two sailboats leave a harbor in the bahamas

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• Thread starter ConfusedMath
• Start date Feb 25, 2010

ConfusedMath

• Feb 25, 2010

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I am stumped on this word problem, "Two sailboats leave a harbor in the bahamas at the same time. The first sails at 23 mph in a direction 330 degrees. The second sails at 34 mph in a direction 190 degrees. Assuming both maintain speed and heading, after 2 hours how far apart are the boats?" I found the distance of each boat( 23 mph*2, 34 mph*2) and set up 46=a and 68=b This is a recreation of the pic I drew, though I'm sure the angles are not to scale. (please excuse how crappy it is ) If I knew what angle C was I could find the distance(little c) with the law of cosines, but I don't know how to find the angle since the two angles (190 and 330) do not add up to 180.(ignore the straight line I have there, my angles are not drawn well to proportion) I only have two sides, and as far as I'm told with the info it is not a right triangle so can't use Pythagorean. How do I find the side, or other angles when I only have 2 sides, no supplementary angles and not a right triangle? Click to expand...

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Two sailboats leave the harbor in the Bahamas at the same time. The first sails at 25 mph in a direction 330° The second sails at 30 mph in a direction 220°. Assuming that both boats maintain speed and heading after 3 hours how far apart are the boats? 145.3 miles 135.4 miles 95.9 miles 78.4 miles

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A Boater's Guide To Cruising The Bahamas

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Reaching paradise never comes easy. This veteran of the Bahamas liveaboard life shows how it's done.

An aerial view of the Exumas. (Photo: Onne van der Wal)

They say that no one knows the exact number of islands in the Bahamas. Some say that there are around 2,400 of them, scattered about a stunning 590-mile-long archipelago, with its closest area being, for many boats, just one day's trip from Florida. Fewer than 50 of these islands have a village or town. Most are tiny islets with rocky shorelines and white beaches hinting of pink. Each is a gem of mangrove, casuarinas, palmetto, sea grape, and coconut palms hiding curly tail lizards, hermit crabs, and birds. But it's the wonderland of the ocean that is the Bahamas' most spectacular feature, with its warm turquoise waters over much of the shallow Bahama Banks.

On a good day, cruising on the banks, you can look into those clear waters and see fish, sharks, and rays darting away from your hull's shadow as it sweeps across the bottom. Below you, grass and fan coral sway with the current. Brain coral hides exotic fish, lobster, and moray eel. Dramatic troughs leading from the shallows out to sea — such as the Tongue of the Ocean and the Northwest Providence Channel — divide the banks, the changing water colors from light turquoise to deep blue leaving even seasoned world travelers in awe.

The islands of the Bahamas lie mostly along the edges of the banks. On some of the outer islands, mail and groceries arrive by boat, and telephone and electricity in homes are relatively recent developments. While some equate the Bahamas with the cities of Nassau or Freeport, the boater's dreams tend to be of islands a bit farther off, such as Long Island, Highborne Cay, Eleuthera, Royal Island, Green Turtle, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Crooked Island, and the Jumentos — or islands with no names at all, except as they're known to locals, such as Chicken Cay or "His and Hers."

Getting Around And About

The culture, dialect, and pace are distinctly Caribbean, yet the western waters of the Bahamas are only a little over 40 miles from Florida at the closest point. That 40-plus miles is composed of the mighty Gulf Stream, a warm and powerful river in the ocean with current rushing from south to north. Crossing it in the right conditions can be a beautiful trip. But crossing it in the wrong conditions, such as during strong northerly winds, can be dangerous and extremely uncomfortable. Pick your weather carefully, look for flat calm or gentle southerlies, and never go on the verge of a cold front or storm.

Snug all-weather anchorages are rare in the Bahamas, but when you find them, they offer camaraderie, supplies, and parties. (Photo: Onne van der Wal)

When my family and I first started going to the Bahamas many years ago, we followed a compass course and adjusted our routes to currents, wind, and waves. When we reckoned enough time had passed to raise an island, we searched the horizon. If we saw an island, we had to figure out which it was using landmarks, like clumps of trees or hills or colored cliffs. As we sailed in from deep ocean water onto to the shallow Bahama Banks, it was always a stunning moment as the depth sounder went from off soundings to 15 feet! We relied on the art of reading the colors of the water and the vagaries of the tidal currents by watching fan coral and sea grasses swaying to the flow under our boat — a fun endeavor, unless the light was poor or in our eyes.

Today, it's easier with GPS chartplotters. But you get in trouble if you rely too heavily on electronics. Sand shoals shift from year to year, and rocky bars and reefs may not be perfectly charted in the first place. A GPS fix is only as good as the chart you're relying on, and strong currents in inlets can set you onto rocks even as you watch your icon on the screen. And if your GPS equipment or the system isn't functioning well, you can get into trouble. The popularity of "crowdsourcing" doesn't necessarily work well in these waters, either; you never know the experience level of "the crowd" or the accuracy of their observations. Being a little off can put you on a reef.

