"Skip Gundlach" wrote in message
...
Bahamas Checkin?

Hi, y'all,

Well, the best laid plans, etc. We're not going to the Keys, after
all. Instead, we'll cross to from Miami to the Bahamas later this
week, assuming the weather holds.

We'd love to have the least-hassled, simplest, checkin possible - and
since we don't have to go ashore, nor pick anyone up, for a while,
anywhere in the north end of the bahamas would work, essentially.

West End is the best choice when departing from Miami. Use the current in
the Stream instead of fighting it.
Don't arrive on a week-end. Arrive during the week during normal hours to
avoid overtime charges. (This means a midnight departure from Miami to
arrive in the late morning/afternoon. You owe it to yourself to cruise the
Abacos before proceeding further south. Refer to your cruising guide for the
particulars.


So, who's been there, done that, that can say which to avoid, and
which to favor, as well as how to get the longest visa?


Duh, you don't need a visa. When you arrive at West End call the marina on
your VHF to get harbor clearance and dockage instructions. Fly your yellow
quarantine flag. Get the necessary paperwork at customs and immigration and
return to your boat to fill out the papers. Bring filled out papers and your
ship's registration/documentation and your passport and those of your crew.
Hide the kitty and don't mention it at all or it might involve all sorts of
paperwork like current rabies shots, quarantine etc. If asked if you have a
pet, don't lie. Tell them you have a ship's cat that never goes ashore
because it's too timid. Go from there. Chances are they'll let it slide.
Present your credentials and ask for a cruising permit/fishing license. A
cruising permit is good for six months and can be renewed once without
charge giving you a years worth of cruising. Pay your money (I think it will
set you back $150 bucks for your sized boat). Oh, dress respectfully and
only you are to go ashore to clear customs. Long slacks, a belt and a nice
dress shirt with real leather shoes will get you treated better. Treat the
officials with respect and don't be in a hurry. Remember to use 'Island
time.'

And, of
course, any advice would be appreciated on low-budget entertainment
and low-level diving or snorkeling. We'll not dock other than to take
on fuel and water, and unlikely we'll moor, either, unless safety or
inevitability intervene. We have a hookah rig which we'll use at 1
atm or less. From the north end we'll head south after the new year
to the Exumas, so suggestions are welcomed for activity (sightseeing,
"don't miss" places, fishing and shallow diving, etc.) in that area as
well.

Once on the banks your anchoring and snorkeling/diving choices are myriad.
Plan on going east from West End through the channel onto the banks and
anchor at Great Sale key for the night. Work your way slowly south and
southeast along the island chain stopping where you read about things that
interest you. You should have plenty of company as lots of cruisers are
headed that way this time of the year. Stay apprised of cold fronts so you
can get to a sheltered anchorage should one pass. It can get pretty bumpy on
the banks during a cold front and water visibility goes to hell so running
aground chances increase. Don't confuse fish muds with shoals.

The Marsh Harbor area is a great supply, socializing point. The anchorage
has great holding and is protected from every direction but with a long
fetch to the west. Don't miss Green Turtle Cay.


As I may not have access to this, please cc me directly on any
response? Thanks. (skipgundlach atsign gmail dotsign com)

What's posted on Usenet stays on Usenet, IMO.

Wilbur Hubbard