Subject: Pet Importation to Bahamas
Cruising News: We are working our way through the ICW to the Bahamas with our pet cat.  We have been travelling with another boat who also are bringing their cat.  We've been trying to sort out our requiremnents and we haven't seemed to get it straight.  Our cat has had all the requisite vaccinations as well as a statement of health from our vet (July 2008).  We have applied for and have received from the Bahamas the required "Permit to Import Dogs and Cats Into the Commonwealth of Bahamas".  The documents and our discussions with personnel of the Department of Agriculture in Bahamas in relation to what we now will need is uncliear.  It seems to imply that we'll need to get a certification of health from a US Vet within 24 hours of our departure (this will be difficult given the normal waiting for weather windows).  It also suggests that we have to present the pet to a vet in the Bahamas within 24 hours of entry.  Can anyone clarify what is required?
Mike McKendy
Sea Sharp

Subject: Christmas
Cruising News: Sampson Cay Club Christmas News
Wednesday Dec 24th Christmas Eve, Join us in our Bar for Happy Hour beginning at 4pm, Karaoke Christmas Carols,Traditional Bahamian Buffet Dinner Served in the Restaurant 4pm-7pm. Adults $25.00 Children $15.00
Thursday Christmas December 25th,  Take the day off and enjoy yourself and join us for A Traditional Christmas Buffet Lunch/Dinner  Service 12 noon until 6 pm Adult price $ 25.00 Children $15.00, Restaurant and Bar will CLOSE promptly at 7 pm. Sampson Cay Beach Party Saturday  Dec 27, 12 noon until 6 pm  Come join us on the beach for our Buffet, Ribs, Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese,Corn on the Cob, Salad for $15.00 a person.  Fresh Conch Salad made by Teddy $10.00 Happy Hour Beer and Mixed Drink prices… Come have a fun day on the beach. The staff at Sampson Cay would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year.  Thank you for your business and we will be looking forward to serving you on your next visit.

Subject: Boat Stolen
Cruising News: Our family boat was stolen from Elbow Cay at Dorris Cove in the early morning hours Thanksgiving day, 2008.  It was a Jupiter 31 with a navy blue hull with silve trim and the name of the boat on the side, "Slatwater Rentz"  It had twin 225 yamaha four strokes.  Please, if anybody has any information, plaese contact the Lighthouse marina or the authorities in Marsh Harbor.  You can also contact me at jbrentz@gmail.com.  This is becoming a real problem for the area and i hope it stops.  I am asking for any hlep and thank you for keeping your eyes peeled.
Jeff Rentz

I  will let others give the on the ground experiences with the dogs, however, you need to quickly begin the process of getting an import permit for the dog (we have a bird).  Price is cheap $10 but you must get the application form and Fed Exp it to Nassau.  For a fee they will fax it back to you.  You then need to have each dog examined by a US vet who must sign the US form for an international health certificate.  This must be physically sent to that states US Agricultural Vet office who will countersign. (Believe the fee is $24).  All of this takes time.
Marty and Deb

Subject: Abaco dockage and fuel
Cruising News: Well some of the Marinas in Great Abaco are offering some good deals for dockage,but here on Elbow Cay there are not really any. I don\\\'t understand not wanting to lower dockage rates or fuel prices to attract a little business,but that\\\'s the way it is.Business is very slow here and the Marinas are empty.
AJC

Subject: News from Bimini
Cruising News: 11/30/08 Just got back from 2 weeks in Bimini. We were sad to learn that the Bimini Big Game Club hotel and marina have closed.
We docked at SeaCrest and had a great stay.  Bimini Blue Water was also open, they have fuel and diesel was $4.25.  The new resort, Bimini Bay has dredged a deep water channel up to their facility.  They are catering to mega yacht and fishing boats.
Capt Bob\\\'s and C J Deli are still open thru lunch. But there was not much available for dinner.  Internet available at Sea Crest and
Bimini Blue water. Still had a great time!
Laura Crop

our Name: Paul Eddy
Your Email Address: pemarlin@bellsouth.net
Subject: Stolen Boat
Cruising News: Our 26 foot Intrepid was stolen from the Great Abaco Club at Boat Harbor Marina Friday night.  Lines were cut and the boat taken.  Please keep an eye out.  Name is \" Meagan Nicole\"  – white boat with black and gold trim.  Twin 250 Yahama engines.  Please e-mail or call (904) 861-5544 with any sightings.  You can contact Boat Harbor Marina and talk to Cecil if you do not want to call long distance.

