Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Bad Electronic Chart

Bad Electronic Chart

Posted: 10 Feb 2020 03:18 PM PST

This is from a cruising yachtsman in The Bahamas this month:

Here is another “oops” story!

We met a sailor who has a large power catamaran.
He loves to anchor at the south end of Big Farmers Cay.
He told us he took a short cut to get out of the anchorage and ran aground and had to power through the sand to get out. We couldn’t believe he even tried it. He said his plotter showed 7 feet there and he had a Garmin. We insisted he come aboard and look at the paper Explorer charts (which he had, but left home). He was amazed that the data on the plotter was not the same as the chart. He also said he had his iPad aboard but he had updated it and lost the Explorer charts on the Garmin Blue Charts app.
We included a screen shot of Navionics for that area and he ran aground north of the wreck while trying to jump the bar. Navionics shows 7’.. .
We explained to him that Explorer data was no longer on that Garmin plotter.
We told him he should be using his eyeballs but he trusts his instruments. We explained why that doesn’t work in a Bahamas boating scenario!!!

So much of what is depicted here  in this Navionics chart is pure fiction & makes us wonder how this data was accumulated. It is a physical impossibility that a boat had occupied the position north of the wreck & recorded a sounding of 7.7 or 9.2’unless they were there on 10’ high tide & forgot to apply a tidal offset. The Explorer chart shows “Sand nearly dry a low Water”.

NOTE from Explorer:  If you have a Garmin chart plotter with data before February 2019, (BlueChart G2) that is Explorer data. After Feb. 2019 (G3) is Navionics, NOT Explorer data.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Lower Great Exuma & Little Exuma – Theft

Lower Great Exuma & Little Exuma – Theft

Posted: 01 Feb 2020 03:46 AM PST

Hey there,

New to the forum, but not to using explorer charts.

Thinking about making way down to Great Exuma & Little Exuma, but wondering about boat rentals or taking a boat (friend’s). I have been informed that rental companies don’t allow for you to keep the boats overnight to due increased theft. In addition, a buddy is planning to take a boat and we have kind of me told not to take the vessel as it is highly likely for a tow-away scenario and that even though these acts are done by “usual suspects” no one is doing anything about it. I have traveled extensively around the Bahamas, but not lower great exuma/little exuma etc. We have eyes some rentals in this area, but aren’t getting a warm a fuzzy due to the wild west allegations in the region.

In all places that I have stayed I have always exercised caution, but since we have been told by rental companies as well I wanted to ask EC.

Thanks in advance.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Spanish Wells

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Update on Ocean Reef, Grand Bahama” plus 2 more

Update on Ocean Reef, Grand Bahama

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 06:02 AM PST

Ocean Reef and Yacht Club, Freeport, Grand Bahama
We here in Ocean Reef we were spared from big damage and flooding so we are in normal operation and open for regular business.
Kind regards
Kor Dormans

Update from Orchid Bay, Abacos

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 05:59 AM PST

Orchid Bay, Guana Cay, Abacos

At present, we have no docks and are currently serving gas and diesel from our roadside pump seven days a week. There are plans to rebuild at least one dock soon. Sunsetter Restaurant was badly damaged but we have it up and running from Thursday through Sunday for dinner only and with a limited menu. It is very casual and open air with no walls but at least it gives people somewhere to go and have a meal and a glass of wine.

Those are all the updates we have at the moment. Hope this helps.

Kind regards.

