The Bahamas

We have made it! One small sail for Rich and one big jump into a new adventure in our sailing life.

The passing was surprisingly painless. We waited for the wind to start clocking around to the south east from the north and left just as it hit east. The Gulf Stream had lain down a bit and during the day it became a nice ride with long 3 to 4 foot swells rolling beneath us. The wind did clock around to the south east and we eventually got to turn the motor off and sail a bit.

As we approached the Bahamas banks the wind died and we motored all through the night to Green Turtle Cay (sounded like key).

I went ashore to check in. Only the captain of the vessel may go ashore to check in. The customs office is in the pink building to the right along with the post office.

During this time we had to fly a Yellow flag to indicate that our boat was in “quarantine”.

After checking, you lower the “Q” flag and replace it with the designated flag of the country that you’re in. All during your stay you keep that flag flying at the starboard spreaders and an American flag on the aft topping lift. We got there about 10:00 in the morning and as the day wore on another dozen or so boats arrived. It was a great start to a winter of exploration.