Reliable guidebooks and paper charts are essential for Bahamas cruising. Otherwise, GPS waypoints extrapolated from mixed data may not be right on the spot. "Right on the spot" is critical when you're navigating an inlet that's only a few hundred feet wide with rocks and reefs around it and swells rolling in. Remember, Bahamas aids to navigation are rare and often not maintained.

Unlike the more forgiving waters of, say, Chesapeake Bay, the Bahamas are riddled with reefs, rocks, and brown bars (rocky ledges) that can quickly hole a boat, and there's no U.S. Coast Guard daily presence. There are some very good salvage firms, but the waters to which they must respond are vast. Lack of infrastructure means inconveniences and often long periods of time required for repairs. In many areas, there are few or no secure marinas or good anchorages available for storm protection. The Bahamas is mostly beautiful wilderness, so take care and navigate conservatively. To do so, you'll need the most reliable charts.

Sara and Monty Lewis began cruising the Bahamas more than 35 years ago. They produce and update The Explorer Chartbooks . Experienced cruisers swear by these Lewis charts. The waypoints provided are, they say, based on the Lewis team actually having gone to the rock, the deep part of the inlet, or the reef and recording the exact GPS reading while on site or verified with satellite photos or trusted advisers' data. Not only do they provide accurate full-color navigational charts, they also include cruising guide "need-to-know info" with informative articles and updated details on facilities and services throughout the Bahamas. (It's information from The Explorer Chartbooks that we heavily relied upon to bring you this article.)

Introducing The Bahamas By Region

Coming by boat , you'll probably get your first impression of the Bahamas from its western boundary. Here, the water and reefs are beautiful, and there are some anchorages for settled weather, as well as some marinas. Most of the small islands have rocky shores and lack good all-weather anchorages.

The Bimini Chain, a series of small cays (pronounced "keys") lies across the Gulf Stream from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. North and South Bimini and Cat Cay are settled. The mysterious stone slabs of the Bimini Road lie under nearby waters, fueling stories of Atlantis. Popular with the sportfishing fleet, Bimini has a village, several marinas, restaurants, and now a resort/casino and a Hilton Hotel.

Whether you prefer fishing Bimini's flats or heading out into the deep for bigger game, charters abound. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

To accommodate those who want to experience the beauty, often the beauty is sacrificed. Bimini has suffered, in my view, as have many of the islands, from the negatives of tourism. In recent years, many of the mangroves on the northern end of Bimini have been replaced by resort development. On the west side, an ocean-docking facility for fast ferries from Miami was built from material dredged up from the ocean bottom. But the Biminis are still accommodating as far as clearing customs and stopping to rest in a marina before crossing the banks. With the tourism have come positives — better availability of parts and goods and better communications in Bimini and other settled areas.

To the north of the Bimini Chain, separated from it by the deep Northwest Providence Channel, is the large island of Grand Bahama , with resorts and marinas. At the far northwestern end of Grand Bahama, the critically located Old Bahama Bay Marina offers shelter for boats caught by weather, as well as many amenities.

Old Bahama Bay Marina at the northwestern end of Grand Bahama offers shelter to boats caught by weather, as well as many amenities for boaters. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

Southeast of the Bimini Chain, across the Great Bahama Banks, lies the giant and mysterious island of Andros . Known as the bonefishing capital of The Bahamas, Andros's vast swamps, creeks, mangrove shallows, and miles of woods stretch more than 100 miles south to north, divided into three major sections of land connected by mangrove and tidal swamp. Scattered about are many of the famous "blue holes" of the Bahamas, some far inland from the shore, extending deep down, many connected with the ocean through a labyrinth of subterranean passages. Nearby, the recently discovered Andros Platform, a multitiered structure of huge, flat, squared blocks, remains silently under the waves, begging explanation.

With limited good anchorages, sparsely populated Andros hasn't experienced the large influx of cruising boats. The Great Bahama Banks blends with the shallows and swamp of its western shore, but its eastern shore faces the deep "Tongue of the Ocean" and has several towns with limited facilities, such as Morgan's Bluff, Fresh Creek, and Congo Town. One of the longest barrier reefs in the world guards this shore, allowing limited access. Andros, like so many other islands, is yet to be awakened, and many would say that's good.

Spiny lobster season is August through March. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

The Abacos is a great place for Bahamas exploration. While it is often considered more civilized than other areas, it's been affected less from tourism. Marinas, protected anchorages with good holding, shopping, good drinking water, restaurants, and small hotels make the area especially inviting. Many cruisers gravitate to the "Hub of the Abacos" with the towns and harbors of Man O'War, Hope Town, and Marsh Harbour. You can take short hops to different towns or anchorages across the shallow Sea of Abaco without going outside the reefs into the ocean. To the northwest of the Hub, and through sometimes-dangerous Whale Cay Passage, lies Green Turtle Cay with its several protected basins, marinas, and the town of New Plymouth with its quaint pastel homes similar to those of Man O'War and Hope Town.

