The sea of Abaco

The sea of Abaco

Finally we made it, despite a persistent and strong northeasterly wind.
On Monday, we left the Old Bahamas Bay marina (the dockmaster pronunces it Obama marina!) around 8:15 to go east. We entered the bank in the Goodwill channel and kept motoring, with the help of the main sail until Mangrove Cay at which point we were able to unfurl the genoa and sail.
We arrived at Great Sale cay in time for drinks and dinner. There were more than half a dozen of boats anchored there, but not much to visit on that desert island. The night was quiet as it is a very well protected anchorage, maybe with the exception of southwest winds.
Tuesday morning saw us up early as I knew that we would still be motoring against the wind and I wanted to get as close as possible to the Abacos. So, we left shortly after 7:00 and,as expected went on motoring, with 2 reefs in the main all the way to Crab cay. After that however we were able again to set the genoa and sail on close haul. Ajut rigged up a block and tackle (named Handy Billy) to pull the clew of the genoa low and in. It looked like a perfect setting and we were able to sail at more than 6 knots with the wind at 45 degrees apparent. I am hoping that in the next couple of days we will have the opportunity to do a few tacks and see what angle we get on the ground between tacks.
We arrived at Green Turtle cay and went to the Bluff House marina. With more than 20 knots of wind, backing into the slip was not the easiest thing to do and I made quite a mess of it. Still, around 5:00 p.m. we were securely tied up, without breaking or hitting anything.
I had time to register with the marina and ensured with the attendant that the bathroom were accessible at all time without the need for a key, and that I was going to be able to get a token for the laundry from the bar and grill.
This appeared to be the time when the dock attendant used to go back home and we found the bathroom locked and no token to be found at the bar.
Welcome to the Bahamas !