Bahamas Chatter: “New Fuel and Dockage Survey October 29, 2015” plus 9 more
New Fuel and Dockage Survey October 29, 2015
More Theft In Georgetown
George Town Cruisers’ Regatta
Hurricane Relief
Long Island hurricane damage
Vet question
Video from Long Island, Bahamas
Protect Your Explorer Chartbooks
July 19, 2015 from the International Space Station ‘“ Exumas
Staniel Cay Airport Update
As a courtesy to Staniel Cay Yacht Club, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, we forward this letter of explanation regarding current available air service to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
From: Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Date: 08/16/2015 8:35 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Staniel Airstrip Follow-up – What the airstrip closure means to our guests and passengers
To all of our concerned SCYC guests and Watermakers Air passengers who received our recent email or saw the online petition to repair and reopen the Staniel Cay Airstrip…
We’re very sorry for causing some undue confusion and concern about this matter.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO CANCEL YOUR TRIPS!
The Staniel Cay airstrip has been closed since April but planes have been flying into the neighboring island of Blackpoint since the day it closed and guests are being ferried by boat to Staniel Cay (a 10-15 minute trip). We’ve been doing this for 4 months now so the process is very efficient.
Complimentary boat shuttle arriving Saturday morning…
…at the SCYC dock.
As you can see, this is a fairly painless process for our guests.
The letter that we forwarded to you in the petition was written by the community of Staniel Cay, who are, as you’d imagine, experiencing a great deal of inconvenience and who are rightly worried about folks who live here that require regular medical attention, etc. And of course, businesses (including ours) are incurring significant expense to deal with this issue… hence the letter.
However, we have taken great pains to make sure that our guests do not notice this change (for example, extending breakfast hours for our morning arrivals). In short, except for the boat ride, your trip will not be affected in any way. We are operating just like we always have and nothing about your trip or stay on Staniel should be impacted in any sort of negative way due to the airport closure.
“Bahamas Chatter” is a newly launched feature of Lewis Offshore, LLC and Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! See /?p=148421.
Bahamas Chatter: Staniel Cay (Exumas) Airport
Posted: 13 Aug 2015 02:07 PM PDT
Dear Staniel Cay Supporter:
You can take action to help! On August 12, we delivered a petition letter to the Prime Minister of the Bahamas and other key officials, urging the Government to repair and reopen the Staniel Cay airport immediately. The hard copy petition is signed by 164 people ‘“ nearly all Staniel Cay residents (locals and foreign homeowners alike), business owners and every private island between here and the Exuma Park headquarters.
Of course, many more people and entities are affected by the airport closure as well. We now seek widespread signatures from the many other supporters of Staniel Cay: extended families of Staniel Cay locals; families and guests of homeowners; families and clients of business owners; private cay owners/operators/families/staff/guests; boaters and cruisers; SCYC and rental home guests; private pilots; charter companies; pilot organizations; fly-in tour groups; suppliers; tourism agencies; and any other person or entity who experiences the negative impact of the Staniel Cay airport closure and urges its immediate repair/reopening. We have established an online petition to reach as many affected persons as possible.
Please go to http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/staniel-airport to read the August 12th letter from Concerned Citizens of Staniel Cay & Vicinity and SIGN YOUR NAME IN SUPPORT. Please sign as soon as possible so we can cite a strong number of online signatures. (If you are seeing this belatedly, we still welcome your signature as we will continue to cite growing numbers in ongoing efforts with officials.) Please continue to visit the site for updates and any further calls to action.
PLEASE FORWARD this information to your own contacts and networks of Staniel Cay-related persons/businesses to encourage their online signatures as well. We sincerely apologize for duplicate emails you may receive as word of this important initiative spreads.
Huge thanks to all signers! To all of you who love Staniel Cay, thank you for your continued support of this special Cay, and let’s get our airport up and running again!
Thank you!
Dawn Spivey & Brooks Miller
Our thanks to Skipper Norman Quinn for sending this video and this warning: DO NOT FEED THE PIGS!
