Lora by copy of this email I am asking Jackie Kelley to send you a few pictures if she would. Also you could use those on our blog.
Craig
Fourteen boats left Gulf Harbour on Sunday and Monday, May 23rd and 24th and headed for the Abacos in the Bahama. The captains and their crews were;
Treadnwater...Craig and Mary Lou Anderson and guests
Lady Brooks...Dave and Brooks Burleson
Bucharoo..Karl Pierce and two of his daughters
Marisa Mae...Stewart and Andrea Mills
Captain Morgan...Gary and Sharyn Morgan and son
Doc's Jewel...Tom and Julie Allen
Blue Bird...Alex Jarlette and guests
Annie Time...Al Den Besten and Annie
Carpe Diem...Bob and Dee Moore
One Fine Tolly...Jo and Greg Callaway...cruise leaders
Tonto's Reward...David and Gail Berstein and guests
Salty Lady,,,Jim and Camille Tichner and guests
Kismar...Jimmy and Shiela Johnston
Elska...David and Jackie Kelley...cruise leaders
The first leg was a run to Marathon which proved to be the roughest water of the 2 week trip. After a night in Marathon the fleet made its way to Miami. Most of the group ran the inside ICW route which proved to be calm, scenic and a navigation challenge.
Wednesday found the crews up early and heading out through the rough waters of Government Cut into the Atlantic and across the gulf stream. The 84 mile cruise proved to be uneventful and all arrived mid afternoon at West End in the Grand Bahamas. Each boat flew their quarantine flag until they cleared customs and then raised the Bahama flag for the remainder of the trip.
Thursday found the fleet in Green Turtle Marina after a 80+ mile run in the Sea of Abacos. Most everyone rented golf carts for the two day stay and toured the island.
Saturday the fleet faced its next big navigation challenge...Whale Cay. This required the fleet to enter the Atlantic ocean through a narrow cut and then run a couple of miles before reentering the protection of the barrier islands. The seas were kind to us and after the short run we arrived at Bakers Bay on Great Guana Cay. This is a top of class development and that night Ryan Seacrest, idol fame, and Julianne Hough, dancing with the stars, were hosting a private party. Our invitations seemed to have got lost in the mail...or maybe our boats were a little too small.
Sunday the group found their way to Nippers Bar on the beach for the famous pig roast. People from all the various Cays cruise in for this weekly event. Beside being on the beach they have a pool which made people watching the highlight of the day.
Monday the fleet motored an exhausting 12 miles to Marsh Harbor. This is the largest town we visited and was a chance for the fleet to lay in provisions from the supermarket. Many of the group rented cars and visited the 3 mile beach at Treasure Cay. This has been rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and I think it was underrated. I have never seen sand so white and fine; and the water so clear and blue.
For those not visiting the beach, Pete's Pub and gallery was a great spot for lunch. The 6 mile one lane dirt road to reach the pub only made the trip more worthwhile.
After paying our dockage and electric bill in Marsh harbor the fleet cruised to Sea Spray resort on Elbow Cay. The highlight of this stop was Hope Town and its fine restaurants. Karl's daughter also planned a surprise birthday cocktail party including a local band.
Due to weather the fleet laid over an extra day before crossing Whale Cay and on to Spanish Cay. Spanish Cay is a privately owned island and development that seems to be eating up cash of its owner. The Wreck Bar on the beach and the one restaurant were great; and the staff and owner were probably the most accommodating of any port. . The private runway will handle small private jets. The owners personal 150 foot yacht is an easy land mark when looking for the harbor. Sure hope they make it; it is a great stop
Sun began our return cruise home with the first stop back at West End. The crew met at the West End restaurant that evening and celebrated Jimmy's upcoming birthday. A number of boats separated from the fleet, either staying in the islands, heading to different ports or just adjusting their float plans based on cruising speeds.
The remaining fleet of 7 boats left West End at 7:00am Monday, crossing the Atlantic to Miami and on to Mangrove Marina in the Keys by way of the ICW. The water was extremely shallow in the marina, but with local boaters help we all got docked and Annie put together a pizza party on the dock.
Tuesday morning June 7th we found a little deeper water on the way out of the marina and the fleet made its way to our home port, Gulf Harbour. It really felt great passing the lighthouse and bringing in all our boats safely to our GH docks. Better yet we had no major mechanical problems or breakdowns. This is a true sign of the care GHYC members give their boats.
Believe it or not the float plan prepared by the Callaways and Kelleys nearly a year prior was followed except for one day. This was either the best float plan ever, they have an in with the weather man.
This is what belonging to GHYC is all about...being on the water for an extended cruise with a great bunch of skippers and crew.
For more day by day details and pictures visit our blog site http://ghycabacos2011.blogspot.com/
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