Lisa Roberts

UPDATE: Harbour View Marina, Marsh Harbour

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 05:57 AM PST

NEWS FROM HARBOUR VIEW MARINA, Marsh Harbour
As for Harbour View Marina & Blue Wave Boat Rentals…we are working hard to have boat rentals available to rent this March. Out of our fleet of 20 boats, 19 are salvageable and in varying stages of repair work. The plan for Harbour View Marina is to rebuild the docks as soon as possible and we will have a temporary office building in place while we are getting the construction portion of the office buildings completed. Our hope is to have a fully operational marina and a temporary fuel dock for this upcoming late spring/early summer season. Wally’s restaurant is in full recovery mode and we are working towards an opening in early spring. We are looking forward to a better, stronger Marsh Harbour and doing all we can to make that happen.
Thank you for reaching out and I look forward to updating you with progress along the way.
Thanks,
Troy

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Treasure Cay Update
Treasure Cay Update

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 01:55 PM PST

Treasure Cay Marina now has 20 moorings and the fuel station, the largest in Abaco for boaters open 8a-4p daily.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Provisioning from West Bay NP
Provisioning from West Bay NP

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 12:40 PM PST

Hi everyone, just wondered if anyone had tried provisioning from West Bay? Looks like there is a supermarket at Old Fort Bay. Trying to decide between using the dinghy landing at Clifton Heritage Park, or going around to Lyford Cay marina (which is much closer to the store but I’m not sure how friendly they are). Any advice will be gratefully received! Thanks

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Decca range route
Decca range route

Posted: 30 Dec 2019 03:33 AM PST

Has anyone used the old Decca range route to cross the bank from Tongue of the Ocean to Pipe Cay? I’m wandering about crossing the bank there at night. Use to do that years ago.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Routing from George Town to Ragged Islands
Routing from George Town to Ragged Islands

Posted: 24 Dec 2019 08:33 AM PST

Hi please could you give me advise I’m a 1.5 m draft Catamaran . We routing to Cuba via Ragged Islands . On Chart 32 the routing through Hogs Cay Cut the chart depth at the chart point 23 23 50 N 75 30 80 W shows 1.1 m . Garmin is showing me 0.3m at this point . Does anyone please have an opinion on this ? Should we re route via Long Island ? On tide if Explorer is correct we would get through .

Vote TODAY for longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas and always most accommodating to its visitors.

2019 Bahamas Travel Awards   Staniel Cay Yacht Club has been nominated twice, for   “Best Boutique Hotel”  and  “Best Marina” in the Bahamas.   Honor us with a few minutes of your time and vote for Staniel Cay Yacht Club. CLICK HERE TO VOTE Recommend us on Facebook   Staniel Cay Yacht Club | 242-355-2024

Our thanks to Jim Lund for these good words for the fund raising efforts of RMHYC as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. See also Report from RMHYC, the Hope for Abaco Concert and Hurricane Dorian Relief Funds.

Many Loopers have done a side trip to the Bahamas – for us it was a highlight. We continue our membership with the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club (RMYYC). As many know, Marsh Harbour and much of the Abacos were obliterated by Hurricane Dorian. This year the RMHYC is donating all of their annual membership fees to the relief/rebuilding efforts on the Abacos.

They have also advised members that a benefit concert with all proceeds going to rebuilding the Bahamas will be held in Stuart Fla on Dec 14th. Tickets are fully tax deductible (not sure about us Canadians). I’ve been to Barerfoot Man concert at Nippers in the Bahamas – what a hoot! He is a staple in the Caribbean music scene and will be appearing with several other professional acts.

Soooooo…. if you’re thinking of a trip to the Bahamas in the future, consider joining the RMHYC now. Its very inexpensive and they have discounts and reciprocal arrangements throughout the Bahamas Our membership had paid for itself before we even made it to Marsh Harbour. More info can be found here: RMHYC.

And if you want to have a fun afternoon of laid back, fun tropical music, I hope to see you Dec 14. More info here: Hope for Abaco Concert

Thanks!

Jim Lund
Tyre-less

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: New Fees for Bahamas
New Fees for Bahamas

Posted: 13 Nov 2019 08:33 AM PST

The official start of new cruising permit entry fees for The Bahamas is scheduled for January 1, 2020. However, when we talked to a high level Customs official in Nassau, we were told that the new fees were in effect now. Even so, we have confirmation from boaters that have recently arrived in the Bahamas that there are no changes to the cruising fees. We can hope that there will be an indefinite delay in enforcing the new schedule, but anything can happen any time!