Subject: Stolen Boat
Cruising News: Regarding my stolen boat – the engines are 200\'s , not 250\'s (sorry for the typo in the original posting).
Thanks again for any input on the \"Jenny Lynn" 26' Intrepid stolen from the Great Abaco Club Friday, August 29th. I have a photo I can send to anyone interested.

FOUND!

Subject: FOUND Stolen Boat
Cruising News: Our boat was found abandoned late Saturday with engines stripped, but hull OK.  Thanks to all who may have tried to watch for it!
Paul Eddy

We spent the last winter in the Bahamas on our 49' power cat, Pretty Penny. We spent most of the time in the Exumas, which we absolutely loved. We plan to go back this winter and spend more time in the Exumas and see more islands. You can see the experiences on our trip on our blog http://prettypennycruise.blogspot.com. I agree that Staniel Cay is a great place to have guests meet you. There is a great resort at Staniel Cay Yacht Club and lots of nearby islands to explore. You can get there by Watermaker Air from Ft Lauderdale Executive Airport. Georgetown on Great Exuma is another great place. It is on a huge harbor – Elizabeth Harbor and there is a large semi- permanent boating population there most of the winter, usually 2-300 boats. The Abacos are supposed to be nice too, but they are usually colder and the weather reports were consistently for higher winds. The best charts and the Explorer Chart series which has detailed soundings and information on all the towns and marinas. The Explorer Charts will give you recommended routes between islands, but you will have to rely on visual navigation for a lot of the route. You will quickly learn to tell the depth of the water by the color. For the best weather service for the Bahamas and the Carribean I recommend Chris Parker and Carribean Weather Service. You pay a flat fee for the year and can get SSB broadcasts from Chris specifically tailored to you cruising plans.
Best of luck and safe cruising.
Regards,
Bob Kingsbury

We have found the Explorer Charts to be Great. There are three of them. Not only are they a chart. But they all so give local information. I like the Guide books put together by: Stephen J Pavlidis. We all so have Skipper Bobs.
All three will give information on Customs and Immigration.  If you have a pet on broad. You will need a pet permit. And you will need a user fee decal. To get back into the US.
As for having visitors fly in. George Town in the Exumas is a good place.
If you are Marina people. There is a fairly new marina just North of George Town. I have been told it quite nice. But check water depths before going in.
Elisabeth Harbor has a lot of great anchorages. This is between George Town and Stocking Island. There is usually a lot of boats anchored there. This is a great place lots to do and see. Trails, beaches, swimming, snorkeling and actives on the beach.
If you do not have it. You may want a books on shells, sea beans, fish, and birds. There is a lot to explore, on the Islands.
Hope you find this helpful.
Deb Baas S/V Heart's Desire

.

We spent the last winter in the Bahamas on our 49' power cat, Pretty Penny. We spent most of the time in the Exumas, which we absolutely loved. We plan to go back this winter and spend more time in the Exumas and see more islands. You can see the experiences on our trip on our blog http://prettypennycruise.blogspot.com. I agree that Staniel Cay is a great place to have guests meet you. There is a great resort at Staniel Cay Yacht Club and lots of nearby islands to explore. You can get there by Watermaker Air from Ft Lauderdale Executive Airport. Georgetown on Great Exuma is another great place. It is on a huge harbor – Elizabeth Harbor and there is a large semi- permanent boating population there most of the winter, usually 2-300 boats. The Abacos are supposed to be nice too, but they are usually colder and the weather reports were consistently for higher winds. The best charts and the Explorer Chart series which has detailed soundings and information on all the towns and marinas. The Explorer Charts will give you recommended routes between islands, but you will have to rely on visual navigation for a lot of the route. You will quickly learn to tell the depth of the water by the color. For the best weather service for the Bahamas and the Carribean I recommend Chris Parker and Carribean Weather Service. You pay a flat fee for the year and can get SSB broadcasts from Chris specifically tailored to you cruising plans.
Best of luck and safe cruising.
Regards,
Bob Kingsbury