Our friends Vern and Rose on M/V Roamalot reported a serious accident at Pig Beach on Big Major Cay in the Exumas. While feeding the pigs, one of the largest pigs attacked and bit Rose pulling her right out of their dingy and nearly severing her thumb from her hand. She flew back to a Fort Lauderdale hospital where she underwent emergency hand surgery to repair three breaks and severed tendons in her thumb. Just a word of warning to cruisers in the Staniel Cay area…do not feed the pigs, especially in shallow water where they can jump into the boat and attack.
Staniel Cay where the pigs swim and here’s a candid shot of a fellow who went ashore without food for the pigs and the chase is on.
Obviously, the pig “attacked” Rose for food. I don’t believe I mis-stated or inaccurately reported what occurred. We too, have visited the pigs at Big Major Spot on many occasions, and have seen other unwary cruisers injured while innocently feeding the pigs. I don’t have to remind you, or maybe I do, that emergency medical assistance in the Bahamas is extremely limited. A small child may not have fared as well as Rose during such an incident. The pigs are cute but can be aggressive, causing serious life threatening injuries to the inexperienced cruiser. My point was to warn readers to keep their distance and to make sure to stay in water deep enough that the pigs cannot touch bottom, if one decides to feed them. I have personally witnessed them climb into dingys in shallow water and “attack” the occupants in their search for food…doing what pigs do.
Duh. These are wild, feral pigs. Anyone who has ever hunted wild pigs knows that they can be vicious!
Here is a website for those of you who have opted to remain in the Bahamas for the summer:
http://www.bahamas.com/islands/abacos
Welcome to The Abacos. Calm waters, warm breezes and panoramic beauty make this 120-mile’“long chain of islands a boating and sailing paradise. But it’s not just the sea that attracts travelers from around the world. Those who prefer to explore by land will find championship golf courses on Treasure Cay, charming colonial towns on Green Turtle and Elbow Cays, and countless hotels, restaurants and bars throughout The Abacos.
The beautiful Bahamas! The Berry Islands are made up of a land mass that totals just over twelve square miles. Many of the 30 cays that comprise the islands are great for snorkeling, hiking, diving and beachcombing.
Great Harbour Cay Marina
Cruising News
Just returning from two months in the Berry Islands of which we spent 15 days in Great Harbour Cay Marina. I can’t say enough good things about our stay there. Friendly, helpful staff always there to grab your lines when you’re arriving or help get you out when you leave. Totally protected, peaceful and quiet, very well maintained modern facilities and very reasonable rates. Excellent internet on your boat. Reasonable twice daily scheduled air service from Nassau. I highly recommend this facility to anyone in the area. Ask for Hans – he’ll take care of you.
Jerry Shinn
We look forward to hearing from you, our readers, as to how we can make this partnership more valuable for you.
We are pleased and look forward to working with Monty, Sara and the Lewis Offshore, LLC.
CLICK HERE For ExplorerCharts May 15 Dockage and Fuel Survey.
We were at Great Harbor back in Feb. 2006…it was desolate, but absolutely beautiful. Golf course club house was a wreck, there was a pool and facility right behind marina that looked like it had not been used in years, but had the raw potential of being spectacular. We love the beach and met some very nice folks. The hamburger place near the air strip was not bad but the air strip had some rather big holes. We waited five days for fuel which never came during our stay and finally with some accurate current and tide info we carefully cruised to West End. Great to learn of how it has experienced a new birth.
This request for bridge clearance by Skipper Charles was prompted by a discussion of the Grand Lucayan Waterway back in 2010, /?p=31487. If you have recent experience dealing with bridge height in the Waterway, let us hear from you! The Grand Lucayan Waterway is a north/south passage that allows boaters to travel from Dover Sound, which is on the north side of Grand Bahama, to the Northwest Providence Channel on the southern side of the island. The Casuarina Bridge crosses the waterway with a charted 27-foot fixed vertical clearance.
What is the real clearance of the bridge on the Lucaya waterway?
Charles
Yes, the Casuarina Bridge has a clearance of 8.3 meters (27 feet). See Explorer Chart GB 3, page 49, Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas, Seventh Edition.
