Crossing Over

Well, we’ve done it.  Although Rob has encountered the Gulf Stream repeatedly, yesterday was my first experience.  Our small but capable crew of three boats got up before the sun and prepared for our trip “over”.  Engines started at 6:30, moorings dropped at 6:45 and the three boats – Nautilus, Long Gone and Moonshadow – were on our way.

The sun rose ahead of us as we left Dinner Key mooring field and we crossed Biscayne Bay heading out the Stiltsville cut and into a calm ocean.  Planning one of these journeys can be more eventful than the crossing itself if you pick the right day.  We have been watching weather for over a week searching for just the right conditions – wind WITH the gulf stream current and blowing under 15 knots. 

The wind was east southeast, just off our bow almost the entire way but we managed to keep some sail up the whole day.  We made repeated attempts to put up more or different sail configurations but were happy enough to have a smooth ride and motor sailed across the approximate 45 miles of 2.5 – 3 knot northerly current.

The clear but colder water of the Florida coast goes from 20 feet deep but drops over about 5 miles to over 2500 feet deep, turning a warm and beautiful cobalt blue.  The waves never got over 3-4 feet and we had a good ride.  As you arrive in the Bahamas, the water doesn’t get shallow until right on the coast – less than 2 miles out the water jumps from 2800’ to about 700’ and then waits until you’re right onshore to jump to 110’ and then about 12’ of crystal clear baby blue perfection!!!  Unfortunately, keeping a 36,000 pound vessel off of the shifting sands meant no thoughts were on picture taking!

The inlet was tight and the currents were running out and strong but we made our way through just fine and, following our two leaders, made our way to our slip in Blue Water marina with the help of JR, the most friendly and capable dock hand we’ve experienced to date!  After a quick and perfect tie up in our slip, I told JR this was my first time here.  His response “And you now have a friend in the Bahamas” with a big smile and a handshake.

The deal upon entering a country’s waters is to raise a yellow quarantine flag signaling you need to still clear customs.  This was done and the boys got cleaned up and headed to the immigration office to do just that.  Upon their return, the quarantine flag was replaced with the Bahamian flag and we were ceremoniously presented with our first Kalik Bahamian beer!

After a rousing sundowner with our three boats and Tom and Jean aboard Amadon Lights (who we met in Lake Sylvia) we took a welcome hot shower at the marina, had a quick bite and within a short time fell into bed ready to see the beaches and meet the people of Alice Town in the morning.  Bimini bread, anyone?!