We have found the Explorer Charts to be Great. There are three of them. Not only are they a chart. But they all so give local information. I like the Guide books put together by: Stephen J Pavlidis. We all so have Skipper Bobs.
All three will give information on Customs and Immigration.  If you have a pet on broad. You will need a pet permit. And you will need a user fee decal. To get back into the US.
As for having visitors fly in. George Town in the Exumas is a good place.
If you are Marina people. There is a fairly new marina just North of George Town. I have been told it quite nice. But check water depths before going in.
Elisabeth Harbor has a lot of great anchorages. This is between George Town and Stocking Island. There is usually a lot of boats anchored there. This is a great place lots to do and see. Trails, beaches, swimming, snorkeling and actives on the beach.
If you do not have it. You may want a books on shells, sea beans, fish, and birds. There is a lot to explore, on the Islands.
Hope you find this helpful.
Deb Baas S/V Heart's Desire

.

Bahamas
Cruising News: Bad news Bahamas, no more duty free for replacement parts !! see guardian article.
http://www.thenassauguardian.com/bixex/302027229970400.php
Marianne

Bahamas
Cruising News: Bad news Bahamas, no more duty free for replacement parts !! see guardian article.
http://www.thenassauguardian.com/bixex/302027229970400.php
Marianne

The message below comes from our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, Sampson Cay Club. Sounds like a VERY good time will be had by all who attend these fun evenings!

Subject: Sampson Cay Club Buffet and Karoake Party
Cruising News: Sampson Cay Club Wednesday Bahamian Buffet and Karoake Party
Join us for a  Bahamian Buffet starting at 5:30pm until 10pm. Buffet includes traditional Bahamaian favorites such as Minced Lobster, Carved Beef , Chicken,Peas and Rice just to name a few items ,Guava Duff and other Bahamian desserts , iced tea and coffee  Reservations Recommended but not required  Drink Specials All Evening  Price Adults $25.00  Children under 12 $15.00
Karaoke 8pm until ????  Don't miss the great food and fun at Sampson Cay
Cathy Piazza

The message below comes from our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, Sampson Cay Club. Sounds like a VERY good time will be had by all who attend these fun evenings!

Subject: Sampson Cay Club Buffet and Karoake Party
Cruising News: Sampson Cay Club Wednesday Bahamian Buffet and Karoake Party
Join us for a  Bahamian Buffet starting at 5:30pm until 10pm. Buffet includes traditional Bahamaian favorites such as Minced Lobster, Carved Beef , Chicken,Peas and Rice just to name a few items ,Guava Duff and other Bahamian desserts , iced tea and coffee  Reservations Recommended but not required  Drink Specials All Evening  Price Adults $25.00  Children under 12 $15.00
Karaoke 8pm until ????  Don't miss the great food and fun at Sampson Cay
Cathy Piazza

Criusing news from Andros
Cruising News: We just got back from 2 weeks in Andros, cruising from Morgan's Bluff to South Bight. The best (really the only) fuel stop is Patrick Romer's Esso service in Morgan's Bluff (329-2519). There was no fuel in Fresh Creek, unless you want to bring it in in barrels, which the dockmaster Jerry at Andros Lighthouse Marina in Fresh Creek can arrange. We stayed several nights at Andros Lighthouse Marina, and took a beautiful dive trip with nearby Small Hope Bay Lodge. Andros lighthouse Marina has wi-fi, water electic, laundary, and a good restaraunt. Also spent several nights at anchor in Lisbon Creek on South Bight. It is very well protected and has a very well marked enterance channel, but the holding was not so good – a bit scoured out. Leroi Bannister, owner of Bannister's Guest House and the Aqua Marine Club, has a couple of moorings available there. Lisbon Creek is a wonderful friendly settlement woth a visit. On the way back North, we stopped at Staniard Creek, a few miles north of Fresh Creek. The Yachtsman's Guide suggests this as a nice ancorage, just inside the creek mouth. However, there is a new devlopment going in there called Coconut Grove, and they are trying to restrict anchorage there – we where told it is "private". We anchored farther up the creek by the settlement, but that will not work if you draw over 3 feet. Staniard Creek is another wonderful friendly little place, apart from the jerks building Coconut Grove.
Jonathan Gorham