The Berry Islands, known as "Der Berrys" by many Bahamians, are another expanse of small islands surrounded by shallow banks that rise from deep ocean. To the south and west of the busier Abacos, they aren't as heavily cruised because of their shallows and rolly anchorages, but this isolation makes them very attractive to some. Islands such as Great Stirrup, Great Harbor, Whale Cay, and Chub Cay rim the banks. Dinghy passages snake among white shoals and low-tide sand islands. It's easy to get lost. Only three marinas make bases for exploration. Chub Cay Marina is completely protected within an enclosed basin, recently reopened after hurricane damage, though not in full operation as of the date of this writing. Great Harbour Cay Marina also offers excellent shelter and is affordable, with more slips available for transients. In addition, the popular Berry Islands Club is also reopening its restaurant, rebuilding its docks, and fortifying its moorings after a hiatus. Always check ahead for any marina, to be sure it's currently open.

Downtown Nassau is known for its colorful architecture. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

Many tourists consider Nassau to be synonymous with the Bahamas. Not hardly. This is the capital of the Bahamas and more than half the Bahamian population lives on its island of New Providence . It has the good and bad traits of most cities, with a distinctly Caribbean flavor, though reports of violent crime are increasing. Police in white uniforms direct traffic. Horse-drawn carriages commingle with cars, jitneys, and scooters. Buildings and customs reminiscent of the British Colonial Empire blend with things modern, overlaid with a significant share of poverty.

Nassau Harbour separates the "mainland" from Paradise Island, which has luxury hotels and casinos. The northwestern entrance to the harbor is deep and jettied, with several buoys. Huge cruise liners enter, but the inlet can be dangerous in strong onshore winds.

Anchoring isn't recommended in much of the harbor because of poor holding, strong currents, fast boats, wakes, and crime issues. There are several marinas; if Nassau has to be on your cruising itinerary, many boaters select a marina on Paradise Island. The southeastern entrance channel is only around 8 feet deep in one spot where coral heads and rocky bars dictate precise navigation.

To the southeast, the Exuma Cays curve in a northwest-southeast direction. The Exumas have only a few small all-weather marinas. Most anchorages are unprotected from westerlies, so they're only good for settled weather. The few that are sheltered from westerlies are between rocky islands and plagued by swift current and scoured bottom. The islands are generally rocky with low vegetation, sparse population, and a few villages. Nevertheless, each year more and more boats visit .

Cruisers lying to moorings in the beautiful and protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. In many places, moorings are preferred or even required to avoid damage to the bottom and because of limited swinging room. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

They've become so popular that celebrities and other wealthy people have purchased entire islands or large portions of them. It's reported that the Exuma Land and Sea Park, once a stronghold of environmental protection, now features such private islands, and personal watercraft from mega yachts often roar up and down the pristine channels. Staged "paradise" picnics on the beaches, replete with instant tents, bars, and lounges, entertain charter parties with all their water toys. Anchorages once enjoyed by a few are now becoming more crowded.

Heading down the chain, cruisers like to stop and enjoy the out-island friendliness of the small villages of Staniel Cay, Black Point, and Little Farmer's Cay . Village restaurants sometimes announce special menus on the VHF. Small grocery stores have limited supplies, and Staniel Cay's Isles General Store has marine and general hardware as well as groceries. And the Blue Store and the Pink Store have also expanded their stock to accommodate the greater number of cruisers and vacationers.

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers good meals, fuel, water purified by reverse osmosis, and a nice bar as well as cottage rentals. Indeed, the entire village is open to many home rentals. Fowl Cay Resort is one of several resort islands with rental houses and cottages, and it also has a restaurant available to the public by reservation. Snorkel into Thunderball Cave off Staniel and enjoy viewing thousands of protected fish. Part of the James Bond movie of that name was filmed here.

At the southern end of the Exumas, the "mainland" island of Great Exuma is a popular boating destination with a good but busy harbor. Its George Town boasts supplies and high island civilization. Exuma Market provides dinghy docking, town water, and other services while across Lake Victoria, the well-stocked Shop-Rite is another good choice for stocking. FedEx, UPS, boat supplies, and many other helpful goods and services are available. Almost 400 cruising boats are often in its Elizabeth Harbour for the annual spring Cruising Regatta, a weeklong festival run by the cruising community in conjunction with the Bahamian community.