Sara and Monty Lewis,

Explorer Chartbooks

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: New Customs fees question
New Customs fees question

Posted: 07 Nov 2019 02:09 PM PST

I see the new fees for a 35 foot boat are $300 for three months and $600 for a year. What are the fees for 4 months?? Is it that you have three months at $300, then after that you have to pay for the entire year at $600 more or is it $300 more making it $600 for the year? If you are checking in and want to stay 4-5 months do you just pay the $600 for the year then?? Please only reply if you are sure of your answer. Thanks.
PS I like the idea of reciprocating the US entry fee for Bahamian boats coming to the USA.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which 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 and Crooked-Acklins
Long Island and Crooked-Acklins

Posted: 06 Nov 2019 04:02 AM PST

Just looking for any information on the general conditions of Long Island and Acklins-Crooked Islands regarding storm damages. We were at Long Island in 2015, before hurricane Joaquin, and are leaving SC in a few weeks, heading back down. I plan to call some marinas and businesses there but have not done that yet. Has anyone been there recently, or have any good current info?

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Status of Customs and Immigration in the Abacos
Status of Customs and Immigration in the Abacos

Posted: 31 Oct 2019 05:33 AM PDT

Can someone tell me the status of customs and immigration in the Abacos post Dorian. Also locations where we could find them.

thanks

Bob

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: New Fees for Cruising Permit
New Fees for Cruising Permit

Posted: 18 Oct 2019 07:50 AM PDT

As you prepare for a trip to The Bahamas, be aware of changes to the charges and length of stay given on your cruising permit.

The new policy on fees for pleasure vessels clearing into the Bahamas is:

Under 35ft–$150 for 3 months; $300 per year.

35-100ft– $300 for 3 months; $600 per year.

100-150ft–$500 for 3 months; $1,000 per year.

150-200ft–$800 for 3 months; $2,000 per year.

Over 200ft–$1,000 for 3 months; $2,000 per year.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Update from Bahamas Government” plus 2 more

Update from Bahamas Government Posted: 14 Oct 2019 09:36 AM PDT Press Release PM Minnis opens debate on amendments to Disaster Preparedness and Response Act         Date: October 10, 2019 The Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction is in the process of deploying temporary housing for government employees on Abaco, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis announced in the House of Assembly on Wednesday in his second communication on Hurricane Dorian response and recovery efforts. The Prime Minister said 100 RV trailers will accommodate 300 critical government personnel, who will play an essential role in reconstruction and recovery. A protocol is being determined for the relocation of individuals back to Abaco. A land site next to the Spring City subdivision on Abaco is also being prepared to create the Family Relief Centre, which will serve as temporary housing accommodations for families affected by Hurricane Dorian. The Family Relief Centre will comprise 250 dome structures that will include plumbing, drainage, a sewer system and electricity. Each dome can accommodate four to five people. The estimated cost for this facility is $6.4 million. Land is being prepared and trenching will begin this week. Materials for the infrastructure work are scheduled to arrive on Abaco next week, said Prime Minister Minnis. “The response to Hurricane Dorian is a comprehensive and global effort led and coordinated by the Government of The Bahamas,” said the Prime Minister. “The full resources of the Government are being deployed.” Another essential part of the recovery and rebuilding effort is the relocation of schoolchildren, teachers and other education personnel, said Prime Minister Minnis. So far approximately 1,400 students have been registered and the Ministry of Education is in the process of tracking down the balance of the 2,500 students who were registered at schools in Abaco before Dorian struck The Bahamas. Some of these students are in other Family Islands, reported the Prime Minister. Some are in private schools. Some went directly to government-operated schools in New Providence, and did not come through the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium for registration as requested. Approximately 300 students remained in Abaco, not all of whom are in schools, and some students have traveled to the United States. “We know also that 50 students are at schools in Andros, and that more than 150 are being accommodated on Eleuthera,” said Prime Minister Minnis. “Tragically, it is also likely that there are some school children among the persons still not accounted for in Abaco.” In East Grand Bahama, four schools sustained significant damage, and will require extensive repairs, which will require an extensive amount of time. There was also major damage in Central Abaco. There were some schools which sustained substantial damage but have since been repaired enough to accommodate students and have been brought up to standard to receive students for classes for half of the school day, said the Prime Minister. Five schools in northern and southern Abaco are open but are operating on reduced hours as a result of self-help efforts from teachers and community members. Counselling sessions, led by staff of the Employee Assistance Programme, in conjunction with the Bahamas Psychological Services were also carried out, the Prime Minister reported. The Ministry of Education is awaiting advice from the Ministry of Works on the Scopes of Work and costings submitted by Education for the 16 schools needed to be repaired on Grand Bahama. The estimation thus far is the Ministry of Education’s Hurricane Dorian relief budget will come in at approximately $20 million.

