Rock Sound and going up north again to the Abacos

The day that I went again to the anchorage near the village of Rock Sound it was a nice sunny day. Once all good on anchor I took my bicycle out of the forward cabin and took all I needed for shopping and loaded it all in the dinghy and went ashore. Once I had all my things ashore I made my folding bicycle oke and went to the supermarket.

  • It looks an abonded house but after I had a better look I saw there were people.
  • The map from the street .
  • And an other car wreck
  • Looking from up hil underway to the beach on the other side of the island to the harbour.
  • This tap for fresh water you find near the big church on the waterfront and here I took my free water to fill up my tanks

Near the waterfront people were working on the stalls for the festival. Also the sound installation for music was set up. In the afternoon after I had been back on board to stow the groceries, fruit and veggies away I took my bicycle and went to a beautiful beach on the other side of the island.

Yes it is very handy to have a bicycle on board. You can explore more of where you are.

Underway to that beach I past a small pink house what was a place where you can buy paintings. I met the men who was the painter and had a nice chat with him.

On Monday evening the sound from the festival was tested and it was loud very very very loud. On Tuesday at the beginning of the evening I went ashore to have a look at the “ Homecoming “ festival. There was not much on the go but the music was going and yes loud loud loud. Near where the stalls were you could not talk to anybody. After I had a look I walked back to the dinghy dock and went back to the boat.

The next morning I went one more time to the supermarket and when that was done I took the bike back to the back and made the whole boat ready for sailing. And at 11.30 I was underway. I had been looking forward to see that festival but the loud loud loud music made me leave. There was a nice gently breeze with me and I found a good spot for the night. There I was 15 nautical miles away from Rock Sound but I still could hear the bang bang from the “music “there.

  • Just walking through Hatchet Bay village.

Early next morning on March 28 at 07.00 lt the anchor was out and was heading for Hatchet Bay again. The wind was good. First it was from port side aft later a bit more abeam. At 16.30 lt the anchor was set and I cleared the boat . That done I took a nice cup of tea.

I stayed 3 day’s at anchor and did some shopping at the local supermarket and twice I had a nice walk trough the village in the late afternoon.

On April 01 I left at 09.00 lt and was heading for Current Cut to find a spot there to anchor for the night. Yes that is the name and yes the current there can be pretty strong. When I was there I had a bit of a current against me but the wind with me and I could sail gently trough the passage. About 10 other boats went the same way but all using there engine.

At 16.00 I was trough the passage and instead of anchoring I had set a course for Great Abaco Island. It would be a night passage but the weather was good and there was a nice wind. At the beginning of the passage there were some big ships and cruise ships passing but nothing was a problem.

In the morning of April 02 around 10.00 lt I sailed trough the passage of the reef into Little Harbour and went on anchor near south Lynyard Cay.

  • Mylady at anchor near Lynyard Cay
  • The small southern beach . And you can see there were a few more boats.
  • And of course I made a fire again .

This anchorage has very good holding and the two small beaches are nice and there is a short walk to the other side of the island. At this anchor spot I have been now several times but I still like it lot .

After two days I moved to the westerly side of Little due to an upcoming strong westerly wind. For the first time I went ashore there to have look at the beach. The beach and the area behind it was littered with all kind of rubbish. It was not that nice as on the other side and after half an hour I went back to the boat. The next day I moved back to the south side of Lynyard Cay although the wind was still westerly but not that strong. The next few days the weather stayed good. Between doing some boat work I walked a few times to the other side of the island and did some exploring with the dinghy

  • Walking around and exploring a bit more from the waterside with the dinghy.

On April 09 I sailed to Marsh Harbour. This is the biggest town in this part of Great Abaco. I was low on fresh veggies and fruits . Not that far – about 10 min walk – from the harbour is a big supermarket and there I stocked up. I stayed two days more in Marsh Harbour and then sailed back to Lynyard Cay. The sail south was a nice one and I dropped anchor on the same spot I was before. There I stayed a few days before moving just one nautical mile north to drop anchor. There was also a nice beach and also a walk to the other side of the island .

On April 17 I sailed further up north to a nice anchor spot behind “ Shearpin Cay “ . The next day after coffee and breakfast I picked up the anchor again and sailed again for Marsh Harbour. By 12.00 I was near the harbour and started the engine to go in . But the engine was acting strange and there was some black smoke from the exhaust . Yes no good at all so I stopped the engine and had to sail in with wind on the nose. So I tacked back and fore and at 14.30 the anchor was down and I cleared the boat. After that was done I checked the engine but could not find anything wrong. In the mean time an other yachtie had come to the boat to ask why I had sailed in . I told him about the engine and my luck was that he was a diesel mechanic. He hopped on board and checked everything and then we started the engine all was oke. He said maybe a cylinder miss fired. I thanked him for his wonderful help.

I stayed a few days in Marsh Harbour and among all the things I had to do was to get a new extension from immigration what this time went good. I could stay an other 2 month more.

More in my next post about what I did after Marsh Harbour.

Glass Bridge Window, Hatchet Bay and sailing back south.

The sail to the area near the Glass Window Bridge was a very nice one. There was a good wind from the south east and the sun was out. Around 17.00 the anchor was down just past “ Mutton Fish Point “.

  • Mylady on anchor near Mutton Fish Point
  • The rocks near the point

I cleared the boat and took my welcome beer. The next morning I shifted to a better anchor spot what was a bit closer to the point. I stayed there two days before moving to Hatchet Bay. The two days that I was there the wind was pretty strong south east and to visit to Glass Bridge was not real possible. So I sailed for Hatchet Bay and dropped anchor there.

There inside the bay the water is no swell and it is a good safe anchorage .I stayed a few days and while I was there I did important maintenance on the Aries windvane

  • The Aries windvane ready to be taken of
  • And all done the wind vane can go back on the stern.
  • And on back now it has the bolds has to made fast.
  • And all finished

. And an other job was the oil and filter change on the engine. And besides all this I took time to walk trough the village. It is a nice small settlement and there is a good supermarket. After all my jobs were done and all was oke again I left Hatchet Bay and went back to the Glass Window Bridge area. I dropped anchor again near Mutton Fish Point . The next morning I picked up the anchor and dropped anchor just abeam from the bridge. There was still a low swell but I was fine on anchor and I made the dinghy ready and went ashore. I found a small beach where I good leave the dinghy and walked up to the bridge. The whole story about the Glass Window Bridge is that on one side you see the nice coloured water what is behind the island and on the other side the dark blue water from the ocean. But the bridge is simply concrete.

  • The Glass Window bridge see from the boat.
  • Underway walking to the bridge.
  • Mylady in the distance on anchor.
  • And there is the bridge.
  • The blue water from the ocean.
  • And the water behind the island.

After I was back on board I picked up the anchor and moved back to area near Mutton Fish Point. There I stayed two more days before sailing back to Hatchet Bay. I still had to do some jobs on the engine and that is why I went back there. After a few days all was oke and it was time to make a move south.

I left Hatchet Bay in the morning and with a nice easterly wind my course was for “ Ten Bay “ what was only 25 nautical mile sailing. At 18.20 lt on March 14 the anchor was in and I cleared the boat and launched the dinghy and rowed to the beach and had a nice walk and saw a beautiful sunset.

I stayed the next day there on anchor and took it easy that day . BY the end of the afternoon I went ashore again to stretch my legs and just have a look. The next day after the morning coffee and breakfast I made the boat ready for a sail to Rock Sound. By the end of March there in Rock Sound would be the “ Homecoming festival “ and I had heard positive things about it so I want to check it out and that is why I go back there .

The sail from Ten Bay to Rock Sound was a gently one . The wind was not that strong but oke. The first part was close hauled and after that on the nose so I had to tack a few times but at 18.00 the anchor was in near “ Poison Point “ .

This is a beautiful spot. I had never been here because the wind direction was always wrong to stay there safe . But now it was oke . The next day I launched the dinghy and made ashore and had a small walk.

The next day I had a very short trip to the west side of Rock Sound Bay. I went there because the wind would shift to the west and then the anchorage of Poison Point would be not a good one. Once safe on anchor I rowed to the beach. I had anchored here a few time but never been ashore. Much more then the beach isn’t there But I could stretch my legs again.

From here I went to the anchorage near the village of Rock Sound and that evening there was a beautiful sunset . More about Rock Sound and the festival in my next post.

Big Galliot Cay till underway to the Glass Bridge area.

Charts

As I said in the last post the passage trough the cut near Big Galliot Cay was easy. Yes there was a strong current but this time on my stern and the wind was the same way. And last year I had been trough here before. After I was trough I went on anchor behind Big Galliot Cay nearly on the same spot as last year. By now it was only 14.20 in the afternoon. And all looked as beautiful.

  • After a walk trough the bush you come to the other side of the island
  • And again a nice fire .

After all was safe and good I cleared the boat and launched the dinghy. Later that afternoon I went ashore and walked to the other side of island what is only a very short distance but you have to walk trough the bush. There is a kind of trail but most is overgrown by the bush. The next day I stayed there and had a nice swim from the beach, walked again to the other side and late afternoon made a fire to burn my garbage.

