Abacos Sailing 2019
As some of you may already know we left Dania Beach, Royal Palm Marina on December 29th, 2018 bound for The Bahamas and parts beyond. Great intentions but then this thing called “life” happens and just when you thought you were going to zig, you zag.
We ended up staying in the Abacos Islands, we were newbies to the area and wanted to experience some of the “shallow” water sailing that makes us better mariners, and indeed we got to do that.
We ended up depending on not one, but three navigational tools (Navionics, C-Map and our tried and true paper charts) and four weather programs…none of which seemed to be very accurate, but in combo got us what we needed.
The Abacos can be pretty chilly in the winter, if one thinks that 60’s F for the Caribbean with a lot of wind is “chilly”; our Iowa friends are reading this and thinking we’ve lost our minds, for them 60’s with wind would be quite balmy as they battle -30 below with a wind chill beyond that. However for those of us ladies experiencing menopause this temperature is beyond awesome.
Below are a few of our winter home highlights, tips and tidbits if ever you choose to sail, powerboat or just visit the Abacos, Bahamas.
Marsh Harbour
- Stayed here for nearly three months when family and friends visited, home base for Rod when I had to travel on M2W business and home base for me when Rod worked a BVI Charter and had some dental work done in the states.
- Get your wallet out…all areas of the Bahamas are outrageously expensive due to their very, very corrupt government and also the fact that items have to get to an island…they have a 12.5% VAT Tax and in most restaurants they do charge 15% gratuity so you are already paying 27.5% over and above your food bill…makes for a pricey evening out.
Notable Dining- Jib Room Ribs- these are a definite “do” unless you are a pescatarian and then the fish isn’t too bad. We hardly ever went out to eat but Rod had the Ribs three times. Tuesday night is Rib Night at the Jib Room, arrive early because the parking lot gets quite crowded…
A “must-do” is Mermaid Reef. Mermaid Reef will not disappoint.
Rod feeding breakfast to the natives at Mermaid Reef.
The Lovely Lady of Marsh Harbour on/off the Docks
There is something about sailing, dogs and the bond between a captain and his furry first-mate! Many non-boaters cannot understand.
Meet Amber she is the queen of the Mangoes Marina in Marsh Harbour, she is loved by all and she loves her Daddy, Tom!
Amber gets to go island hopping, swimming in the ocean and lots and lots of walks. When Tom dines, Amber dines….and she is soooo spoiled!
Visitors and fellow sailors along the way…
Gill and Barry from England
Gayle and Ron from Iowa
Tammy from Iowa
Roddy – slip neighbor from North Carolina
Tom– down the dock and fellow dog lover, lives now in the Bahamas, originally from Florida
Marsh Harbour Good-Bye…
If you like great sunsets, this is the place…
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… Hello Iowa for the summer!