Following Hurricane Matthew, it is so good to get news from our friends at Explorer Chartbooks – long the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits – and we are delighted that they have survived Matthew. Explorer Chartbooks is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER!

Bahamas Chatter: “From Homestead FL to Nassau Bahamas” plus 1 more
From Homestead FL to Nassau Bahamas
Posted: 09 Oct 2016 01:01 PM PDT
Hi Boaters;

On a 42 feet boat what is the best route from Homestead FL to Nassau Bahamas. This will be my first trip.

Bimini
Posted: 09 Oct 2016 05:13 AM PDT
Has anyone heard or been to Bimini and how it held up to the storm?…DenO

It is so good to get news from our friends at Explorer Chartbooks – long the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits – and we are delighted that they have survived Matthew. Explorer Chartbooks is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER!

Bahamas Chatter: “Ocean Reef Yacht Club…Grand Bahama” plus 2 more
Ocean Reef Yacht Club…Grand Bahama
Posted: 07 Oct 2016 08:37 AM PDT
Has anyone heard how ORYC faired through the storm?..I believe they were on the east edge of the eye wall…DenO

Report from George Town, Exuma
Posted: 07 Oct 2016 06:48 AM PDT
Some boats at the houseboat dock in kids cove got a thorough thrashing. None sunk, but major upper hull and deck damage when lines parted and they were hitting each other.

Nine boats broke free in the hurricane holes. Three or four holed with damage and sunk.

Three in behind February point that will probably have to get cranes to plop them back in. Two more sank behind crab cay.

But no injuries down here that we know if either. The surge in the south wasn’t tooooo bad. Don’t know about Moss Town area, but it was probably 5-6 feet. Far far less than Lilly!

Report from the Abacos
Posted: 07 Oct 2016 06:45 AM PDT
All is fine on Abaco. She never lost the internet or power. The worst was this morning with tstorms. Gusting to 50 and lots of rain. About 3 to 4″. All cleared up now.

This is the first news we’ve had from our friends at Explorer Chartbooks – long the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits – and we are delighted that they have survived Matthew. Explorer Chartbooks is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER!

Bahamas Chatter: “Report from Staniel Cay, Exumas” plus 1 more
Report from Staniel Cay, Exumas
Posted: 06 Oct 2016 10:33 AM PDT
Thursday morning:
Good morning! – and it is a GOOD one. The worst is past, and there have been no VHF reports of extreme or emergency situations. It is still raining on and off; winds are still high, approx 70, but apparently ALL have made it OK. Nobody slept, the howling was even louder than the thunder, with branches and debris hitting the roof. The eye stayed 40 miles or so offshore, and that help keep the wind speed down a bit. Also was worst at mid – low tide. A few are braving the wind and doing a quick check. Some shingles off their houses, trees, branches, debris everywhere. More later. They will have their hands full with clean-up. Power still off, but has had internet! Another amazement!! We are all very grateful!

Hurricane Matthew Pounds Bahamas
Posted: 06 Oct 2016 07:55 AM PDT
Excerpt from Weather Underground blog by Dr. Jeff Masters with reports from Great Exuma and Staniel Cay.

Read the full article here:

https://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=3467

Excerpt: [expand title =”Read More”]

The Bahamas getting pounded
At 2:19 am EDT Thursday, winds at a personal weather station (PWS) on Staniel Cay, Exumas, located in the strong right eyewall of Matthew, about 30 miles east-northeast of hurricane’s center, peaked at 92 mph, gusting to 101 mph. The pressure bottomed out at 984 mb at that time, and 12.95” of rain fell in the 7-hour period midnight to 7 am EDT.

WU member ExumaMET reported this from the island of Exuma, which Matthew sideswiped on Wednesday evening: Morning all. It was an intense night here. I recorded Sustained winds over 100 and gusts way into category 4 strength with one gust hitting 153mph before something took out my instrument. We’re still in tropical storm force and it should be interesting to see what the island looks like as the sun comes up.