On February 09 after the normal morning coffee and breakfast I left for Little Farmers Cay.

  • The dinghy parked and MYlady waiting in a distance .
  • The little harbour of the island.
  • One of the many car wrecks on the island
  • The way out to the Exuma Sound.

There I anchored around 11.25 lt and an hour later I was ashore. Yes correct I was also here last year but it is a nice island with nice local people so why not visiting it again. Near the harbour is a small shop and there I had a chat with the old woman who runs it. She had interesting stories to tell about the island. I bought some fresh veggies from here and after that went on my way again to explore the island a bit .

At 15.00 I took Mylady for a little sail a bit further down the road. I sailed to the anchor spot near east side of Hetty’s Land Point. After the boat was oke I took the dinghy and rowed ashore and walked around on the beach. My plan was to go for a walk the next morning but by that time the wind from the south had increased and a safe landing on the beach had become a problem. So up came the anchor and I moved to north of the same point and went there safe ashore and had a nice walk on the long beach. At 17.00 lt the anchor was up again and by using only the foresail I moved to the anchorage north of White Point.

I stayed two nights there and on February 13 I sailed for Black Point.

  • While I was in Black Point I went for a walk and saw a part of the island I didn’t see before . Here you see the Exuma sound side.
  • Black Point village
  • The dinghy waiting for her skipper.
  • The mailboat unloaded .

It was a short distance and I only used the foresail . The wind was enough to give a “ speed “ of 2 to 3 knots. But it was nice sunny morning and I was not in a hurry at all. At 13.00 lt that afternoon the hook was down and the boat cleared. The dinghy went in the water and the outboard mounted , 15 min later I was underway to the shore. With me I had all fresh water jerrycans because here you can get free water. I walked around in the small village and filled my jerrycans and by that time the hot dog place was open en I had a nice big one what tasted as good as last year when I was here. Just before going back to the boat I went to the little supermarket and bought some fresh veggies.

The next day I went ashore in the afternoon and the small “ Mailboat “ ( ferry ) had arrived. Yes they still call it the mailboat . I had a look again and had a small chat with the captain / owner. I stayed one more day in Blackpoint before going on to Thomas Cay.

  • Skipper on expedition between the small islands near Thomas Cay.
  • The start of the trail to have a look at the entrance of this anchorage.
  • You don’t see or hear many birds but this one was just sitting there .
  • The ” Cut ” you pass to in or out the anchorage .
  • The area see from the top of the mast .

Yes you are right also a spot where I was last year. But it is a beautiful place to be on anchor. There I stayed 3 day’s . This time I went with the dinghy on expedition between the small cay’s. I had to do a small job in the top of the mast and from up there the surroundings looked even more beautiful.

On February 19 the alarm clock went at 05.00 in the morning. I made coffee and had something for breakfast.

  • A bit of bad weather while underway to Eleuthera.

At 06.15 just after day break I was underway to Sound Rock on south Eleuthera. The passage started oke with a nice following sea and wind. But by 11.00 the predicted rain was there and the wind increased . In went the 1st reef in the main sail and not even 10 min later the 2nd reef also and the foresail reduced to small . And with the strong wind came the swell . But Mylady handled it all very well and I made good progress, By the time I was near Eleuthera the rain had gone and visibility was also good again. At 16.00 lt the anchor was near Rock Sound . Due to SW wind I dropped anchor on the west side of the bay. There were already many more boats hiding for the wind.

  • Again a nice sunset
  • And after the sun is just under the horizon
  • The big supermarket just out side Rock Sound .
  • The Petrold station what is very close to the dinghy dock.
  • The big and strong dinghy dock.

After two days the wind direction was oke to move to the anchorage near the village. Just outside the village is a big very good supermarket and that I visited first. The next was the fresh water that also here is free to get. And free fresh water also means laundry day and that was the next day the job. And at the hardware shop they could refill my propane bottle.

  • The trail to the entrance of the cave . There is a sign at the road where the cave are.
  • The entrance to the cave.

This time I also visited the cave just outside the village . It was interesting to visit this cave.

On February 28 the anchor came up and with a nice southerly wind and the sun out I set sail to the north of Eleuthera. While underway a group Dolphins came to check me out. It is always very nice to see these animals and the way they play around the boat . There were about 8 in the group and 4 stayed for a long time before they left.

I was underway to the anchorage near the “Glass Window Bridge “and at 17.00 that day after I sailed 50 nautical mile the anchor was in near “Mutton Fish Point “what is close to the bridge. More about the bridge in my next post.

Sailing from Georgetown to Big Galliot Cay in the Exumas.

Leaving Georgetown I had to use the engine till I was out in the Exuma Sound. There the sails came out and I had a beautiful blue water sail that day. There was a nice good wind and the sun was there too. The wind was a little bit on the nose so I had to make two tacks out in the sound but at 15.00 I was at anchor near “ Boysie Cay “ .

  • Some people made a mark on Boysie Cay
  • The little beach with my dinghy .
  • And an other beautiful sunset

Last year I wanted to drop anchor also near the island but it was far to roly. This time it was good. I made a cup of tea and after that I launched the dinghy and had a look on the small island. There was not much to see but it was nice to just look around.

The next day I picked up the anchor again and went by using the engine a tiny little piece out in the sound and trough “ Rat Cay Cut “ behind the island again . I dropped anchor on the south side of Rat Cay around 14.00. There I was in the lee of the island. At this stage the wind was a bit strong from the north and to continue in that direction was not a good plan. Where I anchored I was fine for the rest of the day and the night. The next morning the wind was down and after coffee and breakfast I picked up the anchor and continue my passage behind the islands. The anchorage I thought to go was a bit to much windy and the swell from the Exuma Sound rolled in. I went a bit further and dropped anchor behind

“ Children’s Cay “ . I had to stay a bit outside the beautiful bay because it was to shallow for Mylady but it was a good and nice spot.

Due to the fact I had used the engine I was pretty fast with getting Mylady ship shape and after that I took the dinghy and went to the beautiful white beach. Besides the big and small palm trees there was not much to see. The next day I filled up the small fuel tank from the outboard of the dinghy and explored my surroundings with the dinghy . Besides a few other small beaches and the lava rocks was there not much to see. Around lunch time I was back on board and I took it easy the rest of the day.

  • The beach on Williams Cay to I went first
  • Mylady safe at anchor
  • The beginning at the starboard beach of the short trail to the other side
  • And then this is what you see at the other side
  • Mylady in the distance at anchor.

The next morning around 09.00 the anchor was up and by using the iron sail I was underway again. It was beautiful sunny morning but there was only a little breeze. At 10.40 the anchor was down again and it was time for an other cup of coffee. Last year I was here also and that time there were around 10 other boats on anchor. But when I arrived now I was the only one. Later in the afternoon 2 other boats also dropped anchor. At the head of bay are two small beaches and I went first to the starboard one. There was a small trail to the other side of the island. After I had seen it all there I took the dinghy and went to the other beach and also there was small trail to the other side. Due to the sunny weather is was nice to have a walk and to explore it all.

To the next anchor spot I could sail. But I only used a little foresail because it was a short distance. The weather had changed from sunny to a grey sky. I dropped anchor behind

“ Normans Pond Cay “ . Here I would have good protection for the strong westerly wind that was coming . That first evening while the wind was already pretty strong the anchor lost his grip and the boat started to drag . I picked up the anchor and went back on anchor at a different spot and there the anchor held pretty good. The next day it was real nasty with weather with rain and lots of wind. But the day after that the wind decreased and the sun came out again.

  • The leguanes on the beach waiting for the tourists
  • Walking around on the island
  • Cristal clear water.

On Tuesday afternoon I took my dinghy and went to the beautiful beach on “ Leaf Cay “ . On that island life a lot of Bahamian Leguanes. And a whole bunch of them were laying on the beach when I arrived. Shortly after me a tourist boat arrived and they had food for those animals in form of some kind of leaves what those animals liked a lot . And that was where they were waiting for. After the tourist boat had left I walked around a bit more and found a beautiful big beach on the other side of the island. The next morning the wind had turned north and the anchorage became much uncomfortable. I pick up the anchor and moved to a anchorage spot near the research centre on “ Lee Stocking Island “ . There the sea was flat and the wind less. In the afternoon I took my dinghy and went direction centre to explore the surroundings there. But a guard came out as soon as I was near the centre and told me very friendly that it was all private and that it was not allowed to go ashore.

Oke back to Mylady was the only option. That afternoon I took the dinghy on deck and made it good fast and made there rest of the boat also ready for an passage out on the Exuma Sound .

The next day after the coffee and a good breakfast I went underway . The passage trough “ Adderly Cut “ out in the Exuma Sound was a wild one but once out of the big swell the sailing went oke . I was heading for “ Big Galliot Gay “ what was only 15 nautical miles sailing .

There the passage trough the “ Gaillot Cut was an easy smooth one and at 14.20 the anchor was safe in nearly at the same spot where I had anchored last year.

