MacGregorSailors.com

When: May 2014 for 3 weeks
Destination: Berry Islands Bahamas first checking in at Bimini Bahamas.

If you want to join the sail for the whole 3 weeks or just a part such as to Bimini your more than welcome. We will probably spend a couple of days at the Bimini Islands so you could join us that far and then return.

I have researched the weather patterns and everything points to good gulf stream crossing in the spring when the northerlies die off so better chance for a good weather window instead of waiting the whole 3 weeks to cross like some people do in the fall.

Just have to get my vacation time approved to let you know exactly which 3 weeks we will go. Approval for me takes place in Janruary.

Will try and keep everyone posted on updates as they occur.

We spent a week in the Berry's a couple of years ago, before continuing on to the Exumas. They offer some great cruising opportunities, and the Mac is a great boat for that area, considering all the shallow waters. Lots to see and experience out there. You'll love it.

We night jump in as well .I got my new sails and planning on repowering before spring .besides my admiral really enjoyed meeting your admiral .......

bahama bound wrote:We night jump in as well .I got my new sails and planning on repowering before spring .besides my admiral really enjoyed meeting your admiral .......

We sure enjoyed meeting you guys also. Would love to have you join up.
Try and get your other Charleston reps out there as well. (Bob &Lynn)

I'm still looking for some other NC representation out there.
And any other state that wants to join as well.

Can anyone enlighten me as to where one might find a ramp between Miami and Key Largo? I am looking for a place to jump off from and leave the truck and trailer in safety that will be easy on the pocket.

I'd be interested in Joining for part of the trip (dependent on my approved time off of course). Just keep me in the loop on dates and details.

Quick question, which is also aimed at others having made that trip, where did you attach your signal flag halyard? or had you thought that far ahead yet? I've got a set of signal flags to use the quarantine flag from, just hadn't sailed anywhere I needed them so hadn't bothered with that detail.

South Dade Marina. It's cheap and easy, but watch out for the security maintenance guy, I can't remember his name, I think it's Raphael , he shot my car up last time I was there. Of course , he felt bad and apologised
Q1

Consider crossing from Angelfish Creek,south of Biscayne Bay. It will make your crossing easier in the Gulfstream current. I highly recommend Browns Marina in N. Bimini,as the best bargain and nice folks. Tell Humphrey or Goshio that "Spice" sent you
Bimini Sands on S Bimini is also really nice. Try the barbecue out back,behind the Island House Grille in N. Bimini. Place looks a little scary,but it's ok,the food is great.
If you need fuel,it's easier at the fuel dock at Bimini Sands,rather than the Big Game club.
The run from Bimini to The Berry Is is about 81 miles. We staged just south of North Rock off N. Bimini.and set out at 4AM. With good weather,you can anchor outside of Chubb Cay Marina before dark. Fuel available at Chubb Cay. (6.99/gal last Jan.Ouch!) The Berry Island Club on Frazer Hog may still be closed. The owner wasn't sure he would reopen.
If you're in the market for a GPS,the new Garmin units have the Explorer charts. Absolutely the best in the Bahamas.Get the Explorer printed charts for Near Bahamas as well. Passage Weather will give you the best weather info on line.
Stay safe and respect the weather...it's a great trip!

Quick question, which is also aimed at others having made that trip, where did you attach your signal flag halyard? or had you thought that far ahead yet? I've got a set of signal flags to use the quarantine flag from, just hadn't sailed anywhere I needed them so hadn't bothered with that detail.

tek - Haven't done that trip, (or anything close ) but in our area between Canada and US waters the flag attaches to the starboard shroud, as high up as you can reach, without using a halyard. So a Canadian boat flies a Canadian flag off the stern, and when it enters US waters and contacts customs, a US courtesy flag goes on that location (the shroud).

The US boats this area, when in Canadian waters fly the US flag on the stern, and some the (smaller) Canadian flag on the starboard shroud (sidestay). There are spring clips made for this purpose, available at any chandlery.

I assume you mean the yellow flag, are we talking about the same thing? I am aware of that being used in the Caribbean, but have not seen one here used that way. That one gets flown until you have cleared customs, then the national flag of that country replaces it?

-Brian.