Spanish Cay Update 11/14/19 Posted: 14 Oct 2019 06:51 AM PDT at the moment, we have one dock fully functioning that can probably accommodate a 100′ boat and probably 12-14 boats from 20′ to 70 ‘  with water and electric. Probably in the next month or two, our rooms will all be available to rent as well. We already have 5 or 6 rooms that are ready to rent.   The restaurant and the bar, as well as the pool are all open. Of course ,we have a limited menu at the moment.     Suzanne Cloutier Felix Johnson       cell :242-816-4998 Suzanne Cloutier  cell: 242-807-0317 Spanish Cay Cay Resorts Ltd  “It’s Better in The Bahamas”    Bahamas (242) 365-0083 Florida     (954) 213-6195   www.spanishcay.com

Marsh Harbour Update 10/14/19 Posted: 14 Oct 2019 06:36 AM PDT From owner of Harbour View Marina, Marsh Harbour: Everything was completely destroyed.  Our goals for this coming year are as follows.   1. Get Wally’s reopened since the building survived. 2. Rebuild the docks. 3. Have Blue Wave Rentals operational for the spring and summer season. 4. A temporary office for the Marina and Blue Wave Rentals is already on the island. 5. A long term plan for the rebuilding of the Marina buildings is being developed.   Don’t know what the future holds but we are committed to rebuilding better than ever.   Regards,   Troy Cornea, Harbour View Marina

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Update Little Harbour, Abaco” plus 1 more

Update Little Harbour, Abaco Posted: 12 Oct 2019 11:35 AM PDT We’re okay here in Little Harbour. Being 10 miles south of the eye really spared us the devastation in Marsh Harbour and the cays. We have minor roof damage. We’ve been putting out updates since the storm. Check our website at petespubandgallery.com Pete’s Pub Staff still needs our help. 90% of the staff have been displaced, mostly to Nassau. Most of them had to flee their home with children in the middle of the storm. All staff are now accounted for and safe for the time being. Now, they are either in shelters, staying with family or trying to rent and start over. We have a multi-pronged purpose to our goal. We want them safe and secure and home as soon as possible. This includes helping to fund their current room and board, finding stable housing, schooling for their kids and ultimately securing housing for them on Abaco. We are asking for your help. If you cannot attend , please contribute what you can and thank you for your generosity. thank you, Heather Moore Johnston Little Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas Pete’s Pub & Gallery 242-577-5487