More about the island of “Big Galliot Cut “in my next post.

Georgetown, Exuma, Maintenance month.

When I left Kalabash Bay – on December 26 – at north Long Island it was early morning and to the east there were black clouds but towards Georgetown it all looked oke . And it was oke . I had a nice relaxed sail. The wind was from the south what made it an easy sail. Just before I came between the reefs from Georgetown Harbour I lowered the main sail and made my way in only on the foresail . Around 12.30 the anchor was in and I cleared the boat and launched the dinghy.

  • The dusty centre of Georgetwon
  • The big supermarket near the dinghy dock what is more or less in the centre of the village .
  • The dinghy dock inside the lagoon
  • The anchorage near the village .
  • And there is Mylady
  • This is little bridge you have to apss in and out the Lagoon.

Later that afternoon I went ashore to do some shopping for fresh veggies and to get my jerrycans filled with fresh water. The only item what was not in the shops was bread. The first ferry in the new year would bring it they hoped . For the that last item is a free tap on the dinghy dock. After coming back on board I took my laundry out and filled up some buckets with water and in went the dirty stuff.

  • Doing the laundry on board Mylady
  • My jerry cans to get fresh water on board but I have a few more old ones as well.
  • And all is on the line , drying.

The next day I made 4 more runs to the fresh water tap because I was washing everything what was dirty or could just use a rinse. This was a complete day job but by the end of the day all was done and dry.

On December 28 I picked up the anchor and found myself a nice anchor spot near the monument on Stocking Island and that is where I stayed for the next 4 weeks. Yes that long because I had decided that Mylady could use some total love care. And so I painted most of all inside the saloon and some items in the engine room.

Several times a week a ferry came in to bring supplies for the island . That is the only way all the goods are brought from Nassau to the island .

  • Up there is the monument what was in the old days a navigation bacon .
  • The start of the trail .
  • The nice view from up at the monument
  • The monument what has seen better times.
  • Mylady at anchor .

On one of the days I took a break in the work and did the hike up to the monument. From there you have a beautiful view over the anchorage and the whole harbour.

It is not always sun shine . A few days the wind was pretty strong and it rained . But oke that cleared the deck from dust and salt sea water .

On a beautiful calm evening the full moon came up and with my new camera I could make some nice pictures of it.

  • The galley gets new paint .
  • And all the paint stuff is on the table
  • A part done

After 3 weeks the paint job was more or less done and all looked again very good again. Yes as you can see on the pictures during the time I was busy it was a bit of a mess inside.

After the paint job was done I took out the Sailrite Sewing machine because I had to do some projects with it. That went with ups and downs . Yes it were the first big projects on the machine and I learned a lot regarding the use of the machine . But after a week all that was doen as well. Yes not a boring moment on board Mylady .

Now it is 28 December and all is cleared and I am ready to go cruising again. Currently I am on anchor near the village again and filled up my water tanks and bought enough supplies for the coming weeks. On January 30 I will sail north but not alone . There will be a female crew member on board for a few weeks . More about that in my next post .

From Lynyard Cay going south and up north again.

While I was on anchor at the south part of Lynyard cay and had a look at the weather / wind I though , “ this must be perfect to sail in one go to the Ragged Islands “ . I had heard a bit about that group but I had never been there. I checked the chart and saw that – going outside the islands – it was only 325 nautical miles so not that far. Just next to me was a big big catamaran on anchor and that morning I rowed over with some fresh water jerrycans and asked if they could give me some water what was no problem. After I had that first load on board I went back to get more filled. I had never done this but it was very welcome . That afternoon of December 05 I moved to the other side of the bay because the wind suppose to turn to the west what it did. And made Mylady ready for the sail south. On Wednesday, December 06 the anchor was out at daybreak and I was underway. The weather was good with a nice wind and the sun was coming up. The whole day it was like this and I made good progress. By early evening the wind increased but the direction was still good. Also the second day out it was good sailing. I had a look at the distance still to go and the wind prediction. There was a little chance I could make it before dark on Friday. But it was a big maybe. And the islands were not a place to arrive at night time. So I made the decision to reduce sail and slow down. I took the mainsail down and had only a very small foresail out .

  • A big tanker I saw the first day out.
  • A nice evening out on the ocean.
  • The very ” big ” foresail I used the last 24 hours in order to go slow.
  • The Ragged Islands in a distance
  • Sunset on my first anchorage .

Yes very relaxed sailing but all worked out perfect . At Saturday morning around 08.00 I was near the islands and could increase speed by rolling out the foresail a bit more. At 09.30 I was behind the islands in calm waters but the wind was still pretty strong. When sailing behind the islands I saw the village. I was told that is was more or less abandoned because there was lots of damage to everything due to the hurricanes. And around the island where the village is , is it quit shallow. The draft of Mylady is 6,5 feet. I continued to Raccoon Cay and dropped anchor there at 11.45 lt. It was a nice spot near a long beach. I cleared the boot and launched the dinghy. Around 15.00 I rowed ashore to have a look. At one spot somebody made a very nice fireplace. I found on the beach two good timbers and added these as a nice seat to that fireplace . And at one end of the beach were the ruins of a house so one time somebody had stayed there.

  • Mylady at anchor near Raccoon Cay.
  • The long fine beach .
  • The inside of the cay.
  • Mylady seen in a distance on anchor
  • The very nice and good fireplace .

I stayed there a few days on anchor. The next day I went ashore and I took my trash with me. I collected wood and made a nice fire so all my trash was burned. On December 12 my anchor was out and I sailed north along the islands. At 12.00 lt the anchor was dropped behind “ Buena Vista Cay “. The wind was pretty strong but the holding for the anchor good. After the boat was cleared I rowed ashore to have a look but there was not much to see. The next day I took the anchor up and sailed south again . I was heading for “ Hog Cay “ .

  • The shore with the sand stone hills at Hog Cay .
  • No this isn’t an other sunset but this time the sunrise just before I left the Ragged Islands.

The last miles I had the wind on the nose so I had to make a few tacks to come in . At 15.30 lt the anchor was in on the north side of the anchorage. At the south side were a few more boats on anchor. The next morning I picked up the anchor and went in a bit further to have a bit more protection for the strong easterly wind that was coming and indeed was there the next two day’s. I stayed a few days there and didn’t go ashore. On December 16 I sailed back to Raccoon Cay. That late afternoon I made a fire again to burn my trash. The next morning at daybreak the anchor was out and trough the Raccoon Cut I went on the ocean underway to Clarence Town . When I left the weather was still reasonable oke. But during the morning there rain increased and the wind also a bit but the sailing went good with a good speed. The swell was real big but Mylady was in her element and dancing on those waves. The whole passage went that good that at 22.00 I was near Clarence town and though to take a short cut over a shallower part . Just when I went on that piece I noticed the swell was getting pretty steep and was on the break of breaking and it did just in front of me so I turned fast and went out again to deeper water. At daybreak you can see it but now in the dark ups it was real dangerous. But I made it safe in even to go all the way between the reefs. The navionics chart were correct.

The next morning I picked up the anchor and went in a little but further. I thought I would row ashore and land on the nearby beach. But by the time I had it all ready to go it was high tide and the beach didn’t look a good landing place due to the swell that was breaking there. I Mounted the outboard behind the dinghy and made my way to the government dock. There was a perfect landing.

  • Mylady on anchor near Clarencetown.
  • ERika’s Bakery
  • The big church you see from far.
  • An other church in the village .
  • The dinghy dock near the governament dock.

Clarence Town – if you hear the name you think of a town – is just a very small village. But there is a little shop , Erika’s Bakery , where they sell home made bread and cakes. The bread was very good as were the rum cakes I had. I walked around a bit and visited the big church what is on a hill and what you can see from far away. Alongside a road a men was cutting branches from the bush. When I approached him he said “ I knew you would ask what I was doing “ and yes I did. It was for his sheep who like that kind of stuff very much. I had a nice talk with the men and learned a bit about the island. After I continued my walk I went to the marina office to see if they knew a good spot to drop anchor for the upcoming strong easterly. The men at the office gave perfect info. And that was my only visit ashore to Clarence town. After I came back on board I took the outboard of the dinghy , picked up the anchor and went to the good spot what was recommended. Next to anchorage was a nice beach and after the boat was oke I rowed ashore and walked around. The next two day’s the wind was pretty strong again but I was oke.

  • Just next to the spit I was on anchor for a few days. The wind was at one stage up to 30 knots but all was oke .

On December 23 I left at daybreak and had a nice easy sail to Calabash bay what is on the north tip of Long Island. That whole bay is not to deep but just enough for Mylady. I went all the way to the north of the bay where the swell coming from the ocean was only a little bit.

After I was on anchor and the boat was cleared I got a visit from two dolfhins who swam slowly around the boat.

The next morning I picked up the anchor and went around Saint Peter’s Point to the next anchorage.

