Adventures on the Water: A Journey to the Exumas

Embarking on a sailing trip is always an adventure, filled with excitement and unexpected twists. Recently, we set sail from Pineapple Cay to we thought Cape Eleuthera Marina, but continued on to the beautiful Exumas. Join us as we navigate the waters, share some delicious meals, and encounter the stunning beauty of the Bahamas.

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Setting Sail from Pineapple Cay

As we left Pineapple Cay, the ocean and sky seemed to merge into a vibrant blue, creating an illusion that boats floated in the air. My wife remarked on this breathtaking view, and I couldn’t help but capture the moment. However, the day had its challenges; our anchor was just restingon the see floor, so glad we never dragged. Also, the lack of wind meant we weren’t going anywhere quickly.

The Journey Begins

Once we finally got underway, we faced some tricky sailing conditions. With the wind angle at about 30°, we pinched our way toward Eleuthera Marina. We were making about four knots, but I felt confident that the wind would pick up. I adjusted the autopilot to follow the wind optimizing our speed, and we began to make better progress.

Calm Waters Ahead

As we sailed, the wind died down significantly, making the sea appear like a serene lake. The calmness was unexpected but welcomed. I took this opportunity to enjoy a meal my wife prepared—delicious flour tortillas stuffed with leftovers. Meanwhile, she opted for a healthier mix of rice, cheese, and fresh tomatoes grown right here in the Bahamas.

Navigating Davis Channel

After some time, we approached Davis Channel, where the wind shifted favorably. We had to be cautious, as the channel was narrow with rocks on either side. My wife kept an eye out for bombies—underwater hazards that could pose a risk to our vessel. The charts indicated that our draft of 6.5 feet was safe, but I always prefer to double-check.

Boosted by the Current

Once in the channel, we experienced a nice boost from the current, allowing us to pick up speed. We were cruising at about six knots and approaching our destination quicker than anticipated. However, we decided against anchoring near the marina due to the rocky and shallow waters surrounding us. At this point we decided Exumas may be the best option.

Onward to the Exumas

With about four hours left to our destination, we continued our journey toward the Exumas. My wife and I enjoyed the views as we sailed, feeling the thrill of adventure. We were determined to reach our anchorage before dark, as night sailing can be intimidating, especially for my wife.

Finally Arriving at Highborn Cay in Exumas

As the sun began to set, we spotted Highborn Cay on the horizon. The anticipation was palpable, and we were eager to explore this new area. With about seven miles to go, we navigated through deeper waters, keeping an eye out for rocks and shallow spots. The colors of the ocean were mesmerizing, transitioning from deep blue to turquoise as we approached our anchorage.

Dropping Anchor

Once we arrived, it was time to drop the anchor. My babe carefully let out the chain, ensuring we were well-positioned in the sandy bottom. The water was clear, and we could see our anchor settling into place. After a long day of sailing, we were finally ready to relax and enjoy our new surroundings.

Exploring Norman’s Key

Our next stop was Norman’s Key, where we hoped for a more secure anchorage with less rolling. The water was stunningly beautiful, and we were excited to explore the area. There were rumors of a sunken drug plane and a boat nearby, which piqued our interest. My wife was not eager to dive down and take a look, she says it freaks her out.

A Day of Adventure

After anchoring, we set out to explore the island. The scenery was breathtaking, and we stumbled upon a love bench dedicated to couples. We couldn’t resist taking a moment to enjoy the view and reflect on our journey. We even let our dog, Bella, roam free for a bit, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

As we continued our exploration, we encountered some challenges navigating through a narrow cut. Despite our best efforts, we found ourselves unable to get through due to shallow waters. It was a reminder that sometimes, planning ahead is crucial when sailing in unfamiliar territories.

Reflections on the Journey

Throughout our adventure, we encountered both calm and tumultuous moments. We experienced the beauty of the Bahamas, shared meals, and faced the challenges of sailing. Each moment added to the richness of our journey, and we look forward to more adventures ahead.

Final Thoughts

Sailing to the Exumas was an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty, delicious food, and the joy of exploration. We learned valuable lessons about navigation and the importance of being prepared. As we continue our journey, we can’t wait to see what other adventures await us on the open water.