes in the other island communities.

Report on Questionable Fuel Service
Posted: 09 Feb 2017 08:09 AM PST
Thanks to the Salty Southeast cruisersnet.net for sharing the following:

J.D. French – February 7, 2017 – 9:11 pm
After 31/2 weeks of mixed activities (fishing,snorkeling, cruising) very active and on the boat a lot. We traveled from Walkers down to Hopetown and back up to Walkers with several hotel and fuel splashes at same locations each direction. Returning to Ft. Pierce mid June from Walkers area with a safety margin of fuel of 8o gallons. I have been powerboat crossing since the 1980s to Bahamas . Without boring detaiils we ran out of fuel 30 miles out of Ft Pierce. Coast Guard Came to our rescue. Gotta Love those great guys ! To be honest my fuel gauge is very accurate , but my Flo-Scan is spot on. I logged all fuel gallons I paid for. After all said and done , I did not get all of the fuel I paid for. . Buyer Beware.

Treasure Cay Valentines
Posted: 09 Feb 2017 08:02 AM PST
Treasure Cay, Abaco, is offering several Valentine’s Day specials. Check our their website at www.treasurecay.com.

Spanish Wells Update
Posted: 09 Feb 2017 07:54 AM PST
Spanish Wells Yacht Haven has completed its major renovations and additions and is in full operation now. In addition to the 30-slip all-weather marina with its full services of dockage, fuel, water, and electricity, there is a new restaurant, pool and luxurious suites, plus laundry facilities. Dockage is $2.50/ft; suites, $250/night.

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: Indian Cay Channel, West End GB report
Indian Cay Channel, West End GB report 
Posted: 07 Feb 2017 05:27 AM PST
A Chatter subscriber reports:

Just came thru Indian key channel 2 days ago. It’s fine–deeper than charted I thought. There is a good anchorage just around Settlement Point West End. An abandoned development in the canals is done with. Breakwater and lighted markers. 15? depth we saw. Made st lucie inlet florida from there in 12 hours in a 6 knot boat.

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: Railroad bridge, New River, Lauderdale…
Railroad bridge, New River, Lauderdale…[and see /161648]
   
Posted: 05 Feb 2017 05:17 AM PST  
Not exactly Bahamas chatter, however, I have learned that the railroad bridge that goes across the New River in Ft. Lauderdale, will be down, meaning really down, and not up from the 11th of Feb to the 23 of Feb. The Marine industry up the river and boaters are really upset about this…

DenO