Bit by the Cat

We made the trip across Exuma Sound in a great sail and are anchored by New Bight on Cat Island.

Emerald Bay in the rear view mirror already under sail.

We wanted to get an early start today so we could be sure to sail if there was any decent wind. Forecast was for 10-15 out of the southeast which should make for a good sail. So we started early but clearing the office which didn't open until 8 and the complexities of getting off the dock ate time along with waiting to top off with fuel. Then after the fuel dock we used the calm water in the marina to gather n all the dock lines and fenders used at the dock. In the end it was after 930 when we finally left the cut and out into Exuma Sound.

We topped off our fuel tank today for the first time since we arrived in Nassau over a month ago. For all our traveling and running the generator we used only 18 gal. because we were able to sail since we left Nassau. Leaving Emerald Bay proved to continue that opportunity.

Linda enjoying the sail.

Whose driving?

What a great sail we had! Wind was blowing 10-15 with gusts to 20 out of the SE and our course was NE putting the apparent wind ahead of the beam. With our cutter rigged boat we used both headsails and main to slide across the water with fair speed. We made the crossing of just under 50 miles in just over 6 hours for an average speed between 7.5-8 kts. Not bad for a big heavy boat like ours.

The day was absolutely beautiful. We had almost full sun and a clear blue sky over shimmering blue water. The wind was driving a nice chop along with a constant swell of 3-4 ft in a 4-5 sec. interval.
So apart from an occasional big swell the constant rolling was comfortable.

First view of Cat with the turquoise water reflected in the sky.

Getting to the island bank the water became turquoise in the shallows and made for a beautiful passage to the Town of New Bight. We dropped anchor and it set quickly in the deep sand.

New Bight.

We're able to get internet from the public wifi and found that Cat Island also has a transmitter to relay US and Bahama TV so we are currently watching the Ten Commandments on Miami's ABC station.

Tomorrow we begin our exploring.