Heading easterly from the Exumas you'll find more islands and variety. To the north, Eleuthera is known for its oranges and pineapples. Cruisers often visit the busy village of Spanish Wells with its fishing fleet, marinas, marine railways, and supplies. Harbour Island, guarded by the treacherous reef known as Devil's Backbone, is also popular for its pink sand beaches, quaint pastel-color buildings, the historic village of Dunmore Town, marinas, fishing, and relatively upscale living. Royal Island with its enclosed harbor broods with thick foliage and the silent ruins of a large estate. Years ago, wooden sailing ships of the British Navy sought shelter here; today cruisers wait for passage to the Abacos.

Cat Island, south of Eleuthera, stretches 48 miles, offering few anchorages but high hills, farms, villages, and miles of cliff and beach. To the south of Cat lies Long Island, with dangerous reefs extending more than 3 miles off Cape Santa Maria at its northern end. Never more than 4 miles wide, it's 75 miles long and features rolling hills and cliffs, fertile soil, and farming. A popular destination is Salt Pond and Thompson Bay on the west side, from where cruisers can tour the island by car and stock up at a modern grocery. Avoid anchorages exposed to weather and seas.

Far to the south and east, the "far out islands" rise from the deep ocean floor, beyond the banks. You'll find isolated jewels such as Rum Cay and Conception Island. Sumner Point Marina at Rum Cay has been closed due to hurricane damage as of this writing. As you venture farther southeast, more spectacular little islands with limited protection beckon with even more remoteness. These include Samana Cay, where Christopher Columbus is said to have anchored; Crooked Island; Acklins Island; Great Inagua with its famous flamingo population; and Mayaguana — all beautiful islands off the beaten track.

The Jumentos chain arches 90 miles around the southeast boundary of the Great Bahama Banks and has become more popular in recent years for experienced cruisers looking to find pristine islands as they once were. Many of these islands have little all-weather protection, tricky shallows, and few replenishing and stocking opportunities, but make up for it in sweet solitude

You Can't Always Get What You Want

The Bahamas, with their overwhelming beauty and thousands of square miles of ocean wilderness, offer a wonderful boating escape from the massive infrastructure and dense civilization of the States. But what makes them compelling also makes them challenging for unprepared boaters. Go soon if you can, take good care, and tread lightly.

Bahamas Fun Facts

• The Bahamas has the clearest water in the world. Visibility while diving is often more than 200 feet!
• Fewer than 50 of the islands have a village or town.
• The Bahamas has the world's third-longest barrier reef.
• Dean's Blue Hole, west of Clarence Town, Long Island, at 663 feet, is one of the deepest blue holes in the world.
• The first place Christopher Columbus landed when he came to the new world in 1492, he named San Salvador in the Bahamas.
• The word "mainland" is used by those on small outlying islands (called the Out Islands) to describe the larger islands, such as New Providence, Grand Bahama, Great Abaco, and Great Exuma. The "Far-Out Islands" are those even farther away.
• The world's longest underwater cave system can be found in Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island.
• Kalik (pronounced "click"), the beer of The Bahamas, is named after the kalikking sound of cowbells at Junkanoo, the island street parades held every December 26.
• There are only about 396,000 people in all the Bahamas, the majority on the island of New Providence where Nassau is located.
• The national sport of the Bahamas is sloop sailing.
• Bahamas comes from the Spanish baja mar, which translates to "shallow sea."

Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Chartering & Fishing

Power, sail & crewed charters.

• The Moorings (Abacos)
• Navtours (Nassau, George Town, Staniel Cay)
• Sunsail (Abacos, Nassau)

Sportfishing

• Boaters arriving on their own boats congregate around the marinas in Bimini, Nassau, Chub Cay, Boat Harbor, Highbourne Cay, and others.
• Note that fishing here is split between distinctively different offshore fishing and flats fishing (for bonefish).
• To join a sportfishing charter, search the Internet for numerous listings.
• Consider checking out one of the many fishing tournaments, listed at Bahamas.com/fishing-tournaments-2017.

Photo: Mel Neale

Anchoring Notes

• Never anchor in reef or anywhere your anchor rode may get tangled in coral.
• Leave 360-degree swing room for other boats, the shore, and reefs. Boats swing differently depending on their windage, bottom configuration, eddies, and current.
• The best bottoms consist of deep, soft white sand. You'll see these from the bow of your boat. Don't be misled by bottoms of white rock, marl, or shallow white sand over rock.
• Anchoring in grass usually results in dragging when the wind increases and damaging fish habitat.
• Nylon line can be cut by small rocks or reef. Use as much chain as your boat can safely carry.
• Don't anchor on a lee shore (the shore toward which the wind is blowing). Learn and watch the weather; plan your anchorage for 24 hours. It's not unusual for Bahamian winds to shift over that time.
• What starts as a protected anchorage could become a risky lee shore.
• Study an accurate weather forecast every day, and plan overnight anchorages accordingly.