That was a beautiful spot but the swell from the ocean made it a roly anchorage. And due to the breakers on the beach it would not be possible to go ashore. Around noon I went back to Calabash bay. There is a resort but I didn’t go ashore to have a look . On December 26 I sailed for Georgetown and there I dropped anchor near the village. I needed to fill up on fresh provisions and fresh water and that is available in Georgetown . More about that in my next post .

From Fernandina Beach until the Abacos, north Bahamas.

That morning when I left Fernandina Beach it was flat calm and the sun was still just below the horizon. Just a mile or 2 along the “ road “ is a shallow part but this time I had enough water under the keel due to the high tide. The whole day all went fine and I made good progress.

No the sails were not used at all, the iron sail had to do the job.

Around 16.00 lt the anchor was down at the beautiful anchor near Pine Island.

With me there were 4 other boats there on anchor The next morning I first thought to stay where I was but the day was nice and the wind calm so up came the anchor and I went underway again.

  • The bridge of the lion in st.Augustine
  • More bridge but high enough for he mast of Mylady
  • Approach Daytona
  • A floating bar
  • Daytona

Near st. Augustine I dropped the anchor only to wait for the bridge to open again and to eat some lunch. At 12.30 the bridge opened and I passed it. At 16.00 I was near a shallow part again but now it was oke now because they were dredging. Just after that passage I found a spot what looked oke for me to spent the night . At 16.25 the anchor was down.

The next morning the sky was grey and it was raining. Always before I go underway I check the engine and so I did it this morning also and saw there was something wrong with alternator . The bold that holds it tied to engine had come out. Oke time for a repair. It took me about two hours before I had it fixed. I tried two things before at the third time using 3 seconds gel glue and you know what it worked perfect. Luckily I had just bought it.

At 10.00 I was underway again and by that time it was dry and the sun was out. During that I checked the engine every 10 minutes but all was oke . At 17.00 the anchor was down near Daytona beach and a beer was out.

The next morning the weather was again rainy with a grey sky and more bad weather was underway. I went that day – November 12 , 2023 – only till New Smyrna Beach and at 12.00 the anchor was safely in. Due to bad weather with lots of wind and rain I stayed a few day. But I managed to get diesel from a nearby gas station and groceries at the supermarket . My little bicycle made overtime. I also visited the local pub / brewery and there I had a nice chat with the local beer brewer.

  • Rain , Rain and more rain so the watertank was full .
  • Finally it was dry
  • This had to do with memorial day .
  • Down town New Smyrna Beach .
  • The brewery

On November 18 the anchor was up and I was heading for Titusville where the anchor was in around 15.30 that day. I stayed 3 days there at anchor.

  • a beuatiful mural in Titusville
  • A big old house that is still standing
  • The mainstreet
  • An other beautiful mural .

I Titusville is the American Space Museum . It is just a small museum but very interesting . And while I was there , there was a men from the museum who could tell me a lot about all the space programs. Once Titusville must have been a nice village with a nice downtown but now there is a highway in both directions running straight trough the village.

  • Aproaching the lock at Cape Canaveral
  • In the lock
  • The last bridge and I am of to the Bahamas
  • By USA , Bahamas here I come

On 21 November I passed the lock at Cape Canaveral and was heading out on the ocean direction Bahamas.

The first day out the passage was a bit of a rough one but it was good sailing and Mylady was dancing along , she real enjoyed to be on the open water again and yes her skipper was not much different. The passage was only 2 days and the second day the wind was light. I had my very big genua out and for the first time in several years that sail was up again and made that we made nice gently progress.

I made landfall at an anchorage in the north of Abacos and on 23 November at 17.00 the anchor was in. The next two days I sailed further south. Only at a nice cove on the north side of Green Turtle cay I stopped for 2 day’s. And there I made my first fire for the season . The first fire just for the fun and the second night I burned my garbage .

On November 27 I arrived in Marsh Harbour where I checked in and did some shopping for fresh groceries and had my small propane bottle refilled. And I tried to get a SIM card for my mobile at the new BTC office ( Batelco ) but they had none and had not a clue when they would get more. But they found out that a shop “ Dockside “ near the water front had sim cards. And yes they did and they were of a great help with the setup of the mobile .

On November 29 the anchor was up around coffee time. There was a nice wind and I had a nice sail al the way to the south part of Lynyard Cay.

  • Mylady gently behind her anchor
  • A place for a drink and a fire with lots of boating souvenirs
  • The east side of the island
  • The tree looks dead but isn’t just washed by the salt water

This is a very nice spot with two small beaches, good holding for the anchor and a small trail to the other side of the island. I stayed on the good spot nearly a week. I did some boat jobs – yes a never ending storey – , every day I took a dive , walked on the beach and made a nice fire to burn my trash .

This was the whole storey up till now.

Beaufort NC by off shore passage to Fernandina Beach

By 14.00 lt in the morning the anchor was out and I was heading for the ocean. There was a nice wind from easterly direction what made it a nice sail from wind at starboard side. That whole first night the wind was good as was it the following day’s. I hardly saw any other boats or big shipping the three days I was underway.

On October 25 I was at the beginning of St Mary’s Inlet . I a good wind from behind and just for safety reasons I lowered the main sail and continued only on the foresail . While I came in a big submarine just was heading for sea . A coast guard boat came racing to me and asked me to stop. I told them that , that was impossible with wind and current on my tail but I reduced the foresail to go a bit slower . After the submarine had past the second coast guard boat kept an eye on me. After the whole parade had past I got a signal that all was oke and I could proceed to Cumberland. A little bit further the wind turned on the nose and I started the engine. But no sound from the engine. I opened the cover in front of the engine and all looked normal . I tried again but still nothing. On to of the engine is a fuse block with four connections . I shift the one that was on to an other one and yes the engine came to live.

At 16.30 lt the anchor was safe behind Cumberland Island. I cleared the sails and the boat and took a welcome beer. The next day I took it easy in the morning and around 14.00 I went ashore for a walk.

  • The beach on the east side of the island
  • The wetlands on the south side of the island
  • A few of the wild horses you see roaming the island.
  • The ruins from a big house that is on the south side of the island
  • One of the little animals you see everywhere ( I don’t know the name )

It is always nice to be back on this beautiful island and to walk around. The next day I picked up the anchor and went to an other anchor spot what turned out to be an interesting , beautiful spot .

  • The shore near the second anchorage
  • More wild horses
  • And yes fog in the morning
  • A beautiful sunset .

Everyday I saw a few wild horses and lots of other wild live.

On October 31 around 08.00 the anchor was out and I was heading for st. Mary’s where I was at 11.15 lt safe at anchor. There was a weather prediction of strong northerly wind and that is why I went there. While I was there it was halloween .

While there on anchor I had my bicycle on the shore and did some shopping – the supermarket is about 20 min away – and at the gas station I bought petrol for the outboard. While in st. Mary’s I read a ad about a festival about the right whales in Fernandina Beach the coming weekend . On Thursday 02 November at 15.00 the anchor was out and I was heading for a spot closer to the head of the St Mary’s river. On Friday I made my way to the anchorage of Fernandina Beach where the anchor was in at around 09.00 . That day it was pretty windy and I stayed on board the rest of the day. On Saturday morning at 10.00 I was ashore together with my bicycle.

While heading for the festival I passed the farmers market and had a look there. From there I went to the other side of the island where the festival was held. There were lots of stalls and I should say I talk with a lot of the people from the stalls and learned a lot about the right whales and other sea animals.

  • The whole festival was about the right whale and the protection of it .

On Sunday I went back for an other look and to learn more.

I stayed a few day’s more at anchor there and did again shopping in order to stock up for my trip to the Bahamas. And my little bicycle was a very great help because the supermarkets were as is normal way out of town.

On November 09 just after daybreak the anchor was out and I was heading south going through the Intra Coastal Waterway. My plan was to go from Fernandina Beach by an ocean passage to the Bahamas but the weather / wind didn’t look good for the upcoming period what made me going through the ICW in order to make it south anyhow.

More about that passage in my next post.

Trough the ICW to Belhaven and Beaufort both in North Carolina

After I left Great Bridge I had to motor a while because I was between trees and the wind came from every where. But Once I was in the open the foresail came out . There is an open piece of water called “ the Currituck Sound “ and the wind was from the north – I was going south – and pretty good so the sailing was good and fast. In the sound I have to follow the fare-way pretty good because straight on both side this fare-way it shallow. But all went fine . I used the engine to pass trough canal near “ Coinjock “ but once trough the fore sail came out again . Why only the foresail ? Because I can reduce it easy and as the fare-way is pretty narrow I have to be careful. At 17.45 lt I found myself a anchor spot for the night and had a good rest. The next day I was up early and underway again. That day while the sun was out and the north wind was there I passed the “ Albemarle Sound “ and the “ Alligator River “ . The whole afternoon there some dark clouds but I had no rain. And just before I was at the spot where I wanted to anchor the rain came in full force down. Oke one advantage the dust and sand was washed of the deck. I was just on anchor – yes during the rain – and it cleared again. After a quit night I left the anchorage and sailed into the Alligator river – Pungo River canal. First I tried to sail but the wind was nice or nothing and from everywhere so the iron sail took over .At the end of the canal at the Pungo River side is a very nice anchorage and that is where the hook went down. The next day it was sunny and a little breeze and I took it easy this day and stayed where I was. But after that one day I moved on to Belhaven what was only 12 nautical miles away . The wind was the right direction and I had a good sail to Belhaven and on Tuesday , October 03 around 12.45 lt the anchor was set. I cleared the boat and launched the dinghy. After that was done I took something for lunch and at 15.00 I went ashore to say hello to Jo and Becky from “ the Cosy Mermaid “. They were happy to see me again and we chatted a bit and I told them that my new batteries were underway and also some important mail from the Netherlands. They would call once one of the items would be there. After I left them I went to the ice cream shop and bought a nice one.

