Pigs, Lobsters and Broken Sails - Looking For Trouble

Monument, Georgetown, BS — 01•18•24

With some strong East winds forecasted, I elected to go with Hadhammer and E Sea Ryder to Cat Island to wait out the winds. We spent the week going from New Bight to Old Bight as the winds changed. We visited Dukes in New Bight and Rollezz in Old Bight. Since Olives Bakery was closed, we used Alnor’s Bake Shop in Old Bight for fresh bread and pastries.

Somewhere Off Cat Island, BS — 01•27•24

After the winds passed, almost all the boats hunkered down at Cat Island left for Georgetown at about the same time. The wind was still strong, and a few heavy rain squalls came through.

E Sea Ryder is just cooking along in the brisk breeze. Shortly after this, we got hit by a rain squall with some punch.

1500—After the brisk sail, we all ended up in Red Shanks, Georgetown, as the mooring balls were still free. While there, we did some exploring and even did the Lazy River float.

Checking out some caves near Red Shanks — Photo by Hadhammer

Red Shanks, Georgetown, BS — 02•08•24

0645—After some heavy north winds, we thought we might be able to sail to Long Island, but heading out the south cut, the breaking swells left over from the wind were just too daunting, so we turned around and anchored off Elizebeth Island for the night, then moved over to Sand Dollar and found a spot amongst the growing number of boats showing up in Georgetown.

We stayed at Sand Dollar, visiting Peace & Plenty and St Francis Resort.

Sand Dollar Beach, Georgetown, BS — 02•16•24

I had some family and friends flying in, so I moved Trouble over to Kidd Cove to provision and pick them up. After they arrived, we moved the boat over to Red Shanks.

The friends were only staying for the weekend, so with some west winds, I planned a sail to Rolleville. I had never been there before, and we were not disappointed. There was plenty to do with Exuma Point Restaurant and the “Fake Pig Island” across the way.

Rolleville, Great Exuma, BS — 02•18•24

The friends were only here for the weekend, so we returned to Georgetown and grabbed a ball at Red Shanks. This would be the last free day, and they started charging for using the balls at Red Shanks the next day. Our friends got to their flight and, I think, had a pretty good quick trip while here. My brother was still here for another couple of weeks.

Good Morning Red Shanks — Good Morning, Red Shanks

Red Shanks, Georgetown, BS — 02•20•24

0800 Anchor up. The plan for today was to go over to Sand Dollar Beach, meet up with E Sea Ryder and Hadhammer, and head over to Long Island.

The sail was great, and the anchor was down by 1500 hours.

I exchanged photos with Hadhammer as we sail close to each other — I exchanged photos with Hadhammer as we sailed close to each other

Trouble sailing by Hadhammer—Photo by Hadhammer — Trouble Sailing by Hadhammer—Photo by Hadhammer

Our stay in Long Island was brief as I needed to ensure I could get my brother back to Georgetown for his flight.

I found a new place in Long Island for a burger and beer at Vantage Ponte

Thompson Bay, Long Island, BS — 02•23•24

0640—Anchor is coming up, and we are off to Flamingo Bay. The winds were coming from the southwest, and it was the perfect time to try anchoring in the North Bay of Flamingo Cay.

We had sundowners on the beach with the other two boats in the anchorage.

Flamingo Cay, Jumentos, BS — 02•24•24

0550—Anchor up. Today’s destination was Lee Stocking Island. Some northwest winds were coming again, and this was not a bad spot to weather in.

We used the old mailboat route to get to Lee Stocking Island. Trouble was making great time on a nice reach when suddenly I heard a big bag and the genoa flapping a little. The head of the Genoa, which the halyard (line to pull the sail up) parted, and the sail was partially coming down. I quickly furled the Genoa to try to save it. It rolled up fine. I’d have to deal with it later when I returned to Georgetown.

We anchored in front of the research center and went lobstering the next day. Pete’s Rock didn’t disappoint again; we had a great dinner.

Good morning Lee Stocking Island — Good morning, Lee Stocking Island

Research Center, Flamingo Cay, Lee Stocking Island, BS — 02•26•24

0815—Anchor up heading for Georgetown. Without a headsail, we motor sailed our way up to Georgetown. It was rough, but the anchor was down at Sand Dollar by 1245.

Sand Dollar Beach, Georgetown, BS — 02•27•24

We spent the next few days fixing the Genoa and sampling the local bars here.

Having a second set of hands was great to get the genoa down and folded up.

The sail material was a bit too thick for this Sailrite sewing machine. It broke right when I was about done.

The sail repair took longer than expected, but all boat projects do. I broke eight needles before breaking the Sailrite. Hopefully, I won’t need it till I get it repaired.