Weather Notes

• Obtain a detailed weather forecast every day. Heed it.
• Winter cold fronts are often preceded by strong southwesterly winds and come through as a strong, precipitous westerly, then nor'wester. Then winds often clock to a nor'easter and blow hard for days.
• "Squeeze plays" between large areas of high and large areas of low pressure may set up strong winds, usually from the east, for several days.
• The Bahamas offers little good protection in hurricanes and tropical lows. Even enclosed harbors are vulnerable with so little land to weaken the effects of wind and sea. Expect little help compared to U.S. waters.

Respect The 'Rage'

If there is a strong onshore swell, many cuts between islands and reefs become treacherous. The onshore swell may be caused by local onshore winds or from a far-off storm. At sea the swell may seem insignificant, but as it mounts up in the shallow waters near the cuts, it can become deadly. These swells can be far away when you leave the safety of your harbor in the morning but dangerously upon you when you want to enter the next inlet down-island. Watch the weather locally and far out. Ask ahead for current local conditions and knowledge. If any question exists about the safety of an inlet, don't risk it.

Search And Rescue

The Bahamas government has no search-and-rescue service equivalent to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) is a dedicated nonprofit voluntary organization committed to saving the lives of distressed seamen and airmen in the Bahamas. It is funded by donations.

For boaters traveling off the beaten track, consider renting an EPIRB or PLB from the BoatUS Foundation before you go. Visit BoatUS.org for more information.

What Are Your Special Interests?

Looking to hang out with other cruisers? Consider the Hub of the Abacos. Several islands encircle the protected "Sea of Abaco" in which you can go from town to town in protected waters without going out through the reefs into the ocean. Towns include Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, Man O'War. A short hop in calm weather in the ocean fetches up Green Turtle Cay, and a trip south inside will bring you to Little Harbour, home of Pete's Pub and Foundry. There are more marinas in this area than in most other areas of the Bahamas.

Elizabeth Harbour lies near the southeastern end of the Exuma chain and has become a Mecca for cruisers with its relative protection (albeit with some open fetches) and good holding. Its bustling village of George Town is a vacation spot and an oasis of out island "high civilization," which hasn't lost its out-island charm. "In season," from December through March, there can be as many as 400 boats there, with all the potlucks and beach volleyball games you could want. The reefs guarding the entrances can be tricky; good weather and careful navigation are a must. Don't enter with a strong onshore wind or swell.

Looking for sport fishing? Alice Town on North Bimini offers several marinas, bars, restaurants, and good fishing offshore, with several tournaments throughout the year. Chub Cay, scheduled to be fully operational (after the ravages of Hurricane Mathew) has a marina in a completely enclosed harbor with restaurant, bars for bragging, and Customs. Fish offshore in the Tongue of the Ocean between the Berrys, New Providence, and the Great Bahama Banks.

Looking for remote experiences? What used to be remote may be more visited today, although features such as poor holding, little protection from wind and surge, and few provisioning opportunities still keeps the crowds away. You'll find unspoiled beauty and solitude in the Jumentos, Rum Cay (marina may not be rebuilt yet), the shallow banks of the Berrys (where people often explore by dinghy), and Conception Island. These areas have scarce protection, and require serious weather vigilance.

Looking for good diving and snorkeling? The Bahamas has the world's third-longest barrier reef. Five percent of the world's coral can be found there. Bring a light wetsuit, snorkel, mask, and fins for great snorkeling by dinghy throughout The Bahamas.

Looking for a show? Held at the end of April every year, the Family Island Regatta in Elizabeth Harbour is huge. Bahamians come from all the islands to compete, usually in traditional Bahamian boats. Also, the New Year's Day Regatta at Staniel Cay in the Exumas is fun, informal, and rollicking.

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Better Sailing

Sailing Guide For the Bahamas: What You Need to Know

The Bahamas are located 50 miles away from Florida’s East Coast, and very close to other major areas of the US. So, sailing to the Bahamas is possible even with a small sailboat. So, what you need to be aware of is when and how to sail to the Bahamas. In this region, there are usually gentle trade winds of around 15 knots. In other words, the Bahamas are an easy sailing destination, and thus ideal for beginner sailors and families. But, of course, it’s an appropriate sailing destination for anyone that eagers to discover this natural gem. Keep in mind that the high season, and also the best time to visit the Bahamas, is from September to May, with temperatures averaging 21-24°C. So, let’s see some more details about the Bahamas below; both for beginners and experienced sailors. Keep reading!

Gems in the Lucayan Archipelago – the Bahamas

We’re not still quite aware of how many islands and islets form the Lucayan Archipelago. According to some estimates, there are about 2,400 of them spread across a breathtaking 590-mile-long archipelago , with the nearest location being only one day’s sail from Florida for several vessels. Keep in mind that there are only about 50 villages or towns on these islands. The majority are small islets with rocky shorelines and pink-tinged white beaches. Each hides curly tail lizards, hermit crabs, and birds among the mangrove, casuarina, palmetto, sea grape, and coconut palms. The Bahamas’ most stunning feature, however, is the ocean’s wonderland , with its warm turquoise waters that cover much of the shallow Bahama Banks.