Attatch your Q flag to the starboard shroud with zip ties when you are approaching Bimini. After you clear customs (at Big Game Club),then immigration(further down the street at police station building),you can strike the Q flag and attach the Bahamas courtesy flag to the same location. Keep in mind that you will need to pay $150 in cash for the entry fee,and passports for all vessel passengers are required.
It sounds a little unnerving,but Bahamas is pretty laid back if you do it right.
Also,ask for your fishing permit when you go to customs-it's free with the entry fee.

So your the one I heard about getting shot up at S. Dade.
Been Launching at S,Dade 5 years and still hear that story.
Ralp. is manager at S. Dade and protects all within.
He probably thought you as a intruder and ...well rednecks have their way. Best to call Bob (owner) and let you know you are coming. Sometimes Bob does not relate future launchings to Ralphie (Raphael) and comeing in without notice will get his butt and firearm in gear.
So Approch with care for your life.
No woories once in, he will take good care of ya.
Price is up to $10 for Launch fees. Still best price for launch in Upper Keys and Great location to Cruise Biscane Bay.
Might add, Bob now has bathrooms and a shower. Before it was a portable potty crap thing. Probably why he increased the launch site from $5 to $10 2 years ago.
Bob is a old Salt Floridian, So is Ralphie. Ralp fishes the local waters daily and is a excellent guide to these waters.
Dave

Québec 1 wrote:South Dade Marina. It's cheap and easy, but watch out for the security maintenance guy, I can't remember his name, I think it's Raphael , he shot my car up last time I was there. Of course , he felt bad and apologised
Q1

Sounds like south dade is the place. I looked it up on the charts and map and it looks like the perfect place to where I want to launch from. Also sounds like my rig will be safe until my return.
We are definitely going in May, 2014 just haven't decided on the first 3 or last 3 weeks. Will probably try for first 3 weeks off work first or if we can get a concensus going on which would be better for a group then I am willing to listen.

Does any one know of a internet sight that other trailer sailers might want to join?

I am interested in the Bimini trip, this would be my first Blue water crossing, I am from Iowa, and sail my 26x the Bucketlist on a local corp of enginers lake. I am not that familiar with ocean sailing, chartpolting, or regulations. If anyone could help with suggestion or books to read that would be great.

My plan is to haul the Mac down a few days early & get it in the water, I need to know whear a good marina to lunch from & leave my car & trailer.

Almost any information on this trip would be wellcome

Capinmike

Already mentioned S.Dade Marina for launch and keeping boat trailer and truck their for $10 a day. Don't know why you want to cross 55 miles over the Gulf Stream to Bimini when you have cristal clear waters in Biscane Bay.
Last time I heard was $150 entry fee in Bahamas. You need a good weather window crossing and you will only do 6 knots or less under power. 3 knot current to north so adjust your heading. Don't try it in any North wind (cold front).
Biscane Bay has lots to offer and Islands to explore for 2-3 weeks or more.
Dave


Capinmike [/quote]

capinmike wrote:I am interested in the Bimini trip, this would be my first Blue water crossing, I am from Iowa, and sail my 26x the Bucketlist on a local corp of enginers lake. I am not that familiar with ocean sailing, chartpolting, or regulations. If anyone could help with suggestion or books to read that would be great.

My plan is to haul the Mac down a few days early & get it in the water, I need to know whear a good marina to lunch from & leave my car & trailer.

Almost any information on this trip would be wellcome

Capinmike

Welcome to the board Mike and as been mentioned on this board before, NEW GUY BUYS THE PIZZA AND BEER!!
Seriously we would love to have you along and I can say that research on the internet provides worlds of information. Try googling "Sailing to Bahamas" and read the various threads that others have posted about their trips. As Dave mentioned it is best to cross with a favorable weather window and to cross with southerly windws less than 10-15 knots. That is why I have researched and came up with May as that is prior to hurricane season and after most of the northerly winter winds have died down. Since we will have a limited time to cross this will give us a better chance for a favorable weather window. If all else fails we could be STUCK sailing the Florida Keys
I have sailed around in the keys twice and it is beautiful there as well so not all will be lost.
I am planning on taking Daves advice on Dade Marina since it looks like the perfect place to take off from to allow the Gulf stream current to work in our favor or provide easy access to keys.
You can pm me with any other questions you might have or post here.
Ron