The dangerous right front quadrant with Matthew’s highest winds began pounding the most populous island in The Bahamas, New Providence, on Thursday morning around 8 am EDT. Winds at 9 am EDT at the Nassau airportwere 58 mph, gusting to 85 mph, and the pressure was falling rapidly. Extreme winds are the main danger on New Providence, though a storm surge of up to ten feet is possible. Fortunately, the capital of Nassau is on the more protected north side of the island, which is less vulnerable to storm surge. High tide is at 11:46 am EDT, and the highest storm surge will likely arrive shortly before then. Tidal range between low tide and high tide is about two feet, so the timing of the high tide relative to a possible ten-foot storm surge can contribute up to a 20% increase in the observed storm tide (the height of the water above ground.)

The weaker left-side eyewall of Matthew will be punishing Andros Island late Thursday morning and into Thursday afternoon. Late Thursday afternoon, it will be Grand Bahama Island’s turn to receive a beating.

Figure 2. Enhanced infrared image of Matthew as of 8:37 am EDT Thursday, October 6, 2016.

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: Dockage rates at Cave Cay, Exumas
Dockage rates at Cave Cay, Exumas
Posted: 29 Sep 2016 07:27 AM PDT
Does anyone know what the rates for dockage is at Cave Cay? Daily, weekly, and monthly?
Thanks 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: Bringing back fish from the Bahamas
Bringing back fish from the Bahamas
Posted: 11 Sep 2016 05:39 AM PDT
According to an article published in Sport Fishing magazine http://www.sportfishingmag.com/bahamas-fish-to-florida a new exception goes into place September 13, 2016 in Florida waters, allowing anglers to possess and land filleted dolphin, wahoo and reef fish that were caught in Bahamian waters. Similar allowances for dolphin and wahoo, as well as modifications to existing recreational regulations for reef fish managed as snapper-grouper being brought back from the Bahamas by water, went into effect in Atlantic federal waters in January 2016. These regulations apply to fish being transported by water only and do not apply to fish being transported or shipped by air.

Skin must remain on the fillet (to aid in identification by law enforcement).
Anglers must comply with Atlantic federal bag and vessel limits.
Two fillets count as one fish toward the bag limit.
Vessels must have valid Bahamian cruising and sport-fishing permits.
Passengers must possess a valid government passport with current Bahamian stamps and travel dates.
Travel through state waters must be continuous and gear must remain stowed. Fishing gear that is appropriately stowed means terminal tackle, such as hooks, leaders, sinkers, etc., must be disconnected and stowed separately from the rod and reel.
Fish landed under these exceptions cannot be sold.
Bahamian regulations may be different than those in U.S. state and federal waters. Before you return with your catch, make sure you comply with the more restrictive U.S. and Bahamian recreational bag and possession limits. For example, species that are prohibited from harvest in the U.S., such as queen conch, goliath and Nassau grouper, cannot be transported back into U.S. waters by boat. Spiny lobster must be in whole condition and can only be transported into U.S. waters during the recreational season (Aug. 6 through March 31).
The changes will allow more fishing freedom for Florida’s residents and visitors while creating consistency between state and federal regulations. For Bahamas sport fishing regulations go to http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/5ed780d9-7c7f-4a02-b8cf-70cbcb01d65c/SportsfishingRegulations.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=5ed780d9-7c7f-4a02-b8cf-70cbcb01d65c

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: Long Island Update
Long Island Update
Posted: 24 Aug 2016 05:37 AM PDT
We just got news of the reopening of Parrots of the Caribbean in Thompson Bay, now named Tiny’s Hurricane Hole. Also, LI Petroleum’s new dock is done and much easier take the big boat up to. And Midway Inn in the Bight is completely renovated, open and fabulous.