Despite the fact that the Bahamas’ western waters are just a little over 40 miles from Florida at their closest point, the culture, dialect, and speed are all very Caribbean . The mighty Gulf Stream, a warm and strong river in the ocean with a current flowing from south to north, makes up the 40-plus mile. It can be an amazing voyage if you cross it in the right conditions. However, crossing it in inclement weather, such as heavy northerly winds, can be risky and inconvenient. Choose your weather carefully; aim for flat calm or gentle southerlies, and avoid going when a cold front or storm is approaching.

On a clear day, you can see fish, sharks, and rays moving swiftly away from your hull’s shadow when cruising along the Bahama banks. Another stunning image; grass and fan corals move along with the current below you. Moreover, you’ll see plenty of exotic fish, lobster, and moray eel hiding among the brain coral. The banks are divided by dramatic troughs leading from the shallows out to the oceans. A live example is the Tongue of the Ocean and the Northwest Providence Channel, whose shifting watercolors from light turquoise to deep blue leave even the most experienced travelers speechless.

The islands of the Bahamas are situated mostly along the edges of the banks. Bear in mind that on some of the outer islands, food and mail arrive by boat. Also, telephone and electricity in homes are recent developments. The Bahamas are mostly known for the cities of Nassau or Freeport. However, most sailors want to visit islands that are located a bit farther off, such as Long Island, Royal Island, Crooked Island, Highborne Cay, Green Turtle, Eleuthera, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, and the Jumentos. Or, anchor and explore islands and islets that have no names at all, except names that locals have given to them.

Climate and Winds in the Bahamas

The climate in the Bahamas is mild all year-round and is an important feature of the area. The average temperature ranges from 21 degrees Celsius in the winter to a low of 27 degrees Celsius in the summer. It rarely drops below 16 degrees Celsius or rises above 32 degrees Celsius. The average annual rainfall is 44 inches, with the majority of it falling during the summer months. A humid atmosphere is created by the prevailing winds, which come from the northeast in the winter and the southeast in the summer. Tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes, are common from June to November and have the potential to cause significant damage.

The subtropical monsoon climate of the Bahamas maintains a pleasant temperature throughout the year. The highest temperatures are usually seen in the early mornings and late afternoons when the sun is less strong. From December to February, the average temperature is between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius, while the rest of the year is colder, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 29 degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that the best weather for sailing is with winds between 5 and 20 knots, except during the hurricane season. 

The Bahamas, on the other hand, are unlikely to be struck by a hurricane. This is due to the fact that they mostly head to the United States’ mainland. If you’re sailing to the Bahamas during hurricane season, make sure you take every precaution you can. You should always keep an eye on the weather, navigate correctly, and have a seaworthy vessel. And, finally, let’s note that the peak season is from April to December. Therefore, this makes the Bahamas beaches, areas, and ports more crowded.

What About Your Boat?

The type and size of your boat play a crucial role in any sailing voyage you’re planning. A seaworthy vessel that can withstand rough weather conditions is always recommended for long passages. So, it’s important to pick the correct weather for you to navigate as well as organize carefully your voyage beforehand. And, also your ability to moor or anchor when the weather isn’t good or is expected to change for the worse. The boat, on the other hand, must be big enough and well-built to navigate the open ocean when the wind and sea get worse. Your boat must also be big and heavy enough to safely transport the equipment and supplies you’ll need for your voyage.

Boats designed for offshore fishing trips can be great for sailing in the Bahamas. And, if you plan to layover at resort marinas, center consoles designed for blue-water fishing are common in the Bahamas. However, most people prefer cabin accommodations that allow them to anchor out when they want. This can be a highlight of every Bahamas cruise in a well-protected harbor.

Speed is also an important factor for your voyage. To get from a good east Florida departure point to a safe harbor in the western Bahamas, a boat sailing at six knots is going to need half of the day cruising. This is due to the influence of the strong northerly Gulf Stream current on a slow-speed displacement hull, not just because of the speed. This boat may need several days of good weather to reach the Abacos, and even longer to reach the northern Exumas.

However, a boat traveling on plane at around 25 knots is able to get to the western islands of the Bahamas in a couple of hours and perhaps Marsh Harbor or Nassau within a day. While a faster boat helps you to take advantage of shorter weather windows, be sure to leave enough time. If you need a weather window for more than a few days, it’s likely to disappoint you near the end.

