EXUMAS 2003
An excellent and unique opportunity for an offshore cruise and cruising along wonderful beaches.
There will be no big cruise boats or charter companies in the Exumas and the only way to access these wonderful islands are by small plane, sailing- or motor yachts.
November - May
Great Beach
CRUISE ITINERARY
As part of the Bahamas, this 365-island chain is just the best for sailing during the winter months.
This is a cruise offering challenges to the seasoned sailor as well to the beginner. The passage over the Gulf Stream to Bimini and then to navigate the shallow waters down to George Town. This requires a variety of skills from the skipper and navigator. It also offers variation from highly mundane places like Nassau, to solitude and uninhabited Cays in the Exumas.
The cruise will permit crew changes in Nassau on New Providence and George Town on Great Exuma, both places are easily accessible by plane out of Miami.
The cruise will start in Cape Coral going first to Key West. Then along the Florida Keys until we will cross the Gulf Stream to Bimini or Cat Cay in the Bahamas and continuing southeast to Nassau and the Exumas. We will spend a day in Nassau. From there we continue in SE direction through coral heads down to Allan’s Cay where Iguanas are still roaming the island. Heading S and SE, many isolated islands are lying in a chain where their eastern shores are in deep water while the western shores are very shallow and excellent shelters for the overnight anchorages.
The beaches are untouched and the waters with incredible colors and clarity, are just perfect for snorkeling. There is abandoned sea life in the protected Sea Park between the Wax Cay Cut and the Conch Cut.
About half way down to St. George, there is an interesting stop at Staniel Cay. This is the place where James Bond was active in the movie "Thunderball". The site has an underwater cave that can be visited with snorkeling gear.
Continuation to St. George along the many snorkeling places and to the inlet to Elizabeth Harbor, which is basically a large anchorage for Snowbirds staying on their boats for several months. Last time in the Exumas, there were about 180 boats on anchor. George Town is a good place for crew change and provisioning.
Yacht Type:
It will be an offshore sailing yacht "Wauquiez 47" of 47 feet length with 2 double cabins and separate heads and shower. Double cabins have to be shared. The yacht has air conditioning and is fully seaworthy with all the required safety equipment.
A cruise to the Exumas and a typical daily itinerary.
Going to the Exumas from Florida and back by a sailing yacht requires at least 2 weeks, because of the long distance and that night sailing is not allowed. The benefits are that there is, besides of Nassau, no tourism. The islands are pristine, many of them uninhabited, very natural and ideal for overnight anchorages.
The typical daily log. In the morning we will have a leisurely breakfast on board. Once the crew is ready to go, the boat will be prepared with all safety equipment and prepared for the daily activity, which is mainly sailing and snorkeling. We will then leave the anchorage or marina and navigate to the foreseen destination. Navigator and Helmsman will then discuss the strategy on how to get to the new destination. The various tasks will be divided among the crew on a daily basis. Everyone can get some experience in the various tasks. For those not familiar with the work, they have a great opportunity to learn on offshore cruising. The Exumas are an ideal territory to learn about tides, currents, approaching anchorages or marinas and other sailing elements not so common in other areas.
The skipper has a license and is qualified to teach all the necessary elements in cruising the oceans.
Besides the required work, we will have a lot of fun in visiting remote islands, crystal clear waters for snorkeling and enjoy the fantastic weather in the Exumas.
Provisioning.
Will be done en route at available grocery stores. All the provisioning and beverage will be shared among the participants including the skipper.
Price.
There is a minimum stay of 2 weeks unless a crew change can be matched with another party either in Nassau or in St. George. This needs to be discussed with the skipper in order to plan the itinerary accordingly. The price is $ 650.00 per person per week. Possibly minor adjustments will be made. This price does not include provisioning, the Bahamas cruising fee, diesel fuel or water if we have to buy it, or the mooring fees at the Atlantis in Nassau. It includes the boat, the insurance, the sheets, blankets, pillows and towels.
Reservation.
Such a trip requires planning and to reserve the boat for a long cruise needs an early commitment. So if you are interested, sign up now, or let us know about your interest.
Travel to Nassau and the Exumas.
There are daily flights to Nassau and George Town by Bahamas Air and American Eagle.
Also the flight has to be booked fairly early, as these planes are smaller. Nassau and George Town are well-visited destinations during the winter months.
For any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Creative Sailing Corp.
5008 SW 17th Ave.
Cape Coral, FL 33914
Phone: 239-542-5138
e-mail: mail@CreativeSailing.com
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