Bess and Billy Storm
S/V Alibi II

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: Key largo to Bimini 30’cruiser
Key largo to Bimini 30’cruiser
Posted: 14 Aug 2016 04:55 AM PDT
Looking for Buddy boats an extra hand or advise.
Have a 30′ Sea Ray in key largo want to go to Bahamas on Tuesday August 16 2016.
Have Explorer charts back up GPS, radio, satellite Eper and great twin Merc 350s.
Want to check out a few places in Bahamas like Bimini, Nassau, Freeport, an airplane pilot with over 20k hours flown for 40 years and now want to grow my sea legs and go slow!!
My first time doing this have very little confidence at this time. sure like to do this with other boats or at least with someone else on board to share the joy.
Chris.
Can email me, flycorpjet@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: Petition to BTC
Petition to BTC
Posted: 01 Aug 2016 10:41 AM PDT
The Communication Breakdown team is hoping you will be able to support our cause in petitioning BTC to do better in the Out Islands.

The introduction and petition identify the cause. Please join us in making the Central Exumas a safer place to live, visit and cruise. If you would kindly distribute and or post this movement to your readers and site, we would be grateful, as will they! Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Dear Residents, Visitors, Cruisers, Business Owners and all those connected to the Central Exumas,

BTC is failing the people of the Central Exumas and it is time to speak out!

Data and cellular based services are failing all of us yet we continue to be billed for services that are not rendered. We can no longer accept these failures as “a way of life” in the Family Islands.

PLEASE SIGN OUR ONLINE PETITION!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/communication-breakdown-btc-customers-of-the

You should not hesitate to SIGN THIS PETITION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and FORWARD this message and / or the PETITION LINK on through your social media outlets and to every one of your contacts who have been or may soon be effected by these Communication Breakdowns. Your family and friends both here and afar, past and future guests, networks such as cruising and pilot forums, island owners and operators, property owners, businesses and their suppliers, employees, travel agents, etc. DO NOT ASSUME we have reached your contacts through ours, PASS IT ON.

THE KEY TECHNICALITIES:

Data via WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is not new technology. It is proven throughout the Caribbean and the world and serves to effectively connect citizens in remote areas where there is limited infrastructure. You are not receiving the bandwidth that you purchase as part of your communications package! You have been lead to believe or you accept that this technology functions here as best it can.

Voice via CELLULAR or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and “landlines” are not new technology and fail equally. Connectivity fails throughout the system. From the extreme, no signal to dropped calls. A multitude of message notifications are applied that inaccurately inform you why you cannot reach the party you are calling. How many times have you heard the message “we are sorry, the person you are calling has not set up their mailbox or the mailbox is full”? It has been proven that this message is BTC’s way of telling you we couldn’t connect you and it is not our fault. Your landlines likely don’t function at all. In most instances, mobile phones cannot be connected to land lines!

Outdated equipment and increased growth are the assumed primary reasons for these technicalities. These failures effect all of us on a personal level and those who provide goods and services in the area, it effects your business!

Hard copy signatures will be collected in the area throughout the week of 1-AUG and, along with your electronic signatures will be forwarded via direct courier and electronically to BTC. Our goal to petition is the second week of August. PLEASE SIGN now! PLEASE spread the word.

Staniel Cay, Great Guana Cay, Farmers Cay and the surrounding cays make up a community of citizens, visitors and business owners that live and love a life of extraordinary measure. Each of us here deserve and should settle for no less than functional and effective communications systems, “EVERYDAY”.

Sincerely and with hope for a better connection.
The COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN Petition Team.
Gage Parrot
Little Majors
+1 242 357 0012
+1 954 914 9879

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: Winding Bay, Abaco, Update
Winding Bay, Abaco, Update
Posted: 24 Jul 2016 12:08 PM PDT
Just wanted to give you an update on Winding Bay’s latest shenanigans.

RDA (Responsible Development for Abaco), with a lot of help from Fred Smith, filed for a Judicial Review against 9 government departments for “lack of consultation”. As a result, BEST posted the EIA, EMP, latest site plan, and a couple of cover-your-ass letters on their website (www.best.gov.bs). They also called a town meeting in Cherokee Sound on June 27th. At the meeting, the developers announced that the marina was critical to the survival of the Abaco Club, and would generate 1000 construction jobs. A ludicrous number, any way you look at it. They said that 6 moorings would have to be moved, but couldn’t say where to, or whose moorings they are.