Criusing news from Andros
Cruising News: We just got back from 2 weeks in Andros, cruising from Morgan's Bluff to South Bight. The best (really the only) fuel stop is Patrick Romer's Esso service in Morgan's Bluff (329-2519). There was no fuel in Fresh Creek, unless you want to bring it in in barrels, which the dockmaster Jerry at Andros Lighthouse Marina in Fresh Creek can arrange. We stayed several nights at Andros Lighthouse Marina, and took a beautiful dive trip with nearby Small Hope Bay Lodge. Andros lighthouse Marina has wi-fi, water electic, laundary, and a good restaraunt. Also spent several nights at anchor in Lisbon Creek on South Bight. It is very well protected and has a very well marked enterance channel, but the holding was not so good – a bit scoured out. Leroi Bannister, owner of Bannister's Guest House and the Aqua Marine Club, has a couple of moorings available there. Lisbon Creek is a wonderful friendly settlement woth a visit. On the way back North, we stopped at Staniard Creek, a few miles north of Fresh Creek. The Yachtsman's Guide suggests this as a nice ancorage, just inside the creek mouth. However, there is a new devlopment going in there called Coconut Grove, and they are trying to restrict anchorage there – we where told it is "private". We anchored farther up the creek by the settlement, but that will not work if you draw over 3 feet. Staniard Creek is another wonderful friendly little place, apart from the jerks building Coconut Grove.
Jonathan Gorham

Nassau and the Abacos
Cruising News: Just arrived at Boat Harbour in the Abacos.  Fuel is 6.53 plus tax for Diesel.  Also while Hurricane Hole is open, it is a construction site.  The Pool, Bar and Office are open.  Much dirt and dust however.  Internet service at both HH and Atlantis is spotty at best.  They will provide a \\\\\\\"wired\\\\\\\" connection at Atlantis for no charge if you raise issue.
Captain Richard Holtz
M/V O! Richard

Nassau and the Abacos
Cruising News: Just arrived at Boat Harbour in the Abacos.  Fuel is 6.53 plus tax for Diesel.  Also while Hurricane Hole is open, it is a construction site.  The Pool, Bar and Office are open.  Much dirt and dust however.  Internet service at both HH and Atlantis is spotty at best.  They will provide a \\\\\\\"wired\\\\\\\" connection at Atlantis for no charge if you raise issue.
Captain Richard Holtz
M/V O! Richard

The posting below updates an earlier message here on the Net’s "Bahamas" page, which I have now removed.

Subject: Hurricane Hole Open and Old Bahama Bay Correction to Policy post
Cruising News: Hurricane Hole is open and almost done the renovations! Old Bahama Bay ONLY has a 2 night minimum in the Summer on weekends and on holiday weekends. This is a great facility and the customer service is first class.
Katie

The posting below updates an earlier message here on the Net’s "Bahamas" page, which I have now removed.

Subject: Hurricane Hole Open and Old Bahama Bay Correction to Policy post
Cruising News: Hurricane Hole is open and almost done the renovations! Old Bahama Bay ONLY has a 2 night minimum in the Summer on weekends and on holiday weekends. This is a great facility and the customer service is first class.
Katie

Subject: Abacos cruise report
Cruising News: The crew of Radiant, a 1980 Tartan 33, left West Palm Beach in early May 2008 and spent a month in the Abacos.Ã’šÃ‚ We used the Explorer Chartkit for the Abacos and found it very accurate. Don?t leave home without it. The link is http://explorercharts.com/.Ã’šÃ‚ We didn?t visit every island or harbor but here are some other observations that other cruisers bound for the Abacos might find useful.