Anchoring & Safety in the Bahamas

Even if you don’t want to anchor overnight, good anchoring equipment is important. If you break down, you will be forced to anchor for several hours while you try to repair the problem or wait for assistance. The bottom will most likely be sand, either hard or soft. And, keep in mind that there are also a lot of places with a lot of thick grass and a hard rock or coral bottom that don’t hold up well. As you already know, there’s no anchor that will work well in all types of bottoms. So, it’s advisable to be equipped with two anchors so as to have a better chance of holding depending on the bottom.

Many sailors recommend carrying CQR and Fortress anchors. If weight is a concern, the Fortress has incredible holding power and can be used for a variety of bottoms. It’s also lightweight and can be easily disassembled for storage and reassembled for usage. Furthermore, an all-chain rode is advantageous because the chain will not be cut by rocks or other debris on the bottom, and its weight will aid anchor holding. However, this chain is too heavy for some small sailboats.

A good option would be a combination of chain and nylon rode. The more chain between the anchor and the nylon, the better, as long as it isn’t too heavy. Also, a windlass can be very useful depending on the size and windage of your boat, as well as your physical fitness. Note that corals are never a good place to anchor. Moreover, allow space for other vessels, for the shore, and reefs to swing around in a 360-degree circle. Windage, bottom configuration, eddies, and currents all affect how a boat swings.

Nowadays, navigation is easier with GPS chart plotters . But, never rely entirely on technology as it’s more than likely that it will let you down. This is because sand shoals change annually, and rocky bars and reefs may not be perfectly charted in the first place. A GPS is as good as the chart you’re relying on. Meaning that strong currents in inlets can unexpectedly take you onto rocks even as you watch the icon on the screen. You can even get into trouble if your GPS equipment or device isn’t working properly. The term “crowdsourcing” doesn’t always work in these situations; you never know how experienced “the crowd” is or how accurate their conclusions are. You might even end up on a reef if you’re a little off…

So, it’s advisable to carry some guidebooks and paper charts when you go sailing in the Bahamas. Otherwise, extrapolated GPS waypoints from mixed data may not be that accurate. When you’re navigating an inlet that’s just a few hundred feet deep, with swells, rocks, and reefs all around you, being accurate is a must. And, also, remember that navigational aids in the Bahamas are uncommon and often neglected.

The Bahamas, unlike the more forgiving waters of the Chesapeake Bay, are fraught with rocks, reefs, and brown bars that can easily sink a boat, and there is no daily presence of the US Coast Guard. Even though there are some excellent salvage aids, but the seas they must navigate are enormous. Inconveniences and, in some cases, lengthy repair times are the result of a lack of infrastructure. Keep in mind that there are few to no safe marinas or decent anchorages for storm protection. So, take care and navigate cautiously in the Bahamas, the place of stunning wilderness. Reliable charts will help you to do so!

Some of the Best Routes in the Bahamas

The most common and best routes from the United States to the Bahamas include Bimini, the Abacos, and the northern Exumas. Across the Gulf Stream from Miami and Fort Lauderdale is the Bimini Chain there’s a collection of small cays (pronounced “keys”). The islands of North and South Bimini, as well as Cat Cay, are settled there. The Bimini Road’s mysterious stone slabs lie underneath nearby waters; a mysterious legend of Atlantis. Bimini has a village, many marinas, restaurants, and now a resort/casino and a Hilton Hotel, which is popular with the sportfishing fleet.

The Bimini islands, including Cat and Gun cays, are one of the most common layovers for sailors. Cat Cay is an easy port of entry and Gun Cay is a beautiful place to explore for a few nights before heading across the Great Bahama Bank. And, after you cross the banks, you have numerous choices to continue your voyage. For instance, you can anchor and explore the Berry Islands, stay in Nassau and do some shopping in this crowded area, continue to the magnificent Eleuthera, head south for the Exumas and the far Out Islands beyond, among others. Keep in mind that this voyage is based on a sailboat that can travel between 15 and 25 knots in moderately calm waters.

Bimini 50NM: Sailing to Bimini, Lucaya, Cat Cay, or any other island in the western Bahamas will take you about 50 miles. These destinations will give you a taste of what to expect deep into the Bahamas, but they will also give you a feel for crossing the Gulf Stream. To the north of Cat Cay, you may anchor your sailboat behind Gun Cay.

The Abacos 190NM: The Abacos, which are located next to Grand Bahama Island, are home to Hopetown, Marsh Harbor, and Man of War. This place considered one of the most crowded ones in the Bahamas because it provides more civilization than most other regions, such as museums, shopping, and restaurants.

A great route to sail to the Abacos is from Palm Beach. You will sail 60 miles across the Gulf Stream before a layover at the Old Bahama Bay Marina at West End. The next 100 miles of your voyage should take you to Green Turtle Cay. After that, you can sail 20 miles to the Abacos’ center, Marsh Harbor, the Bahamas’ Boating Capital. Sailing 15 miles south will take you to Little Harbor, where you’ll find a variety of marinas and anchorages.

