Conception Island & Rum Cay (Feb. 23-24, 2014)

Conception Island anchorage

An incredible weather window has opened up, and we are wanting to ‘make tracks’ eastward. With the normal easterly trade winds, which tend to blow at 20 knots; ‘easting’ can be very challenging … against both wind and ocean waves. So, when weather features, such as a passing front, disrupt the normal tradewind patterns, it’s time to go. 

Sunday, we left Georgetown, and had a good sailing day. Winds were higher than forecast, at ESE 15 knots or better. Sailing was great until we rounded Cape Santa Maria at the north end of Long island…. after which the waves got bigger! Still good, but less comfortable, as we were rocking J. We made Conception Island in about     7 1/2 hr.   I was surprised at the number of boats there – a couple of dozen. Amongst them were Syrena (Barry & Wilma – friends of Carol & Ziggy back home), and Afeica (Brian & Leslie – who know our boat in a past life). There was a very well attended beach Happy Hour, but we said still more good-byes! Haven (Al & Brenda) and Harmonium (Phil & Krista) are headed back north from here L

Monday, we snorkeled early in the morning. ‘Needed that snorkel fix, and the reef was right there in the anchorage. A turtle was the highlight; and the absence of sergeant majors was notable, as they are typically everywhere.

As we’re focused on getting east, we had our anchor up at 10:30 to get to Rum Cay. Winds were ESE under 10 knots. We motor-sailed most of this leg, with calmer seas than the previous day. Anchor was down on the south side of Rum Cay just before 4pm, with only four boats here. Rum Cay has a BTC tower!! Woo hoo!

Our plan from here is to continue to make tracks east while winds are light and seas are calm. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we hope to get to Crooked Island (NW side). Wednesday we hope to get to  Acklins Island (Atwood Harbour), and Thursday we hope to get to Mayaguana Island. If weather continues to be favourable, we’ll try for Turks & Caicos on Friday.  By then, we’ll hope for bad weather, so we can rest!

Wish us safe passage and stay tuned.