  • There was still water in streets from the very high water they had a few day’s before
  • Mylady on anchor in Belhaven .
  • The dinghy dock at the town dock.
  • Jo and Becky from the Cosy Mermaid who were a big hel for by because the received several packages for me .
  • The housing in a part of the village are in what is called trailers.
  • And they also are raised because of the occasional high water .
  • The supermarket ” Foid LIon ” just outside the village.

On Wednesday at 11.00 Jo called me to tell that the batteries were there . About one hour later I was alongside in the town dock and took my trolley and went to the Cosy Mermaid to pick up those batteries . After I had all four on board I went back to the anchorage. The next day I first had to take all what was stored on top of the batteries out . And then I could take first the old ones out and the new ones went in and connected . That all went fine.

I had bought four , 100 Ah , AGM batteries at the side of Regony what is the same company where I bought the new solar panels. By the time all was cleared again it was to late to start working inside on the engine starting battery . But by the end of the next day that was in also and all worked perfect. The mail from the Netherlands took a bit longer and had some problems but at the end it was there. While in Belhaven I was happy with my bicycle. The supermarket “ Food Lion “ is at 3,5 mile from the harbour but that was no problem with my bicycle and I did quit a bit of shopping to have enough for my Bahamas trip.

On October 15 the anchor came up and I was underway again . The day before I had say goodbye to Jo and Becky at the Cosy Mermaid. That day the wind was good from the north and I had a good sail to an anchorage just passed the canal what runs passed “ Hobucken “ .

  • BIg shrimp fishing vessels along side in the canal.
  • Approaching Beaufort

The next day I continued and went to an anchor just of buoy no 9 in Adams Creek. The next day I though to stay there but I changed my mind and went underway to Beaufort NC . There I dropped anchor at 14.00 lt on October 17.

  • Mylady at anchor in the harbour of Beaufort NC .
  • Some of the house at the waterfront in Beaufort NC
  • The farmers market in Beaufort NC .
  • One of the boats that makes tours in the harbour and surrounding with tourist
  • The bicycle shop from Evert who has very good beer also .
  • My new folding bicycle .
  • My old one.

This town is always full of live and there are good shops and a big supermarket. And my bicycle was a big advantage again but one morning the front tire was flat . I pumped it up again and went looking for a bicycle shop and I found “ Beaufort Bicycle “ but it was closed . The next morning I went there again but nothing was wrong with the tire this morning. Stevie from the shop was a interesting men and before he asked what was wrong with my bike he asked I I liked beer and I had taste his home-brew what was very good drinking. After we finished a bottle he had a look at the bike and then he took me to a shed and showed me a very nice alum folding bike. It was indeed much better for on the boat and I bought it. He took the other bike and I had to pay a bit extra for the folding one. The next day I went back to Stevie to pay and to get the new bike . Stevie own 5 cars and among it a nice red sports Corvette and he took me for a ride in it and showed me the surroundings and at the harbour I had to point out my boat. After we came back at the shop we first took a beer again and chatted a bit . Stevie had done a lot of sailing up and down the east coast of the US in a small boat so we talked about that and he told me how he ended up with his bicycle shop . It was good to have met him and to share his beer.

All together I stay till October 22 before heading out on the ocean underway to Cumberland Island in Georgia. In the next post more about that trip.

Chesapeake City and down the Chesapeake Bay and beginning of the ICW.

The last post ended that I was coming on anchor in Chesapeake City. After I was on anchor and all was oke I launched the dinghy . When I am underway this is stowed on deck. Behind me was a small dock but near the village was also a special dinghy dock. And that is were I rowed to. Yes the outboard stayed where it was and took some exercise. After I was ashore I first walked around a bit so my land legs could come back. From every point in the village you see the big bridge. And what you see when you are near the waterfront is a good ice cream place and that was end point of my walk. I had a nice chat with the girl in the shop and bought a big ice cream . Once outside I saw big black clouds coming so I jumped in the dinghy and rowed fast back to the boat and yes I made it dry . On board I enjoyed the ice cream. I had a very good peaceful night rest.

  • The bridge seen from the anchorage at the end of the day.
  • And here Mylady on anchor in the little harbour.
  • Houses in the small village.
  • A barge pushed by a strong tugboat is passing the bridge.
  • More from the village.
  • A very big car carrier passing the bridge .

The next morning I took it very easy and after a nice breakfast with eggs and bacon on bread and coffee I went to the shore. It was very nice sunny weather and I had my new camera with me. This time I tied my dinghy up at the small dock just behind the boat and walk around the harbour to the village. I walk around in the small centre and took pictures. It was at the beginning of the afternoon when I went back but not before I had an other ice cream. I didn’t go back to the boat but instead to the museum from the Chesapeake / Delaware Canal. It is a small museum but well worth to visit. I learned a lot about the Canal and when it was made and how it became as big as it is now.

The first night I was the only boat but the third night there were totally 5 boats on anchor in that small spot. But the wind was light and there were no problems.

  • And again I passed the ” Bay Bridge ” in Chesapeake Bay on my way south.
  • This is a bridge you pass on the river on my way to Urbanna.

On September 14 around noon I had the anchor up and left. Also when leaving here you have to check the current and that is why I left around noon . The first part I had to use the iron sail but after an hour that was stopped and under full sail I continued going south. Just before 16.00 I was near “ Pooles Island “ and had a good look at it and it looked oke for the night . I took the foresail in and lowered the main and slowly went closer to the island and at 16.00 I was safe at anchor . The wind was moderate but I had a bit protection from the island. Early morning the wind picked up and there was some swell finding it’s way to where I was . But the anchor held perfect . At 07.00 I was up and made coffee and had some breakfast . At 08.00 I was underway again. First only using the foresail because I had to pass some shallow area’s . But once past them I hoisted the main also. The whole day I had a good sunny sail downwind. By 18.00 I decided to keep on going for the night and next to make it next morning at the harbour of Urbanna. Sailing up the

“ Rappahannock River “ I had the wind on the nose so I had make some tacks. It was not busy with other sailboats or motorboats but there were a few. At 13.30 on September 16 the anchor was down in the harbour of Urbanna.

  • All the pictures are taken in the main street of Urbanna.

I had been twice before and the small village is nice. And yes there is a good ice cream shop as well. And besides that also a good supermarket. I stayed a few days there. On September 20 early morning the anchor was up and I was heading out of harbour to river. On the river there was a light wind but under full sail I could make nice progress to the bridge. After the bridge the wind was on the nose again so there I went again with tacking back and and fore. In the mean time the wind had picked up and the sun was out , yes it was nice and good sailing weather. I had planned to go to an anchorage just past

“ Deltaville “ but the sail was so good that I continued towards Mobjack Bay. There I dropped anchor in the “ Severn River “ at 21.20 that evening. This was an easy approach with the south wind and in the dark. After coming on anchor I cleared the boat, took a beer and made myself something to eat.

The next morning at 08.00 the anchor was up and I was heading for the East River also a part of Mobjack Bay. There I dropped anchor on Thursday , September 21 around 11.15 lt so I had good protection for a NE gale force wind. Out on coast the hurricane “ Ophelia “

  • Here a picture from tghe hurricane that passed at the coast .
  • Here still a very peaceful anchorage
  • Late afternoon at the anchorage.
  • The centre of Mathews

was passing but I was the whole time fine where I was and the wind and rain were moderate. That Thursday afternoon the weather was still oke and I launched the dinghy and took my backpack and made my way up “ Put in Creek “ ( yes this is the name of that creek ) to Mathews. A nice small village but it has a big supermarket. I had been a few times to Mathews before and it is always a nice to come back there. After the hurricane had passed I moved to the entrance of the creek and stayed there a few days and from there the dinghy ride up the creek was shorter. In Mathews I went in a shop I have seen before but never entered but this time I had a look. And what a special shop. It had al kind of stuff in it. You had to be careful moving around so full was it . I bought a few nice special items.

On September 26 I picked up my anchor and was heading for Portsmouth near Norfolk. The wind was good from the north but the sky grey and I even had some rain. I could sail all the way and the free berth at Portsmouth was completely empty. I tied up just before high tide. During high tide the whole quay was underwater . Also here I had been before so this was not new for me. Just next to my berth is the museum of the Naval Shipbuilding. And I had time so I went there and it was very interesting. It was about the whole history of Norfolk and Portsmouth and the naval yards. Later that day around noon I slipped the ropes and went up the Intra Coastal Waterway. Due to the north wind I could sail on the foresail a big part.

