West End

White Pepper had an unusually broad weather window to cross from Florida to the Bahamas. There were two windy passages on Saturday night or Monday night or a windless motor on Sunday. As usual of late the decision was made by the cat, Aphrodite,-- less wind, less waves, more motor.

We set off from West Palm Beach clearing the jetties at 5:30 am. There was a mild head wind that died to nothing by noon. The Yanmar cranked out at 2500 rpm and by 4:30 pm we had raised West End, Grand Bahama Island. “I'm bored.” said Jan not realizing how incongruous that sounded in the middle of the Gulf Stream. We were secured in a slip by 5:30 pm no worse off than 10 gallons of diesel burned. Regardless of the benign conditions Aphrodite, cat, refused to eat or drink during the entire crossing. She was ill for three days afterwards but recovered.

Land Ho!  West End in the distance.  Note the calm sea state.

West End on the very tip of Grand Bahama Island was devastated by Hurricane Mathew. The eye passed over the marina several months earlier. All of the buildings of the Old Bahama Bay Yacht Club are still standing with various degrees of damage. Very few guests were at the resort. The marina was intact although there was no water or electricity available. Fuel was available.

After clearing customs White Pepper lowered the Q flag and raised the Bahamas ensign on the starboard spreader. This act symbolized the beginning of our Bahamas adventure.

 The yellow Q flag

Jan rigs the American flag from the Solar Stick on the stern

We rested for one day. On Tuesday we pushed off for Port Lucaya in a gentle rain.

Our friends, Rick and Cindy, on Dark Star leaving West End