Hi Charles,
I have not used this waterway, but looking at my Explorer Charts for Grand Bahama Island, I see one bridge that shows as being “Fixed” with a clearance of 8.3 meters or 27.23 feet. These charts also show that the low water depth is one meter or 3’feet 3″ inches….skinny. Hope this is helpful.
Skipper CW Fower
Pups encounter their first coconut on a beach in the Exumas, Bahamas.
This warning has been posted on several websites including AGLCA’s Forum. The author is not very specific about the location of the shoaling, so we have to assume the shoaling is somewhere in the main entry channel between North and South Bimini.
Attention to boaters coming to BIMINI, Bahamas. Last week storm shoaled the channel entrance and now it’s 5′ at low tide instead of 10′. I almost get stock this morning at 5 am and with the swell, not nice when your boat is bouncing on top of sand bar while you tried to get out of there’¦ If you know anyone coming this week, tell them to arrive at high tide until they dredge the channel again.
Claude Auclair
I was over in BIMINI April 18th & 19th & they had installed a new buoy on the Port side.
That being said if you favor the Starbd side going in, it shouldn’t be a problem as I draw 4’6 & I was fine at low tide
Keep us posted on all your fun times.
January 12 at 4:32pm
RMHYC members receive a discount on our anchorage books.
Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
Our thanks to friends Chuck and Susan for sending this article by Natario McKensie in Tribune242. From the Bahamas Trust Chairman’s remarks, you can see that he doesn’t think much of transients from the US.
Could we soon be paying to anchor in the Bahamas? It’s not as far fetched as you might think.
Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
Trust Chief: Anchorage Fees Must Be Nationwide
By NATARIO McKENZIE
Tribune Business Reporter
The Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) chairman has called for anchorage fees to be imposed in mooring spots throughout the Bahamas.
Addressing the ninth annual Exuma Business Outlook conference, Eric Carey noted that while the BNT had implemented anchorage fees at the Exuma Land & Sea Park to cover its annual operating expenses and upgrade infrastructure, the initiative was one he believed should be implemented in other areas.
`We need to think about doing these sorts of initiatives in other areas like Elizabeth Harbour off of Black Point, Staniel Cay and Nassau Harbour,’ he said.
`They come down there they anchor and they pay absolutely nothing and they come fully stocked. Half of the time they don’t even spend $5 in the Bahamas and what do they eat? Our fish,’ said Mr Carey.
For the rest of the article, go to:
http://www.tribune242.com/news/2014/oct/24/trust-chief-anchorage-fees-must-be-nationwide/
We would like to send out a big thank you to everyone that has rallied and responded to our initial posting of this article. It shows that the boating community can come together and make a difference. We just received this reply…..” Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Eric Carey, extended his sincere apologies to all boaters that visit The Bahamas year after year today.
During the Exuma Business Outlook forum Director Carey answered a question from the floor that painted annual boaters in a less than flattering light. He and the BNT Executive team acknowledge that comments such as those should not have been made considering that the yachting; sailing and small craft boaters who visit the islands have a significant impact and role in the Bahamian economy, tourism and environmental longevity.
Since its inception in 1958 the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park has been a premier anchoring location for boaters who visit The Bahamas. Recently the BNT introduced anchorage fees due to the increased annual operational cost of repairs and upkeep of the Bahamas’ oldest National park. In Mr. Carey’s passion to defend his organization’s need to increase income to support the Park’s operations, he suggested that the residents of Elizabeth Harbour install moorings to help with their efforts to clean up and restore their harbor. Some residents made comments to the effect that some boaters were not willing to pay for moorings. Carey unfortunately went on record to support the comments and agreed that some of these boaters do not contribute significantly to the economy.
“The comments which I made at the Exuma Business Outlook Conference are not the views of the Trust,” noted Carey. “We welcome all visitors and most importantly boaters in The Bahamas – not only to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park but throughout The Bahamas.”
Carey continued “international boaters are significant contributors to our economy and specifically to the more boutique islands which are not visited my mainstream tourists. In addition hundreds are annual supporters of the Trust through membership, valued Support Fleet members, the payment of mooring fees or by donating much needed personal resources to the protection of the marine environment. I offer my heartfelt apologies and hope that all boaters will continue to visit The Bahamas.”