Northern Exumas 220NM: This cruise will take you to one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful out-island destinations. You can set sail from Fort Lauderdale or Miami and sail 50 miles to Bimini, where you can make your first stop. After that, you can travel 80 miles south to Chub Cay. Then, continue to Nassau (the Bahamas’ capital), which is nearly 40 miles across the Tongue of the Ocean. You can then sail to the Northern Exumas, but be careful because there are many reefs at Nassau Harbor’s southern end. The Highbourne Cay Marina, Sea Park at Warderick Wells, and the Exumas Land Marina are all located in Northern Exumas.

Islands that Shouldn’t be Missed

Berry Islands: These stunning islands are for those that look for tranquility and exploration of nature. There, most of the cays are undeveloped and uninhabited. The only centers are located at Chub Cay, which is where the new Chub Cay Resort and Marina are situated.

Eleuthera: Eleuthera is a lovely and somewhat off-the-beaten-path destination for cruisers. In most areas, the island is less than a half-mile wide and almost 100 miles long. Hatchet Bay has a fantastic anchorage with virtually all-around security, Governor’s Harbour is a lovely village, and Rock Sound is a place where all amenities can be found.

Andros: Andros is an archipelago in the Bahamas and the largest of all. It isn’t a common layover for sailors and that’s why it still is a natural paradise. Fresh Creek, as well as Morgan’s Bluff, are the most frequented areas by sailors. If you’re keen on scuba diving, Andros has a barrier reef that extends more than 140 miles along the island’s east coast. The reef has a depth of 6,000 ft and forms part of the western edge of the trench; the Tongue of the Ocean.

Useful Tips for all Sailors Sailing to the Bahamas

• Never anchor in a reef or anywhere where your anchor rode might get tangled in the coral.
• The best bottoms have deep and soft white sand. You can clearly see them from the bow of your boat. But, keep in mind to differentiate them from bottoms of white rock, marl, or shallow white sand over rock.
• In addition, when you anchor in the grass and the wind increases, this will result in dragging and therefore damage the marine habitat.
• “Squeeze plays” between large areas of high and low pressure will result in strong winds blowing for several days, mostly from the east.
• Strong southwesterly winds also precede winter cold fronts, which arrive as a strong, precipitous westerly, then north-westerly. Then the winds shift to a nor’easter and continue to blow for days.
• In hurricanes and tropical lows, the Bahamas have little protection. With so little land to buffer the impact of wind and sea, even enclosed harbors can be vulnerable. Also, in comparison to US waters, expect no assistance.
• Bear in mind that in many areas like the Exumas, potable water is scarce. Also, its cost is at 50 cents per gallon or more at the dock. Consider finding marinas with reverse-osmosis facilities. But, in other areas, water is more plentiful, for example in the Hub of The Abacos.
• There are marinas that are temporarily closed or have limited access because of the weak economy. Search beforehand for these details before setting sail.
• Fueling in the Bahamas can be tricky and it’s possible to run out of gas at any moment. So, maintaining a strong reserve in your tanks is important. Ensure that your boat is equipped with a high-quality particle/water fuel filter, such as those manufactured by Racor. You can use a Racor RFF15 C (15-gpm funnel) to pre-filter diesel, which separates water and particulate.
• Even though a popular destination, most of the Bahamas are still natural and secluded areas. Many places lack navigational aids or if they have some they might not be working at all. So, it’s crucial to learn how to read the water. Keep an eye on the guidebooks and stay alert. From your boat, you can see the bottom, which is often more than 25 feet deep.
• Note that in case something breaks, it might be difficult to repair or replace it, especially in remote areas. So, always carry spares for essential components and systems. For instance, a water pump for your fresh-water system, a starter and alternator, spare engine oil, belts, gasket material, and temporary repair items like Rescue Tape are some of the things might need.
• The Bahamas charge an entrance fee of $150 for vessels under 35 feet and $300 for vessels over 35 feet. The fee includes a fishing license and departure tax for four individuals. You’ll be asked to declare your purchases as well as your overall itinerary. It’s possible that your boat will be boarded and examined. Lastly, note that laws and policies can change from time to time.

Bahamas Sailing Guide – The Bottom Line

The Bahamas form an archipelago of 30, 000sq.km of turquoise clear blue waters. The islands are undoubtedly among the most preferred sailing destinations in the world. However, there are still many secluded corners and the overall image is a natural wilderness. Bear in mind that you can sail to the Bahamas year-round, but the best time to sail is between December and April. Some sailors say that the best season is from late March to early June. This is because the northerlies have passed and the hurricane season hasn’t begun. Don’t forget to always plan ahead, carry charts, and a GPS navigation system that will aid your course. Check the weather and the bottoms as well. Lastly, as facilities are limited to some islands, consider carrying spare parts, water, and maps. Wish you all a pleasant voyage to the Bahamas!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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