They also said that WSC (Water and Sewerage Corp.) had tested the water in LH and found it “unswimmable”, full of E. coli and fecal matter, and that their marina would actually clean up the harbour by installing a pump out station. Please see below a couple of quotes along these lines, and also WSC’s response to our queries about the tests. There’s a big difference between “unswimmable” and “undrinkable”.

CLICK HERE for the full Bahamas Chatter

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: Disney looking at developing Egg Island
Disney looking at developing Egg Island
Posted: 22 Jul 2016 04:19 AM PDT
Disney is moving ahead with plans to build a cruise ship pier on Egg Island, North Eleuthera. Among many concerns is that Egg Island’s natural beauty and ecology will be destroyed if Disney proceeds with its plans to develop the island.

Click here for full article on Disney possibly developing on Egg Island as a new cruise ship destination.

There is an online change.org petition titled Save Egg Island (Bahamas)! Stop Disney Cruise Line! Preserve Egg Island! #saveeggisland.

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2016/07/articles/pollution-1/disney-to-develop-egg-island-in-the-bahamas/

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: Lost Dinghy! In need of help
Lost Dinghy! In need of help.
Posted: 15 Jul 2016 03:22 AM PDT
Hello cruisers,

This may be a long shot but we wanted to post to this community. We run marine science sailing Expeditions studying the Bahamas coral reefs each summer. We take early career college age scientists aboard a catamaran, exposing them to off-grid research. We collaborate with Institutions such as University of Miami (RSMAS), Penn State, U. Of Delaware, etc. We are now transiting from Key Largo to Eleuthera aboard No Expectations, a 47′ catamaran. Upon cruising the bank from Bimini to Chub Cay early morning on July 12th, our dinghy came loose. The winds were out of the SE so most likely our dinghy drifted to the NW. It’s a brand new West Marine hypalon 350 RIB with a brand new Yamaha 20hp outboard. She is white with no registration numbers as its 2 days old. We were breaking it in upon crossing. This is a huge loss for our non-profit programs.

Our first stop is Eleuthera arriving July 16 to pickup our research Team. We are then heading down the island chain to Georgetown by July 25. We will be in GT up until August 7, then heading back up island to Eleuthera.

If you find her can you radio No Expectations or email info@scienceundersail.org

Anyone who feels compelled to help us further we would be so grateful to accept donations to assist us in acquiring a new dinghy. Your donation is a tax write-off. You can easily donate online through our secure fundraising website. You will receive an immediate tax write-off letter. Donate at http://bit.ly/donatesusie

Further, if anyone can help us out this summer and provide us with a spare dinghy for our Expeditions, you can either donate or lend us a comparable dinghy for the dates of July 18-August 18 we would be so grateful! Be in touch with us at the above email.

You can checkout our work at www.scienceundersail.org

Respectfully,

Jerah and Robin (co-founders)

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 bound
West end bound
Posted: 25 Jun 2016 06:07 PM PDT
Getting geared up for a crossing to west end from east coast fla – Jupiter/ Stuart/ wpb tbd possibly as early as the first week of July to mid month to be in Hopetown by the last week of July. Looking for any buddy boats and or weather links/ recommendations. 41′ american tug 4’10” draft cruising 10+ knots thanks Hooty Hoo II

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 Fuel Dock in Long Island
New Fuel Dock in Long Island
Posted: 20 Jun 2016 04:33 AM PDT
Long Island Petroleum in Salt Pond has rebuilt their fuel dock, which was destroyed in Hurricane Joaquin. It is a sturdy, long dock along the shoreline and will give yachtsmen easy access to fuel. The area in front of the dock has been dredged so it is deeper than indicated on the chart.