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Please give a big welcome to Royal Marsh Harbor Yacht Club, the newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! RMHYC has already attracted a number of SSECN readers to its membership who report a wealth of activities through club membership. A wonderful way to get truly involved in the spirit of the Abacos! Be sure to tell them SSECN sent you!
RMHYC is a yacht club based in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, an island group in the northern Bahamas. Boaters, both power and sail, as well as land-based members, enjoy the gin-clear waters surrounding the Sea of Abaco and participate in many social activities.
Year after year, members from all over the United States and Canada spend the winter at several local marinas and the pristine anchorages of the Sea of Abaco. Once you arrive in Abaco you won’t want to leave!
Membership provides the opportunity to participate in incredibly varied activities and far reaching discounts. You may choose to participate in any activity or none at all, but nearly everyone enjoys our membership discounts!
The standard one-year membership includes annual dues of $30 and a one-time initiation fee of $120, which includes a Club Burgee, that will be mailed to your primary address. If a person pays between October 1st and December 30th, their dues will be considered paid for both the current and following year. For more information, go to http://www.rmhyc.com/
And on your voyage south, be sure to take along “The Great Book of Anchorages, Bahamas” by Susan Landry and Chuck Baier. See /?p=122059
Val,
Would like to join
Larry,
What a magnificent “virtual fellowship” I have had since joining RMHYC over since I saw them as a sponsor of SSEC. I’ve not actually been to Marsh Harbor yet as I am still “caregiving” in Hampton Roads.
However, several members including their very astute and friendly Membership Coordinator (Val Nucci) have included me in up to date information and engaged me in email conversation.
SO, Someday!
Contact them at:
Membership@rmhyc.com
Tight Lines!
Alan V. Cecil
SIGMACHI
Hampton Roads
As reported by Mike Ahart in Waterway News Updates, http://www.waterwayguide.com/waterway-updates/news/BAH/3928/Chikungunya-virus-spreads-to-Turks-&-Caicos-is-the-Bahamas-next??utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=News-and-Navigation-Blasts&utm_content=CWU-6-26-2014-final, the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus has been spreading through the Caribbean and has reached the Turks & Caicos. Health officials in the Bahamas expect that it will soon spread into the Bahamas.
ALTHOUGH no cases of the chikungunya virus have been detected in the Bahamas, the virus is `likely’ to arrive and infect people in the country, according to a local health official.
Dr Delon Brennen, chief medical officer in the Ministry of Health, told The Tribune yesterday that it would be improbable for the Bahamas to escape infections from the fast-spreading virus.
`It’s impossible to predict when, but it’s spreading throughout the Caribbean and has come as high as Turks and Caicos island,’ he said. `With all the travel and trade throughout the Caribbean, it’s likely to come here.’
Cases of the virus have already been detected in the United States. Dr Brennen said whether many of this country’s residents are affected will depend partly on the quality of precautionary measures they take.
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
For the full story in the Tribune242.com article, go to http://www.tribune242.com/news/2014/jun/25/chikungunya-virus-likely-affect-people-bahamas/
Staniel Cay Yacht Club gets very high marks from cruisers, as in /?p=126893, because, after all, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!
Staniel Cay Yacht Club Important Announcement
Exciting News! Major Dining Experience Renovations at SCYC! New seating, better capacity and even better food!
In order to make this happen, certain aspects of SCYC will be closed from September 16, 2014 through November 1, 2014.
The following will be CLOSED from 9/16/2014 ‘“ 11/1/2014: Breakfast, Dinner, & Bungalows (hotel)
HOWEVER, THE FOLLOWING WILL REMAIN OPEN: Marina, Fuel Dock, Lunch (daily grill out on the marina), Ice/Garbage, Bar (drinks only ‘“ no `bar food’), Gift Shop/Liquor Store, WiFi Internet
We know you are going to love the changes!
