The last unexplored cruising destination in the West Indies. With over 2000 miles of coastline, 289 beaches and pristine coral reefs, it is an island time forgot. Sailing there is akin to turning your boat into a time machine. I have always been mystified by Cuba, never understood how a communist country could be so passionate about life. It has…
On November 17th, we fly in to pick up SummerSalt. We’ll sail south through the Exumas and along the Ragged Islands to Duncantown. That is about 80 miles from Cuba and we will probably sail over night to arrive with lots of daylight to clear in. Our Cuba arrival depends on the weather conditions, But we’ll be sure to post…
The Cuba Libre originated in Havana around 1900 and is a fitting drink for toasting our upcoming trip. A blend of quintessentially American Coca-Cola and rum, This drink was born as American soldiers mixed in Cuba around the Spanish-American war. According to Bacardi’s history: “The drink united crowds in a spirit of fun and good fellowship. When they ordered another…
Lou Kizer and I worked our way up and across the northern Abacos. We decided to brave the chilly water and snorkle on the ocean side of Nunjack Cay. Years ago I had caught numerous lobster there and wanted to see if any were left. We caught two to go with our steaks that night. Added with a couple of…
Sailed across 30 miles of 15′ deep water of the Exumas Bank to Nassau. Picked up Capt. Lou Kizer for him to rejoin the Bella Gatta. After several days in Nassau, I am complete with that island for another 20 years. The last leg of the adventure is in the Abaco Islands. If Nassau is like Myrtle Beach, the Abacos…
Zoomed up through the Exumas, which are in the middle of the Bahamas. They are a long thin necklace of islands with 5000′ deep water on the east and 15′ deep sandy banks on the west. Stopped at my favorite places from the sailing sabbatical back in 2002. At Staniel Cay, snorkled at Thunderball Grotto. A beautiful rock cavern that…
Since sailing 270 miles from the Turks and Caicos to the Exumas (southern Bahamas) on my own, I have developed a strong respect for the Around Alone sailors. I have just one question for them: WHY? It is much more fun and safer with people. I was constantly aware that with the autopilot on, if I fell off, the Bella…
Hello again. I apologize for the amount of time since the last blog. Spent some family time at home over the Holidays and worked at the office for a few weeks. Flew back down to St. Thomas with an excellent crew, Bunky Wichmann, on Saturday Jan. 17th. We got on the Bella Gatta late that night and spent all Sunday…
The Virgin Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, his second trip. He named them for the 11,000 virgins that killed themselves instead of a fate worse than death with the Huns. The 80 mile sail across the Anegada Passage was exciting, in a good way. Strong winds and big waves (14′) were going in our direction. We averaged…
All these Saints. You would think all the locals would have halos on their heads. NOT! Chris Columbus named all these islands after obscure places and one after his patron saint, St. Christopher (St. Kitts). After motoring 28 miles into the wind from Saba to St. Barths, I picked up Lou Kizer again and a new crew member, David Stone….