Clearing in.Ã’šÃ‚ We elected to sail to Mangrove Cay then the next day motor-sailed to Spanish Cay for a rather seamless Customs/Immigration clear-in at Spanish Cay. According to the typical pricing in Mr. Young?s cruising guides, the price for a slip at Spanish was above average but the facilities are very nice and the staff was helpful and very courteous. Wi-Fi was available for $10 for 24-hours and the resort facilities were open to marina guests.Ã’šÃ‚ Overall it was a very enjoyable experience.Ã’šÃ‚ The link is http://spanishcay.com/.

Communication & Wi-Fi.Ã’šÃ‚ You are able to receive NOAA weather radio signals throughout most of the northern Abacos, even in Marsh Harbor.Ã’šÃ‚ Signal quality varied based on atmospheric conditions but the fact that our mast-top antenna was 50+ feet above the water obviously helped.Ã’šÃ‚ In addition to the VHF, we opted for Wi-Fi/internet to connect with not only people in the U.S. but also other cruisers and businesses in the Abacos. Thus, we avoided using the pricey Batelco services.Ã’šÃ‚ Most marinas and some restaurants offered Wi-Fi links.Ã’šÃ‚ If you are up for morning coffee ashore in Marsh and Treasure Cay you can visit one of the coffee shops offering free internet links.Ã’šÃ‚ A number of cruisers had Wi-Fi range-extending gear onboard and that?s certainly on our wish list.Ã’šÃ‚

If you seek local weather and other island venue information tune to VHF 68 at about 0815 for the local ?cruiser?s net? updates every day.Ã’šÃ‚ Conditions at the main channels, such as Man-O-War, and the Whale Cay Passage are given at the top of the program.Ã’šÃ‚ Please avoid using channel 68 during the broadcasts.Ã’šÃ‚ Also check http://oii.net/ for a range of web-connect options and Abaco websites.

Marsh Harbor.Ã’šÃ‚ The Marsh Harbor anchorage still has very good holding ground.Ã’šÃ‚ Hardware stores, liquor stores, marine supplies, two supermarkets, a lumber yard, and even an auto parts store are within walking distance of the Union Jack dinghy dock.Ã’šÃ‚ At Rainbow Rentals, adjacent to the dinghy dock, you can purchase block ice. We needed to replace our autopilot and received very good service and a fair price from Merlin Electronics in Marsh Harbor.Ã’šÃ‚ The link is http://www.merlinsmarine.com/.

For a special treat, scuba lessons were in order and we received superb instruction from Dive Abaco, located at the Conch Inn Marina which also is home to Moorings/SunSail charter bases. The Dive Abaco crew, Keith, Bridget, and Marlon, were very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Check http://diveabaco.com/ for more information if you are interested in diving lessons or packages.

Restaurants.Ã’šÃ‚ Most of the Marsh Harbor restaurants were located on Queen Elizabeth Drive or Bay Street, the main drags.Ã’šÃ‚ Yep, still only one stop light but they do drive on the wrong side!Ã’šÃ‚ For local flavor and reasonably priced lunches we opted for Jamie?s Place. For slightly higher-end dining our cruising group found Curlytails and Wallys to be good choices.

Provisions.Ã’šÃ‚ In our estimation, the best provisioning can be found at Marsh Harbor and Treasure Cay. Selections compared favorably to a small to medium-size supermarket in Florida.Ã’šÃ‚ But certain things are pricey?it cost anywhere from $2.00 to $4.00 for a container of ?Pringles? chips in the Abacos. In terms of items to pack before leaving the U.S. we suggest you stock up on extra batteries for your portable devices, over-the-counter medicines, snacks/chips, paper products, and bring plenty of zipper-lock plastic bags.

Moorings.Ã’šÃ‚ The best mooring opportunities were at Great Guana, Green Turtle, and Man-O-War Cays.Ã’šÃ‚ Treasure Cay has a few (I think three) and they are usually occupied.Ã’šÃ‚ We did not visit Hopetown during this cruise.

Water.Ã’šÃ‚ Fresh water was priced anywhere from 10-cents to 40-cents a gallon and reverse osmosis (RO) water is the rule, not the exception. Bottled RO water cost anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 a gallon.

Jim & Rose
Aboard ?Radiant?

