Across the Great Bahama Bank to Chub



We left the wreck of the Sapona at 6pm Wednesday evening heading southeast across the Great Bahama Bank for the 80-mile crossing to Chub Cay.  The marine forecast called for light winds and less than 2’ seas.  Of course, that’s exactly what we got – for about two hours.  Then the winds and seas picked up – just enough (and on the beam) to make it a bit uncomfortable. The seas persisted until about four in the morning, when the wind died and the seas went flat calm.

We saw lots more boat traffic than I had predicted.  When you cross the 100-mile Little Bahama Bank at night from Indian Cay Light to Spanish Cay, you almost never see another boat.  But this night, we had sailboats, mailboats, and mega yachts, coming from the north and south, and all heading for a narrow choke-off point called Northwest Shoal - which is right where the bank meets “The Tongue of The Ocean”, 13-miles from Chub.  It was just a bit hectic as four large boats all tried to transit this ¼-mile wide gap in the reef at pretty much the same time – in the pitch dark. But it all worked out and as the sun finally peeked over the horizon, Spoonbill cruised into the entrance to the legendary fishing capital of the Berrys, Chub Cay Club Marina.

We tied up to the fuel dock at Chub to wait until someone arrived to open up and assign us a slip.  Meanwhile we started slapping no-see-ums.  Having no wind is great for cruising, but it sucks when you are in a marina at dawn or dusk!  Finally, the dockmaster arrived and we headed for our slip, 50-amp power, and AIR CONDITIONING.

Infinity Pool at Chub

The Mass family spent the day at the beach, picking up shells, swimming in the pool, and relaxing.  I had lunch and a few beers at the Club bar.  Then, after having been up all night for the crossing, retired to my quarters for a well-deserved 4-hour nap.

Later, we watched “Pirates of The Caribbean”, Jen cooked some great turkey tacos, and we all got to bed early.  The rest of the Berry Islands beckoned.