  • The big Highway bridge that opened up only for Mylady .
  • Here I am passed already . Yes just after the bridge is a railway bridge.
  • Entering the lock at GReat Bridge.
  • Moored in , besides Mylady , a empty lock
  • Along the ICW you see big birds of prey.
  • Some dark clouds going up the Aligator river.
  • The clouds were on one side of the river the other side it looked like this.
  • An other big bird.

In the canal I had to pass a highway bridge and that whole big bridge opened only for me. The passage trough the lock at Great Bridge went fast. I was the only boat in the lock when I went trough . After the lock I tied up at the free berth on the port side just be the bridge. While alongside there I bought diesel and refilled the propane bottle at Mobil station. And at the supermarket I bought some fresh items and more just to stock up the boat. Two days later I went trough the bridge at 08.00 and continued going south up the ICW. More about that voyage in the next post .

To Southold on Long Island and then by an offshore passage to Delaware Bay.

In the afternoon of 26 August at 16.00 local time the anchor was out and I was underway again. The fact that I left this late in the day was the direction of the current in the Cape Cod Canal. The first part when you come from Onset and go south is trough the canal. I went only a small distance and at 18.30 I had the hook down in Aucoot Cove . A nice spot for a quit night.

At 07.00 after a cup of coffee the hook was out and I was underway to Southold on Long Island to visit my friends Leslie and Priscilla and to pick up all the packages they received for me. The sailing went oke with a nice S ly wind. I thought to make a stop for the night but the wind was oke and the prediction regarding the wind direction for the coming days was not that good. So I continued sailing. By 03.00 the wind was light and I didn’t make much progress under sail so the iron sail had to come alive. I was nearby Gardiners Island and saw on the chart a good anchor spot only 2 miles away. At 03.45 the anchor was in and after clearing the boat I took a beer before going for a nap. The next morning there was a nice wind from the SE. At 11.00 the anchor was up and and with the fore sail up I went direction Shelter Island.

I decided to go by the south side of the island to Southold. On the picture I had just past the ferry service at the south side of the island . I could sail most of the passage behind the island. It was amazing the amount of speedboats – small and big – who were racing around. At 18.50 the anchor was safe in near Southold . About half and hour later I was ashore to say hello to my friends and it was good to see them again. When I went back to Mylady I had already most of the packages with me . But the biggest – two new solar panels – I left for the next day when it was day light. Back on board it was like Christmas with unpacking all the packages.

  • The new panels are on board.
  • The old ones would go to Leslie who could use them on the farm to load the batteries for his tractors.
  • One old one gone.
  • Both panels down.
  • The first new one up .
  • Both are up and what a difference.

The next morning I went ashore and this time I came back with the solar panels . It was a bit tricky to get them from the dinghy on board but all went oke. After they were on board I immediately started the project to get the old ones down and the new one up. It took me three days to do the whole job. But what a big difference in the amount of output.

On Tuesday I went for a day sail with my friends. Unfortunately the wind was light but we could sail a bit. For lunch we dropped anchor and the two men – Leslie and a friend from him – tried to catch some fish. At 16.00 we were back on anchor again.

  • On LOng Island are a lot of vineyards.
  • But also green open fields.
  • This is the lighthouse at Horton Point. The lighthouse is still a working one but the light is full automatic.
  • Near the lighthouse you can go down to the beach . These are the steps to go down.
  • The museum in the village of Southold with all the old buildings.

I stayed a few days more and one of those day I took the bicycle from my friends and went to the UPS shop to return an item that didn’t fit and to do sight seeing. It was a nice bicycle trip. On Saturday I went to have a look at the light house and it’s museum at Horton Point. The museum is small but the volunteers who run it gave a good and nice explanation about all what was to see and off course I went up in the tower from the lighthouse. The next day I went to the museum in the village. There are some old buildings from the surrounding area’s brought together and you can get a good impression how it all was in the old days. And again the volunteers gave a good explanation about what was to see.

On 03 September at 16.00 the anchor came up and once again I was underway again. The evening before I had said goodbye to me dear friends. And again I left late in the afternoon because of the current . I couldn’t sail so the iron sail brought me to the anchorage at Long Beach Point. There were some other boats on anchor but by the time it was dark they were gone.

I had thought about going trough Long Island Sound again but after looking at the weather charts and info I decided to make it and off shore passage. So next morning at daybreak the anchor was up and the bow was pointing at Mountak Point , the most easterly point of Long Island .

  • The lighthouse at Montauk Point.
  • There were the cirkel is , is a big whale . The next day I saw a whale again but closer . But it is so difficult to make a picture of the animals.
  • The Delware / Chesapeake Canal seen from Chesapeake City .

The wind came out of the SW so I sailed close hauled. The wind was nice and good but not that strong. Indeed it was nice and good sailing. I would held this course till the wind would turn more southerly. And at late afternoon of 07 September the wind started to turn ( as the prediction had shown ) . And just before dark I went about and with a good southerly wind I could be heading for Delaware Bay. During the afternoon of 09 Sept I sailed into Delaware bay . The weather had turned in rainy conditions. Around 20.30 I decided that it was enough and went direction north coast to anchor for the night. I found a good spot and at 21.00 the anchor was in. That night I slept very good. The next morning I woke up with heavy rain and a very strong wind from SSE what gave a nasty shop. But the anchor held oke. By 11.00 the rain was gone and the sun came out . And yes also this time I had to wait for the current to change in favour for me. But at 12.00 the anchor was up. First I had to use the iron sail but steadily the wind came and the iron sail was lowered and the normal sails went up and out and the whole afternoon I had a very nice sail. I went to an anchorage just near Delaware City. Just when I entered the anchorage heaven opened up and there was real heavy rain. But by the time I found a spot the rain nearly stopped and at 22.00 I was at anchor.

The next morning it was dry and hardly any wind. I picked up the anchor and motored to the entrance of the Delaware / Chesapeake Canal . I had a nice passage trough the Canal and around noon I was at Chesapeake City . When I entered the harbour I got stocked in the mud . Oke I reversed and tried it on an other spot but again stocked. Then somebody called me on the VHF radio and told me how to come in . And that worked but I could not come alongside at the free berth. But I could come in the back of the small harbour and dropped anchor what was also oke .

The reason I went all the way up Delaware bay was a hurricane that was coming north. And I thought the more inland the better it will be and it turned out that way.

In my next post I tell you more about Chesapeake City and my voyage down the bay.

From Shelburne, Nova Scotia to Onset, USA.

When I was near Shelburne I went alongside at the yacht club. I knew that at the yacht club a new anchor chain was waiting for me. So after my arrival I went to the office but there they knew nothing. But the girl who was at the reception made some calls and we found the chain. It was 275 feet of chain and yes pretty heavy. Now was the question how to get it on board. It was in a drum but in one go was to heavy. So I dragged the 275 feet of chain over the grass and down on the jetty and to Mylady. Yes it took some time but it was on board. An other package , a control unit for my Autohelm , was not there yet.

After the anchor chain was on board I anchored near the waterfront of the village. If you look at the waterfront from the boat you can image how it was in the old day’s. Shelburne is a big harbour and there is al there is for visiting yachts , fishery and even cargo ships.

The next day’s I installed the new chain and later in afternoon took my bicycle ashore.

During my stay there was a day full of fun for everybody. The festival was called “ Dock street day “.

  • All the captains from all the firedepartments who were involved in the fight against the bush fire.
  • All over you could see the britsch heritage and that was aa good thingh to see.
  • There were so contests held for the fire fighters so they could show there skills.
  • This was new to Shelburne but nobody made it , not even a short distance . But it was big fun.
  • The market that was held in the afternoon .
  • The fishing boats all with beautiful lights .

The main subject was to thank all the volunteer fire fighters who had part in fight against the biggest bush fire ever in Nova Scotia . That all had happened not to far from Shelburne. And during the day there were all kind of this going on and all near the waterfront. In the evening there was a parade from fishing who were all dressed with lights and while they came by at the waterfront they fired beautiful fireworks up in the air .

On one of the beautiful sunny day’s I went for a ride along the coast with my bicycle. The road was a bit busy with normal traffic but they went a big bow around me. It was a nice ride and I went to Sandy point to see the lighthouse from the shore side and then I continued to a little harbour near Conrads Point . From there I went back and that took a bit more time because my legs were protesting a bit .

  • Two of the big strong horses
  • And an other one .
  • Here are they pulling a heavy load . After the horses pulled the weight a short distance there is more added till they can’t pull it anymore or the owner say , stop.
  • The bulls.
  • All had horns what normal bulls don’t have anymore . But only ones that have hornes can take part in the competion.

What also started when I was there was the “ Shelburne exhibition “ . This was held on a big special place and had all to to with horses and bulls. But there was also live music from local bands. I walked passed the horses and had a talk with the owners . I don’t know anything about those animals so it was interesting to talk with those people . I also had a look at the big bulls and also there I had a chat with some of the owners. Some of the horses were big and strong ones and they had to show there strength in pulling big weights across a track . It was impressive to see what those horses were up to. The bulls had to do the same but I didn’t see that. The whole festival was spread out over 3 day’s.