Subject: Abacos cruise report
Cruising News: The crew of Radiant, a 1980 Tartan 33, left West Palm Beach in early May 2008 and spent a month in the Abacos.Ã’šÃ‚ We used the Explorer Chartkit for the Abacos and found it very accurate. Don?t leave home without it. The link is http://explorercharts.com/.Ã’šÃ‚ We didn?t visit every island or harbor but here are some other observations that other cruisers bound for the Abacos might find useful.

Clearing in.Ã’šÃ‚ We elected to sail to Mangrove Cay then the next day motor-sailed to Spanish Cay for a rather seamless Customs/Immigration clear-in at Spanish Cay. According to the typical pricing in Mr. Young?s cruising guides, the price for a slip at Spanish was above average but the facilities are very nice and the staff was helpful and very courteous. Wi-Fi was available for $10 for 24-hours and the resort facilities were open to marina guests.Ã’šÃ‚ Overall it was a very enjoyable experience.Ã’šÃ‚ The link is http://spanishcay.com/.

Communication & Wi-Fi.Ã’šÃ‚ You are able to receive NOAA weather radio signals throughout most of the northern Abacos, even in Marsh Harbor.Ã’šÃ‚ Signal quality varied based on atmospheric conditions but the fact that our mast-top antenna was 50+ feet above the water obviously helped.Ã’šÃ‚ In addition to the VHF, we opted for Wi-Fi/internet to connect with not only people in the U.S. but also other cruisers and businesses in the Abacos. Thus, we avoided using the pricey Batelco services.Ã’šÃ‚ Most marinas and some restaurants offered Wi-Fi links.Ã’šÃ‚ If you are up for morning coffee ashore in Marsh and Treasure Cay you can visit one of the coffee shops offering free internet links.Ã’šÃ‚ A number of cruisers had Wi-Fi range-extending gear onboard and that?s certainly on our wish list.Ã’šÃ‚

If you seek local weather and other island venue information tune to VHF 68 at about 0815 for the local ?cruiser?s net? updates every day.Ã’šÃ‚ Conditions at the main channels, such as Man-O-War, and the Whale Cay Passage are given at the top of the program.Ã’šÃ‚ Please avoid using channel 68 during the broadcasts.Ã’šÃ‚ Also check http://oii.net/ for a range of web-connect options and Abaco websites.

Marsh Harbor.Ã’šÃ‚ The Marsh Harbor anchorage still has very good holding ground.Ã’šÃ‚ Hardware stores, liquor stores, marine supplies, two supermarkets, a lumber yard, and even an auto parts store are within walking distance of the Union Jack dinghy dock.Ã’šÃ‚ At Rainbow Rentals, adjacent to the dinghy dock, you can purchase block ice. We needed to replace our autopilot and received very good service and a fair price from Merlin Electronics in Marsh Harbor.Ã’šÃ‚ The link is http://www.merlinsmarine.com/.

For a special treat, scuba lessons were in order and we received superb instruction from Dive Abaco, located at the Conch Inn Marina which also is home to Moorings/SunSail charter bases. The Dive Abaco crew, Keith, Bridget, and Marlon, were very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Check http://diveabaco.com/ for more information if you are interested in diving lessons or packages.

Restaurants.Ã’šÃ‚ Most of the Marsh Harbor restaurants were located on Queen Elizabeth Drive or Bay Street, the main drags.Ã’šÃ‚ Yep, still only one stop light but they do drive on the wrong side!Ã’šÃ‚ For local flavor and reasonably priced lunches we opted for Jamie?s Place. For slightly higher-end dining our cruising group found Curlytails and Wallys to be good choices.

Provisions.Ã’šÃ‚ In our estimation, the best provisioning can be found at Marsh Harbor and Treasure Cay. Selections compared favorably to a small to medium-size supermarket in Florida.Ã’šÃ‚ But certain things are pricey?it cost anywhere from $2.00 to $4.00 for a container of ?Pringles? chips in the Abacos. In terms of items to pack before leaving the U.S. we suggest you stock up on extra batteries for your portable devices, over-the-counter medicines, snacks/chips, paper products, and bring plenty of zipper-lock plastic bags.

Moorings.Ã’šÃ‚ The best mooring opportunities were at Great Guana, Green Turtle, and Man-O-War Cays.Ã’šÃ‚ Treasure Cay has a few (I think three) and they are usually occupied.Ã’šÃ‚ We did not visit Hopetown during this cruise.