Abaco Update 11/11/19 Posted: 12 Oct 2019 11:14 AM PDT This is the current information we have for the Abacos following the unprecedented devastation of Hurricane Dorian. Please feel free to comment with new information. The picture is ever-changing with steps being taken to begin the rebuilding of lives and structures. We are awaiting email reports from all the marinas in the Abacos and will post new info when we get it. The same with Grand Bahama. No news from there yet. The numbers are staggering in the Abacos:  With only 54 identified as deceased, there are still 1,300 people missing and 70,000 displaced. Many bodies are beyond identification.  70% of the islanders have lost their homes and most businesses suffered catastrophic loss. FERRY SERVICE One BOLO ferry survived at Green Turtle Cay. The others were damaged or sunk. HopeTown, Man-o-War and Guana Cay ferries were damaged or sunk. None currently operational. SPANISH CAY Spanish Cay is selling fuel. No other update available. GREEN TURTLE CAY The GREEN TURTLE CLUB is partially open. They have dockage and fuel but no water or electricity at the dock. Cash is required since without electricity and Internet, the Club can’t process credit cards. The channel into White Sound is clear of debris. The Club expects to be fully operational with food and beverages, rooms, villas, dockage, fuel, water, chandlery, and gift shop by March 1, 2020. BRENDAL’S DIVE SHOP is recovering and opening soon. McINTOSH’S is serving food.  PHONE:  ALIV cell phones are working and can be used as hotspots for Internet service.  BLUFF HOUSE sustained major destruction to the docks and buildings. There are no docks, no services there at the present time.  The same with the OTHER SHORE CLUB in Black Sound. Their main dock from the land is partially secured, but the outer pier with fuel and dockage is destroyed, so there is no way to get ashore and no facilities there. LEEWARD YACHT CLUB had damage to its building and part of the piers. Boats were sunk there. No services are available. ABACO YACHT SERVICES had many long-term storage boats fall off cradles and suffer damage. Construction has already begun to restore homes and businesses and clear endless piles of debris. There is no water or electricity in the town. Some people have their own generators. Relief efforts continue with locals and outside volunteers coming in to help with construction, food, medical care, etc. The school miraculously survived as a shelter for the entire town until after the hurricane passed. The road that extends the length of the cay is open. Freight boats have been coming in with supplies and construction crews. A BobCat loader was donated to help fill the dump trucks with massive piles of debris. Watermakers has come in to help with supplying bottled drinking water for the islanders and construction crews. Also crews have set up a kitchen for workers with basic meals.  BAKERS BAY Many houses were destroyed but the marina fared better than most in the area with docks mostly intact. TREASURE CAY Many boats were sunk at the marina. The fuel dock is gone but we understand that they are somehow selling fuel. HOPETOWN See earlier letter from Lighthouse Marina concerning the extent of damages. The entire inner harbour had many buildings completely wiped out, including the Harbour Lodge and Captain Jacks. We are awaiting a report from Hope Town Marina. Farther south on Elbow Cay, Sea Spray Marina and resort were leveled. MARSH HARBOUR Maxwell’s Supermarket & Home Store October 9 at 7:35 PM We’re excited to announce we plan for a soft opening on Thursday, November 7th!! The supermarket is now almost back to rights! As shipping and delivery logistics are starting to improve, grocery orders have now been placed. We’re still waiting on a few more register computers and refrigeration parts which we should receive by next week. In an effort to help restore commerce on Abaco, we’re also very pleased to announce that Commonwealth Bank will be opening a satellite branch within Maxwell’s. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to serving you again very soon! Stay tuned for further updates Maxwell’s MARINAS We are expecting to get first-hand reports from the five marinas in Marsh Harbour (Boat Harbour at Abaco Beach Resort, Conch Inn, Mangoes, Harbour View and Marsh Harbour Marina.) Basically, they were all greatly damaged and there are no services in MH at this time. It remains to be seen which will rebuild and reopen.  POWER PLANT The electric power plant on Great Abaco is generating but the poles are all down. There is no electricity north of the plant, virtually north of Little Harbour. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The US Coast Guard came in right away to evacuate the injured and those who had lost homes and all their possessions. Currently, there is much work to be done to rebuild the damaged and destroyed structures on all of these islands. The biggest issue is that volunteers need to be able to sustain themselves with food, water, lodging, electricity and any other supplies. There are no services or accommodations. Those with construction skills (and tools), who also provide their own place to stay such as a cruising boat, are the most helpful in these challenging circumstances. The islanders themselves can’t provide any accommodations for help. Many of them still don’t have roofs on their homes or a reliable source of food and water, not to mention electricity. Check the local websites for direction and information.