SCYC
Skipper Berman obviously has spent a good deal time in the Bahamas and most recently commented on Staniel Cay Yacht Club: /?p=142927 He offers good advice on lengthy stays in the Bahamas.
Hi Larry
We could likely write a book about “stories” concerning the frustrations and costs of getting parts, mechanics and repairs in the Bahamas. Own own “adventures” and others. What needs to be emphasized is the importance of getting the mechanicals in first class shape before entering the Bahamas, having an abundance of spares aboard and then if difficulties arise being prepared to take ones vessel back to Florida. Even if it has to be towed. What is especially galling is having to pay a “hefty duty” for flying in a skilled engine mechanic on top of the duties levied on the parts. The upside is that for the most part the Bahamas are not crowded outside the major tourist areas. Few Americans keep their boats in the Bahamas for extended periods. How would they get repairs/maintenance ?
Cruising to the Bahamas is always an “adventure”.
Best
Peter I Berman
I’ve never paid duty on parts I’ve flown in to the Bahamas in 30 years of going there. You just show customs your cruising permit when you pick up the parts and the duty is waived. Also I’ve never heard of having to pay “duty” to fly in a mechanic. I’ve flown over myself to work on boats and never paid any “duty” to do so.
But as they say, YMMV.
Usually, Staniel Cay Yacht Club gets very high marks, as in /?p=126893, because, after all, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!
Quality food supplies are a problem. And the surrounding anchorage is not friendly in a real blow. Together with many shoal areas. Areas north and south of Staniel offer some of the most magnificent secluded anchorages on the planet. But Staniel does have its bar. And nearby Thunderball.
Piberman
Skipper Jerry is asking for your input into a cruise he is planning. He has given us his email so you can communicate directly. While the bulk of the cruise will be well beyond the waters covered by SSECN, we know that many of you have made the trip he is proposing. If you have advice for Skipper Jerry, give him a shout!
I’m looking for input from SSEC members who have sailed recently to Guatemala through Mexico. I will be sailing from Fort Myers Beach and am interested in any customs problems and piracy issues. jcvillines@gmail.com
Jerry
Parker Yachts is located at 225 SW 32nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, (954) 463-1515, www.parkeryacht.com
For the second time on our cruise this year, we’ve had tremendous help from a marine business. This time, we were stranded in George Town, Exumas with two non-working engines. Our catamaran has two T9.9 Yamahas. We’d been down one engine for a couple of weeks, and lost the second engine on our arrival in George Town. After trouble-shooting the issues, we determined we needed a replacement CDI, Pulser Coil, and Charge Coil. These parts were not available in the Bahamas so we called several parts dealers in the States. All estimated at least a two-week delivery just to get the parts to their own shops. Susan at Parker Yachts understood our plight and was sympathetic. She managed to get us all that we needed in a matter of days, and personally delivered them to Reggie Express Air for flight directly to George Town. We can’t say enough about how terrific Susan was to work with. Her communication, sense of humor, professionalism, and ability to get what you need FAST is exemplary. Our thanks to Susan and Parker Yachts for helping us to get our engines up and running and our cruise under way again.
George and Karen Schietinger s/v Tara
Captain Andrus’ remarks are in response to several cruisers’ 2010 comments on Bahamian Duty regulations (/?p=29222). If you have had similar difficulties or experiences, let us hear from you.
Beware! Take a copy of the duty rules! I have a 6 month cruise prtmit on my 35′ trawler, paid $300. Went home, our gps had a problem and couldn’t be fixed in Freeport. When I brought my obviously used GPS back, with my cruise permit and Canadian registration, I was singed a 45% duty.. Yes, 45% on it, and on a new dragonfly I bought to install on the boat. To add to the insult, the person working the cashiers booth hadn’t shown up for work’¦ Nassau Int’l Airport, Friday, 9:30 am, so I either had to find the $1200 cash or wait. AND they assessed the duty for the Raymarine Dragonfly on the retail price AND the 15% HST ‘“ boy am I pissed.
Susan Andrus
Yes, It is hard to accept that they charge for this. It is strange that you never get to see all the information. Did anyone get a receipt for their $$$$$?
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