Water.Ã’šÃ‚ Fresh water was priced anywhere from 10-cents to 40-cents a gallon and reverse osmosis (RO) water is the rule, not the exception. Bottled RO water cost anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 a gallon.

Jim & Rose
Aboard ?Radiant?

Subject: Nassau Boat intrusion alert
Cruising News: Nassau Boat theft alert. within the past 10 days 4 boats broken into at Nassau yacht haven, 3 loaded guns stolen, clothes, cell, phone, money, video cameras, one boat whilst owner was sleeping, and took pants from end of berth. black man seen swimming in area at 4AM. be alert and declare and hide well items.
Marianne

Subject: Nassau Boat intrusion alert
Cruising News: Nassau Boat theft alert. within the past 10 days 4 boats broken into at Nassau yacht haven, 3 loaded guns stolen, clothes, cell, phone, money, video cameras, one boat whilst owner was sleeping, and took pants from end of berth. black man seen swimming in area at 4AM. be alert and declare and hide well items.
Marianne

Hi All,
We . . . want to tell you all about a great spot in the Bahamas. We are currently at Old Bahama Bay in West End, Grand Bahama Island. The facilities were revamped a few years ago from the old "Jack Tar" days by Ginn Sur Mer. We have been here for a few weeks now, and plan on leaving tomorrow to continue our tour of the Bahamas before heading back to the USA in a couple of months. The marina here at Old Bahama Bay is first rate. Though not "cheap" by most standards (the daily rate is about $2.70(rates just went up April 1), but they do offer a sharply discounted rate for weekly or monthly stays), but marina guests have full use of the 5 star resort facilities.Their winter rates for a month stay is 80 cents a foot….which we have heard is competitive with Marsh Harbor. All water toys, full gym, beach, two pools, towels, free bicycles, and free wifi (works great!)and a manager's party on friday nights (free drinks and horse dervies). There's a spa, three restaurants, fuel dock, and a gift shop. Plenty of depth, and a well marked, lit channel, and only 56 odd miles from Lake Worth. If you find yourself in need of a little pampering, we highly recommend Old Bahama Bay as a stop for a few days or perhaps a week. Peter Watson is the dockmaster, and he makes boaters feel right at home. We have no connection to Old Bahama Bay other than we have been spoiled rotten by these good folks.
Kevin&Erica
Kismet

Subject: re: Old Bahama Bay – West End
Cruising News: We had a wonderful time at this beautiful marina which was our first and last stop in the Bahamas. (And serious protection during a 3-day northerly which came in immediately after we got there!) I would only warn the smaller boats that there is a large surcharge over and above the docking fee: $10/day for water and $20/day for electricity.  These are mandatory charges which seem to unduly hit the small sailboat or trawler who doesn\\\'t have multiple airconditioning units and industrial ovens to run.  We met many Bahamas veterans who by pass West End because of the high cost here.  This could bring about some safety issues, since they now have a three day passage from the east coast of Florida to real civilization and protection at Green Turtle.
Allen Ames

Hi All,
We . . . want to tell you all about a great spot in the Bahamas. We are currently at Old Bahama Bay in West End, Grand Bahama Island. The facilities were revamped a few years ago from the old "Jack Tar" days by Ginn Sur Mer. We have been here for a few weeks now, and plan on leaving tomorrow to continue our tour of the Bahamas before heading back to the USA in a couple of months. The marina here at Old Bahama Bay is first rate. Though not "cheap" by most standards (the daily rate is about $2.70(rates just went up April 1), but they do offer a sharply discounted rate for weekly or monthly stays), but marina guests have full use of the 5 star resort facilities.Their winter rates for a month stay is 80 cents a foot….which we have heard is competitive with Marsh Harbor. All water toys, full gym, beach, two pools, towels, free bicycles, and free wifi (works great!)and a manager's party on friday nights (free drinks and horse dervies). There's a spa, three restaurants, fuel dock, and a gift shop. Plenty of depth, and a well marked, lit channel, and only 56 odd miles from Lake Worth. If you find yourself in need of a little pampering, we highly recommend Old Bahama Bay as a stop for a few days or perhaps a week. Peter Watson is the dockmaster, and he makes boaters feel right at home. We have no connection to Old Bahama Bay other than we have been spoiled rotten by these good folks.
Kevin&Erica
Kismet

