1.11.12 Wednesday 2am, rechecking the weather, stowing all loose gear. At 220a we pulled away from the wall and headed out of Ft. Lauderdale. Winds are light so far. By 3a we're well outside the channel markers and the wind is now 12 from the south! We raised a full main and set our course. At about 5 miles off shore we are starting to feel the effects of the Gulf Stream against our course heading. We are aiming for Grand Bahama with a course of around 90 degrees. The current is pushing is north so we're actually traveling to about 70 degrees. We have to keep turning towards the south to counteract the current and reach for 109 or more before settling in. Average SOG (speed over ground via the GPS) is 7 knots. This is how the day went, and went and went. The winds increased to more than 20 with gusts as high as 27 knots. The wind direction from the south makes it easier to stay on course and keep the sails full without effort. By 1230p or so we can see land and the high profile of freighters all around Freeport Harbour. At 3p we enter the Bell Channel and tied up to the Port Lucaya Marina for our customs and immigration check in at about 330p. It's 13 hours later, there are no broken bones, no issues with the boat, and no problems when paying the $300 fee. Life is good.
The water here is absolutely amazing. Beautiful clear blue water that you can see through to the bottom at 15 feet or more. We'll be definitely be pulling out the snorkels this week and hunting for lobsters! We're staying in Ocean Reef Marina for a month or so. Come on down!
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