Crossing the Great Bahama Bank

Ok, I'm gonna be honest, we were really dreading crossing the Great Bahama Bank.

Our >>Gulf Stream Crossing<< a few weeks earlier had completely rocked our boat, literally and figuratively, and left us frazzled and completely exhausted. We hadn’t done an all-day sail since, but weeks of total isolation in South Cat Cay we'd had a little time to rebuild our courage, and regroup. We were ready to take the next plunge - crossing the Great Bahama Bank, from Bimini to the Berry Islands.

This journey would be a 76 mile trip, around 25 miles more than the gruesome Gulf Stream crossing. However, this passage was less concerning because the route meandered over the calm bank, instead of the powerful Gulf Stream which had us fighting strong winds and currents. The Great Bahama Bank is miles and miles of shallow water and coral reefs, mostly under 10 feet deep. Although we'd have to keep an eye out for shallow coral, the reefs would help protect us from rough water... hopefully making for a super smooth ride.

We had heard wonderful things about the fabled Berry Islands from fellow cruisers... Tales of abandoned structures to explore, miles of perfect beaches to yourself, lobsters the size of dogs, and pure peace and quiet. With renewed vigor in our adventurous hearts (and a little fear, too) we pulled up Wanderlust's anchor in South Cat Cay on Christmas Eve to cross the Great Bahama Bank.

We were as happy as pigs in mud when we found the water across the Bahama Banks was clear as glass, and visibility was at least 15 meters. The skies were sunny, and we had a nice breeze despite that the wind direction was all wrong for sailing, which meant motoring the entire time. Because motoring requires so little attention in the calm seas, Ben and I passed the time by listening to audiobooks, singing every song we know (including Christmas Carols and commercial jingles), doing yoga on deck, taking turns napping, and fishing. Aside from boredom, this crossing had absolutely zero trouble!

We were able to hook one amberjack and a big mackerel trolling a squid line! Dinner! We filleted them and threw it in the fridge for later.

Ruca was able to meander around on deck, find different spots to snooze in the sun, and bark at any critter that may dare to pop their head or fin out of the water.

S/V Wanderlust made good time on the easy passage, and we arrived to Bird Cay in the early evening. We settled in for the night, grateful for such a wonderful, safe and easy trip. At the end of the day, we found comfort in the fact that every long passage is not as exhausting and fearsome as the Gulf Stream, and were reassured that the sailing life is the life for us.

In the morning, on to the Berry Islands!

Thanks for Reading,

Quinn, Ben, and Ruca

#destinations #Bahamas