Subject: re: Old Bahama Bay – West End
Cruising News: We had a wonderful time at this beautiful marina which was our first and last stop in the Bahamas. (And serious protection during a 3-day northerly which came in immediately after we got there!) I would only warn the smaller boats that there is a large surcharge over and above the docking fee: $10/day for water and $20/day for electricity.  These are mandatory charges which seem to unduly hit the small sailboat or trawler who doesn\\\'t have multiple airconditioning units and industrial ovens to run.  We met many Bahamas veterans who by pass West End because of the high cost here.  This could bring about some safety issues, since they now have a three day passage from the east coast of Florida to real civilization and protection at Green Turtle.
Allen Ames

Subject: LOST: Bass Raider 8 in Hopetown, Abaco Islands, Bahamas
Cruising News: LOST: Bass Raider 8, a small green fishing boat
Three oars inside, as well as a yellow life jacket. Either taken or drifted out from Paradise, White Sound, Hopetown in the Abacos. It\\\'s a small green fishing boat with Paradise logo on the sides.
We would be very appreciative if you know anything about the whereabouts.
Thanks so much.
Rachel, Jennifer, Nicole, Melissa

Thanks so much! It has been found!! Good news.
Thanks so much for your note.

Subject: LOST: Bass Raider 8 in Hopetown, Abaco Islands, Bahamas
Cruising News: LOST: Bass Raider 8, a small green fishing boat
Three oars inside, as well as a yellow life jacket. Either taken or drifted out from Paradise, White Sound, Hopetown in the Abacos. It\\\'s a small green fishing boat with Paradise logo on the sides.
We would be very appreciative if you know anything about the whereabouts.
Thanks so much.
Rachel, Jennifer, Nicole, Melissa

Thanks so much! It has been found!! Good news.

At 4AM our catamaran was boarded, as we slept, by a naked male.  We understand this is not a single incident.  We had heard of night boardings at the Nassau Harbour Club and the anchorage east of that location – all hearsay was that cash was taken from wallets. 
We are anchored just off the Green Parrot / BASRA west of the bridge. 
It appears these are becoming more frequent in Nassau and cruisers should probably know for their protection.
We had the door locked and, after hearing noises (and the cat was making a funny sound), we put on the cockpit lights and activated an alarm (from inside the boat).  The intruder dove over the side…  The Defense Force was notified and took a report.
Roger & Bonnie Ford
s/v Kokomo

At 4AM our catamaran was boarded, as we slept, by a naked male.  We understand this is not a single incident.  We had heard of night boardings at the Nassau Harbour Club and the anchorage east of that location – all hearsay was that cash was taken from wallets. 
We are anchored just off the Green Parrot / BASRA west of the bridge. 
It appears these are becoming more frequent in Nassau and cruisers should probably know for their protection.
We had the door locked and, after hearing noises (and the cat was making a funny sound), we put on the cockpit lights and activated an alarm (from inside the boat).  The intruder dove over the side…  The Defense Force was notified and took a report.
Roger & Bonnie Ford
s/v Kokomo

Hello, Just wondering if anyone will be going to the Bahamas from SW Florida early April? Would love to have another boat to do the crossing with. We leave Fort Myers area March 24/25, plan to be in Lauderdale April 3/4 and leave when we get our weather from there. This is my first trip and my partner's second. Looking forward to the Bahamas…but not looking so forward to the CROSSING. Please let me know if anyone out there is going that way around the same time? Either email me or call me. Thanks.

Hello, Just wondering if anyone will be going to the Bahamas from SW Florida early April? Would love to have another boat to do the crossing with. We leave Fort Myers area March 24/25, plan to be in Lauderdale April 3/4 and leave when we get our weather from there. This is my first trip and my partner's second. Looking forward to the Bahamas…but not looking so forward to the CROSSING. Please let me know if anyone out there is going that way around the same time? Either email me or call me. Thanks.