All in all I had a good stay in Shelburne . Yes the control for the autohelm autopilot also showed up before I left. On the morning of 11 August the weather was not that good. There was fog and it rained but who cares not Mylady and crew so the anchor came up and I left for an anchorage closer to the ocean. I arrived there at noon and by that time the fog was gone and the sun slowly came out. By 16.00 the weather good .

There was a nice wind and the sun was out. I had planned to stay there one night but I thought why should I do that. So I prepared the boat , pulled the anchor up and left. I was heading for the Cape Cod Canal in the USA. Oke the wind direction was not that good but why waiting if sailing weather is good . The first 24 hour I had headwind and had to tack but around noon on 12 august the wind turned good and I good make good head way direct on Cape Cod. This lasted 36 hours and by then the wind was again straight on . But still the progress direction Cape Cod Bay was oke . In Cape Cod Bay I had to slow down to get the right current direction in the Cape Cod Canal.

The morning when I approached the canal was a bit foggy. And while at the begin of the canal heaven opened and it rained heavy. Positive thing about it was that all the salt washed away. Half way the canal the sun came out. Once trough the canal I went in the little canal to Onset where I dropped anchor at 11.50 lt on 15 August 2023.

  • The mooring field and in the background the anchorage .
  • My visitors in there ” dinghy ”
  • The very nice wonderful boat .
  • Sunset in Onset

Onset is a place where I was a place before and it is a nice small village. The second day I had my bicycle ashore because the big supermarket was a bit out of town. Nearly every day I went there because I was slowly stocking up again.

One late afternoon after I had my daily ice cream and was going back to boat I saw a very special tied up to a mooring . It had lee board and was not that big. I went closer and nocked so I could ask the owners all about there boat . Immediatly I was invited on board and it was great to hear all about there boat. The next morning they came over to Mylady. And around noon they sailed away.

While I was there the “ Chalk “ festival was held. Around a park near the waterfront everybody could make a drawing on a piece of the side walk. Some where real professional and some kids made also a nice one . It was areal mix and everybody had lots of fun. And while all the people were busy there was nice live music.

I had a good time in Onset. On 26 August around 15.00 the anchor was up and I was underway again now heading for Southold on Long Island to visit my friends there and to pick up all the parcels they had received for me. More about all that in the next post.

Le Have River to Lockeport both in Nova Scotia.

The voyage down the Le Have River went all oke although the wind was not a lot , it rained and there was fog. Yes real Nova Scotia weather.

Once out of the river I had the sails out and could sail but only a little while . After 4 miles out the wind dropped and turned all kind of directions . I started the engine to make bit progress . And once the engine was doing the job the wind got jealous and picked up again but strait from where I wanted to go. Later that afternoon it cleared and the sun came out. I found a beautiful anchor spot in the Le Have Islands and stayed there that night.

The next morning under a nice sunny sky I took a cuppa and some breakfast and after that the anchor came up and I left for Port Medway. The wind was there at a nice strength abut on the nose. It was nice and good close hauled sailing. The direction of the wind was oke to sail nearly all the way to the little harbour of Port Medway .Around 16.00 I was on anchor just passed the little harbour . Here it was calm and good holding. I cleared the boat and took a welcome beer. I didn’t go ashore because I planned to leave the next day for Port Mouton .

  • The approach to Port Medway
  • The little lighthouse near the small harbour.
  • The village seen from where I anchored
  • The next day when I left and yes there was fog again.

So the morning at 05.30 the alarm went and I filled the kettle and fired up the stove. About half an hour later I had a coffee and a few sandwiches for breakfast . Then 20 min later the anchor was out and I was underway again and now to Port Mouton.

This trip I will never ever forget any more. The first part of the trip out of Port Medway was normal. It was dry and a light wind. But once out the rain started and also the thunder and lightning. And sometimes the rain was very heavy and the thunder and lightning pretty close and heavy. And both lasted the whole day. I never had that the thunder and lightning lasted the whole day. But beside all this there was a light wind and I could sail but it went a bit slow. On this day ashore in Nova Scotia were lot of problems with flooding .

  • some of the rocks near the beach in Port Mouton.
  • The long white beach.
  • Mylady peacfull on anchor
  • Between those rocks is the way out to sea.
  • The streame coming from the forrest.

At 17.00 that day , July 21 , 2023 , the anchor was in and it was dry and the thunder and lightning were gone. I dropped anchor near a very nice beach and the next day I rowed ashore to explore that. While I was there the next few day’s there were maybe 2 or 3 other boats also there on anchor. On the beach there were people during the day but only a few. I liked the place and stayed a few day’s. I did some boat jobs and every day went to the beach for a walk.

On July 24 early morning the anchor was up and I moved to an other spot in Port Mouton. After only an hour there I decided that the weather and wind were both so good for a good sail. I prepared the boat and left. Underway I would see were I would drop anchor for the night . The whole afternoon the wind was good although from the direction I wanted to go so I had to tack a few times. On the chart I found a good spot called “ Little Port

L’Hebert “ . Good protected for the wind but it was just a very small bay . Once in and on anchor it was oke for one night .

The next morning the wind was gone and the fog back . But anyhow I left using the engine to make it up the “ Sable River “ At the entrance , according the chart , was an island and that was where I was heading for .

But there the island was indeed there but it was just above the water. I found a good spot behind it and at 11.00 I was safe on anchor behind Hughes Island. In the afternoon the fog was gone but the wind pick up and out on sea were some white caps on the waves to see but behind the island it was flat calm. While there I did some small boat jobs.

The next morning the fog was there again. But after the coffee and breakfast I left and again mister Volvo Penta had to do the job because the wind was still fast asleep. I was heading for Lockeport what was not to far. Near the harbour of Lockeport the fog lifted and it was easy to enter the harbour. Once in the harbour I moored alongside a catamaran what was alongside the public jetty.

  • Fog , Fog and more of it .
  • Alongside catamaran ” Europa ” at the piublic jetty in Lockeport
  • The boats that are normally used to go after lobster.
  • Lobster pots now waiting for the next season.
  • Some skipper pull there boats out while the season is finished.
  • One of the streets in Lockeport
  • The big beach. You have not been too LOckeport if you have not been to the beach.
  • Mylady moored at the other spot.
  • The podium from the festival.
  • On Saturday morning the ” Mi’kmaq ” who are the orginal people from Nova Scotia told all about there drumming ,

Lockeport is a typically fishing place as there are so many along the coast. Here in Lockeport is a big fish factory. But now all was peace full and non of the fishing boats went out. The season to catch the lobster – what is the most important catch – runs from December one till the end of May . That is that is the season here on the sw coast further up north it starts later and stops later. The village is small but nice. And the main attraction is the big beach. When I was there it was sunny and there were people on the beach but nobody went in the water because that was pretty fresh.

While I walk around in the village I heard at the local supermarket that coming weekend there was a music festival. And that is for me always a good reason to stay. On Friday morning I move to an other spot in the harbour where it was much better alongside with the wind what was coming. And that Friday I bought online my weekend ticket for the festival. The name of the festival was “ Harmony Bazaar , Festival of women and song “ and yes it were all women who were performing. The festival was held already yearly for many years . The whole show on Friday evening , Saturday afternoon and evening I was there and I should say the music was good. All the artists were from Nova Scotia . Only the last one was a famous Canadian singer. Only when she was on stage the place was full otherwise there were only a few people what was a petty because there were among the artists some young lady’s who were in my eye’s as good as that famous one . Anyhow I was happy I had seen the festival.

On Sunday , July 30 , I slipped the ropes just at day brake and left for Shelburne. It was overcast and it rained a bit but that is Nova Scotia weather. The first hour the engine had to make that we made progress but then the wind picked up and I had a perfect sail. Into Shelburne Harbour I had the wind straight from fore so I had to make tacks from one side of the harbour to the other in order to make it to the head of the harbour were at 16.00 the anchor was in. I cleared the boat and took a cup of tea this time. I stayed here in Shelburne nearly one and half week . I will tell you more about it in my next post

Mahon Bay by Lunenburg to Bridgewater.

While leaving Halifax the wind was on holiday and visibility bad due the fog. So the radar was on and the good old Volvo Penta engine had to give me progress in the direction of the ocean. Once past Chebucto head the wind picked up and the fog lifted for a bit. So the sails went up and took it to there job by given Mylady some speed. It was not much but still it was a nice sail . I took a short cut between the islands and rocks and past Inner Sambro Island. But it was not difficult at all and all went good. Once Pennant Pt it was one go to Mahon Bay . I thought to do this trip in two days but all went so good that I decided to keep on going and to make it that late afternoon into Mahon Bay. About 5 nautical mile from Mahon Bay the fog was gone and the visibility very good. Only it rained a bit but you can’t have it all. Around 19.00 lt the anchor was in. And like in so many places the whole bay was full of moorings and you could only anchor way out. But oke that is was I did.

