Grand Bahama -- Sunrise Resort and Marina

 

Tracking 104 degrees true on a heading of 130 degrees true through a northerly gulf stream current of 2.5 knorts, a mild 10 knots wind from the SE, two to three foots swells with a > 10 second period, "Otto" (autopilot) at the helm keeping us on a steady course for 70 nautical miles at 8.5 SOG (knots speed over ground).  WOW, what a seven hour ride!!  In fact we arrived early off the coast of Grand Bahama and had to slow down a bit to arrive at the inlet to Sunrise Resort and Marina at high tide.  The red and green buoys were actually stakes in the sand.  The inlet was very narrow.  I had Bettilynn on the bow looking and pointing at dark patches under the water meaning rocks and coral heads -- hitting bottom here would not be the same at pushing through soft mud or sand !!   Great experience for narrow approaches to come.  But, we came in with no less than 5 feet under the keel and entered the marina with 10 foot depths.  The dockmaster met us at out assigned spot and had already called customs and immigration.  They have done this before.

 

The Bahamian authorities came to the boat, we filled out all of the required paperwork, paid our $300 cruising fee, and settled in for the night.  The cold front came through the next day with all of the winds and rough weather that would have made the entry nearly impossible if not plain dangerous!!  Great timing!

 

 

 

A view South toward the inlet entrance.  Mavourneen is moored port side to on a floating dock.

Another view of Mavourneen with the resort in the background

The water is so clear in the marina, the entire hull, rudders and props are visible,  Big difference from being moored in the Chesapeake Bay.

Some resort amenities.

We chose this marina fron reviews posted on the Active Captain website.  That site along with Passage maker website for weather information is invaluable for cruising.  They offer transient fee discount for retired military, Boat US, or Active Captain members.  We plan to stay a week, catching the next weather window to head South to the Berry Islands.  In the meantine, we'll drop the dingy, find some place to do a bit of snorkling, visit the international marketplace in Lucaya and enjoy the warm Bahamian weather.