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 fuel and dockage survey, June 18
New fuel and dockage survey, June 18
Posted: 18 Jun 2016 06:19 AM PDT
Fuel prices were up in this months survey with the exception of four marinas having slightly lower diesel prices and only one of them with a lower gasoline price. Lyford Cay lowered dockage to $4.50 and Treasure Cay raised moorings to $30 and now charges $20 to anchor in the harbour.

Long Island Petroleum has completed a new fuel dock with deeper access.

As always, we appreciate the individual reports you send us to keep this survey updated. Send an email to monty@explorercharts.com for any new prices you find until the next survey.

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: Crossing to Bimini
Crossing to Bimini
Posted: 14 Jun 2016 04:21 AM PDT
Looking for boating buddy to cross to Bimini July 8th. Return date is flexible.

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: Help
Help
Posted: 05 Jun 2016 02:22 PM PDT
Good day all. Planning trip from Grand Bahama to Acklins. Is there a known channel between the southern tip of the tongue of the ocean to the crooked island passage, for vessel drawing 15′ water? Thanking in advance.

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: Bird Rock light restored
Bird Rock light restored
Posted: 02 Jun 2016 04:18 AM PDT
NOTICE TO MARINERS

(RBDF MAY 30th, 2016) The Aids to Navigation Section of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force wishes to advise mariners that the automatic light at Bird Rock Lighthouse, off Pitt’s Town, Crooked Island has been relit.

The light at Bird Rock is situated at Latitude 22° 50.7’N and Longitude 74° 21.6’W (Charts ACK 1 and ACK 2, pages 57 and 58 Explorer Chartbook Far Bahamas, Sixth Edition).

Any discrepancies with this or any navigational aid should be reported to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force at telephone number 362-4436 or by e-mail at aton@rbdf.gov.bs (For further information contact the RBDF Public Relations Department)

This aid was fixed on 30th May 2016 after being extinguished for some time. Technicians found evidence of vandalism, as the main cable from the batteries was severed by a sharp object and six of the eight solar panels were removed. The cable was reconnected and the technicians had to make do with the remaining two panels. These southern lighthouses are plagued by this sort of thing, rendering the aid extinguished.

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 species of snake found on Conception Island
New species of snake found on Conception Island
Posted: 31 May 2016 10:47 AM PDT
(from an article in the National Geographic published May 26, 2016)
On an uninhabited island in the southern Bahamas, a scientist noticed a snake that shined like metal as it climbed a tree.
“We all came to take a look at it, and it was instantly clear that this was something different,” says biologist R. Graham Reynolds, part of the scientific team exploring the remote islands.
Expedition member Alberto Puente-Rolón, an expert on Caribbean boas, agreed that the animal appeared unlike any species of known boa.
So the team went searching for more boas, finding four more snakes before settling down to sleep on the beach at Conception Island. But it turns out the boas weren’t ready to call it a night. (See “Extremely Rare Fishing Snakes Discovered.”)
“Sometime around 3:30 in the morning, I woke up to something crawling across my face,” says Reynolds, now a biologist at the University of North Carolina, Asheville.
Another silver boa had come down from the forest and crawled right over him as he slept. They’d located their sixth specimen, and DNA analyses back at the lab confirmed the snake was a new species.
The scientists named the Conception Bank silver boa (Chilabothrus argentum), based on both its color and the fact it was first found on an aptly named silver palm tree. A study on the species appeared in the journal Breviora.

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: AIDS to Navigation Update
AIDS to Navigation Update
Posted: 25 May 2016 07:53 AM PDT
NOTICE TO MARINERS

(RBDF MAY 25th, 2016) The Aids to Navigation Section of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force wishes to advise mariners that the Entrance Lights and Range Lights in the harbour at Driggs Hill, South Andros, have been serviced and relit.

Any discrepancies with this or any navigational aid should be reported to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force at telephone number 362-3091, 362-4436 or by e-mail at aton@rbdf.gov.bs

Regards

Richard Pratt

Royal Bahamas Defence Force