Bahama Blues

Wonderful to be sailing over the shallows of the Bahama Banks again. The azure blue waters is truly something to behold. On the bottom the shadow of our boat is clearly visible as we glide over the white sand and grass patches here and there. Depth around where we are is ten meters. Coming from sailing five thousand meter deep waters for weeks, you can understand my fascination. Fortunately the area is well charted and we can navigate safely. Some areas are covered with coral heads, and small patches of sand above the water called cays. Obviously some are quite big and populated.

Earlier this morning we sailed pass Cayo Lobos, a small patch of land with a spectacular old disfunctional lighthouse standing proud against the elements. Do yourself a favor and Google it, and imagine being the lighthouse keeper there.

As usual when we cross over the Bahama Banks, we hooked a barracuda busy patrolling its territory. Beautiful fish, with big teeth, and although edible, could also be very poisonous. The easiest and safest way to get the hook out is to cover its eyes with a wet rag. That seems to pacify the fish. Thomas pulled the fish in, and I set about removing the hook with a pair of pliers. It's a bit of a mission, and you want to do it as quickly as possible. Working in such close proximity to the crocodile like teeth is a bit nerve wracking, but the secret is to focus on the the job at hand. You don't want to do it tentatively, it could result in a nasty injury. After a short struggle the fish was returned to the ocean.

We are flying our gennaker and busy working our way off the banks back into the Old Bahamas Channel. This is partly due to the wind direction, and the prospect of positive current I have our favor. Our ETA at Fort Lauderdale is Saturday morning. We have booked a berth at the Bahia Mar Yacht Club and we plan to spend a few days there, probably departing on Wednesday for Annapolis. The Bahia Mar is a top class facility, and we are looking much forward to our visit there.

Hope you are having a great day and looking forward to the weekend ahead.

Will keep you posted.

Paul

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