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Bahamas Sail Charter Thoughts/Options
#146611
10/18/2017 02:15 PM
10/18/2017 02:15 PM
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111 Denver & Breckenridge, CO
BreckSailor
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Denver & Breckenridge, CO
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First, I apologize that this is somewhat misplaced in this forum. However, with so many experienced sailors here I thought I'd ask about Bahamas sail chartering.
Despite 30 yrs of sailing, I've never sailed in Bahamas and am looking to take my family there for next March '18 spring break trip. As best I can tell, my choices are basically Abacos and Exumas bases - and choosing between the 2 multinational opns and smaller opns (generally preferred).
Does anyone have any particular experience with differences - especially sailing and "experience" wise - between the island chains? I suppose we prefer experiences similar to Virgin Islands of 20+ years ago - meaning very casual and laid back, less developed, fewer boats and developed beaches, fewer college groups and pirate flags. Also, when we sail we enjoy the 20+ mile passages from place to place - I don't like feeling confined to a small area.
Also, if anyone has any experience with the smaller local Bahama sail charter operators I'd love to hear of them - I generally know what I'm going to get with the 2 large operations.
Much thanks!
Kevin
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Re: Bahamas Sail Charter Thoughts/Options
[Re: BreckSailor]
#146614
10/18/2017 03:25 PM
10/18/2017 03:25 PM
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901 Maine
Breeze
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901
Maine
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Re: Bahamas Sail Charter Thoughts/Options
[Re: BreckSailor]
#146618
10/19/2017 07:27 AM
10/19/2017 07:27 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,928 Annapolis
Eva
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,928
Annapolis
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I chartered in the Exumas this year (Navtours out of Nassau); I also spent 4 months in the Bahamas (2.5 of which were spent in the Exumas) as a cruiser on my own boat before that. I love the Exumas, but they are not an easy place for charterers. You have to be very resourceful, as you can go days and many many miles between places to fuel up and top up. Not much in the way of restaurants or bars, either. If you like seclusion, you'll be delighted.
I've got a Caribbean Soul I can barely control... (JB)
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Re: Bahamas Sail Charter Thoughts/Options
[Re: cruzdoc]
#146620
10/22/2017 02:14 PM
10/22/2017 02:14 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 33 FL
Catdancer
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 33
FL
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We used to sail the Abacos when we lived in S.FL 35 years ago, and twice in the past three years as retirees, most recently in August. In some ways, time has stood still for some of the islands (especially Man O War). On others, such as Great Guana and Green Turtle, there are more options for dining etc. similar to BVis. We particularly love the clear, usually calm waters with numerous opportunities for snorkeling and diving on spectacular reefs. There are deserted little islands, and Hope Town on Elbow Cay is always a favorite for all. The winds during the April trip made for excellent sailing, better than the summer winds, but keep in mind that the temps are the same as West Palm Beach; beautiful sunny days for beaching and shallow water swims, but the water temps were a bit cool for us southerners to do much snorkeling on the Atlantic reefs. We will continue to explore and enjoy the Abacos for as long as we can still get in and out of a dinghy!
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Re: Bahamas Sail Charter Thoughts/Options
[Re: NWA4Sail]
#146622
10/24/2017 07:32 AM
10/24/2017 07:32 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,928 Annapolis
Eva
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,928
Annapolis
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Both Dream Yacht Charters and Cruise Abaco have monohulls available for charter in the Abacos; Navtours has a few monohulls for the Exumas.
While we had little trouble with our own monohull (draft approx. 5' with a wing keel) -- only hit bottom once in the Abacos -- why not give a cat a try? Unless cost is an object, cats are ideal for the skinny waters of the Bahamas, letting you tuck in closer to shore if you choose. Of course, cats involve some compromises in sailing performance, but in the Exumas you won't be doing all that much sailing; in the Abacos, you do a lot of beam reaching in the prevailing winds, so a cat is fine for that.
I've got a Caribbean Soul I can barely control... (JB)
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Re: Bahamas Sail Charter Thoughts/Options
[Re: NWA4Sail]
#146624
10/24/2017 10:51 AM
10/24/2017 10:51 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,928 Annapolis
Eva
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,928
Annapolis
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If you can sail a mono, you can sail a cat. And, under power, with twin engines, it's easier to maneuver.
I've got a Caribbean Soul I can barely control... (JB)
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Re: Bahamas Sail Charter Thoughts/Options
[Re: Eva]
#146625
10/24/2017 04:04 PM
10/24/2017 04:04 PM
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 45 Charleston, SC
CHS_JDE
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 45
Charleston, SC
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Eva said: If you can sail a mono, you can sail a cat. And, under power, with twin engines, it's easier to maneuver. I second that. Experienced monohullers who recently switched. Based on maneuverability alone we won't switch back. Cruising cats tack like fat pigs, but once you get used to it, no going back!
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