  • The little lighthouse at the entrance to Mahon Bay.
  • The famous waterfront of M<ahon Bay .
  • The main street .
  • The shop and workshop of Amos Pewter
  • The mooring field in the evening .

The next day I had the dinghy in the water and went ashore. First I went all the way in to take pictures of the very famous three churches what line the waterfront. Then I parked my dinghy somewhere but a lady directly there to tell me that I had to pay 10 can dollar if I wanted to leave my dinghy there so I left of course and found an other spot. Yes money, money and most people just pay but not Mylady. Mahon Bay it just a very small village and the waterfront is the main attraction and that is it. I bought some in the local supermarket and walked back. But on my way back I went into the shop of Amos Pewter. There they sell all kind of home made jewellery. And all is made just there and they explain very good how it all is made. Of course I stayed a while and asked a lot . Yes one thing is sure , don’t miss this shop while you there.

On July 05 at 08.00 lt I had my anchor up and left. There was nil wind but the visibility was oke and that was a big plus. The whole passage the wind was nil so I motored to “ Tanner Pass “.

  • Leaving Mahon Bay .
  • The rocks at the entrance from Tanner Pass.
  • At the anchorage .
  • The anchorage
  • The anchorage

There is a anchorage but you have to find your way in between some rocks. Again it is not that difficult but you have to do it easy and keep your eye’s open. I went all the way in and found a beautiful and good anchor spot. There a seal came to inspect me and big osprey’s came over. There are houses and boats moored but in general it is a beautiful , peaceful spot. I stayed till July 07 before the anchor came up and I was heading for Lunenburg more or less just around the corner. There was a very nice wind and I could sail all the way once I was completely out of “ Tanner Pass “ .

  • The entrance to the harbour of Lunenburg.
  • One of the streets in Lunenburg . Yes up hill and down hill a lot.
  • The waterfront with a nice mural and in a distance the anchorage.
  • The dinghy dock.
  • The ” Food and Craft ” market .
  • The main street with stalls for the ” Food and Craft ” market.
  • This sailboat makes sailing tours and you see them hardly using the engine .

In Lunenburg I dropped anchor nearly on the same spot where I anchored last year at the end of September. On the second day I was there the famous “Bluenose II “ came in and moored at her own spot. I was a beautiful sight to see this vessel.

While I was on anchor in Lunenburg there was a “ Food and Craft “ festival on Saturday with all kind of stalls and I went there and it was very nice with lots of different local stuff for sale.

On Thursday morning there was the Farmers market but mostly the same articles were for sale as on the festival. But it was oke to have a look and to walk around on that market.

I stayed nearly a week in Lunenburg and had a good time. It is always good when you have no pressure to keep on going.

From Lunenburg I sailed for the Le Have Islands what was not that far and I had a good wind to sail but I had the wind on the nose so I had to make a few tacks. And when I came a bit further off shore the fog was there again. The area I was heading for exist of many islands , big and small . I found a good spot and around 15.30 I was safe on anchor. There was one small boat anchor to to far from me but he was nice tucked away in a small cove.

  • The lighthouse at the entrance of the Le Have River.
  • One of the churches along the river.
  • The Lee Have Yacht Club.
  • Next pictures are taken while going up the river.
  • An old shipyard.

The next day it was overcast and it rained a little bit. I had a look at the chart while I drinking my coffee and then I decided to go up the Le Have River to Bridgewater . That was from where I was about 15 nautical miles totally and from that about 10 on the river. I could sail a big part also up river but I used only the foresail. The beginning of the river is wide but once you past the Le Have Yacht club it get a bit narrow and I took the sail in and motored the rest. I Bridgewater is a small marina but I passed it and dropped anchor of a nice park. And the down town area was within easy walking distance.

  • Mylady at anchor on the river near Bridgewater.
  • One of the old bridges in Bridgewater.
  • The down town area .
  • The river seen from a bridge in Down Town.
  • One of the nice clean little parks along the river in the down town area.
  • This was the park near where I was on anchor.
  • The band that played at the free Music Near the River event.

At the park was a nice dock where I could leave my dinghy while I walked to down town. The town is build on both sides of the river and there are a few bridges to cross the river. On one side there is still mainly the old town but on the other side there is a big modern shopping area. On Tuesday around 18.00 there was “ Music at the waterfront “ in a park down town and there was very nice live country and western music. There was a nice group of people to listen and the weather was good.

The next morning I took the dinghy back on deck and prepared the boat for a sail down the river. It was overcast and it rained a bit. At 10.00 after a cup of coffee I left.

I went back to an anchorage at the Le Have islands. From there I sailed to Port Medway but more about that in my next post.

Village of Onset and sv Bluenose II.

At the tab ” Gallery ” you find now lots of pictures from sv Bluenose II from Lunenburg and also pictures from ” Onset ” . 

Cape Cod Canal to Halifax in Nova Scotia.

The passage trough the canal on between 07.00 and 09.00 on June 22, 2023 went oke and fast due to the strong current what I had with me.

  • The railway bridge I visited before but now seen from the boat.
  • The beach neaar Cape Cod the last bit I would see from the USA for a while.
  • Cape Cod.

To leave the canal at the Cape Cod Bay was rough. The wind was moderate from the east and the current was against it what gave a pretty steep sea. But Mylady danced against it with her engine running easy . As soon as I could I was heading north to get out of this washing machine and once out it was nice and good sailing to the cape. After I passed Cape Cod the wind slowly turned to easterly direction and that was straight on the nose . I made several tacks and it was good sailing and slowly I made progress in the right direction. In the morning it was still oke sailing and the wind had turned during the last part of the night to a northerly direction what was good but the wind slowly decreased till nil by 14.00 lt . I took the foresail in and reefed the main and just waited for the wind to come back what it did around 16.50 lt. The next two day’s it was good sailing with a good wind.

But there was thick fog. I was used to this but still it is special . A cruise ship passed me on a distance of about one nautical mile . I could see him on the AIS and my radar and heard his fog horn but never saw the ship.

During the night of June 26 the wind again dropped till nil . I started the engine in order to make progress direction Halifax , that is where I was heading for . When I run on engine the auto helm autopilot steers the boat but it didn’t do it this time correct . The autopilot steered it everywhere but not where I wanted to go. After I tried it several times I took the backup unit out and hooked that up and that was steering it oke. During the whole morning the wind was gone but not the fog . Around 11.30 the wind picked up but had turned 180 degrees and was again straight on the nose but I could sail again and the fog had lifted a bit but the rain was there. Yes real nasty Nova Scotia weather. The wind increased so much that I had a reef in the main and a small foresail . But I sailed Mylady nearly all the way in. In Halifax I dropped anchor near Armdale Yacht club and cleared the boat. Once that was done I made my phone call to the authorities to get my clearance. Yes you do that by making a phone call in Canada. That went all oke but I was told that they were underway to visit me and to check if all was as I had told them.

I went alongside at the yacht club and waited. After one hour they were there. They had come by boat. The check went oke and on June 26 around 17.00 local time I had officially entered Canada and that was 4,5 day after I left Onset in the USA. Before going back on anchor I took a shower at the clubhouse – that is free of charge even for boats on anchor – and filled my freshwater tank. That all done I went back on anchor again. There were more visiting boats on anchor then I had seen before at this anchorage but there was room enough.

The next day I took the bus to one of the shops of “ Noble Grape “ to buy “ Coopers Home Brew Beer kits “ . The shop I went to had enough choice and I bought – for them a big record – 21 tins together with the corn sugar. Ron the manager was so friendly to bring me back to my dinghy with this big load. I have now enough home brew for a long period. And the first brew is already done. The next day I went to the shops in the nearby shopping centre and bought veggies and fruits.

On the second evening that I was there the yacht club had there weekly sail race and they just sailed between the boats on anchor without any problem. On Friday I walk from the North West Arm to the waterfront on the other side of the city.

At the anchorage it was very foggy but I could make it to the dinghy dock . Due to roadworks I had to take a different route then I was used to. I walked trough a shopping street and found the “ Metro Trift Bus “ . Here they sell 2 nd hand clothes . I told the guy who was the owner that I would be back later that day. In down town I walked trough the beautiful public gardens to the waterfront where it was busy although the weather was not that good. I stayed there a while before slowly walking back again. At the “ Metro Trift Bus “ I bought good pants and shorts and the guy was happy with such a good customer and for a long period I have long pants again .

  • A mural painting in Quinpool Road , Halifax.
  • Quinpool Road , Halifax.
  • Quinpool Road , Halifax
  • An other very good mural painting in the same street.
  • Quinpool Road , Halifax
  • The public gardens in Halifax.
  • The public gardens in Halifax.
  • The public gardens in Halifax.
  • The public gardens in Halifax.
  • At the waterfront of Halifax.
  • I read the book about this ship and it is more then very good and very interesting.
  • A wonderful Mural Painting again in Quinpool Road.
  • The Metro Thrift Bus.
  • Walking back after Canada Day and yes the fog was still there.

The next day it was Canada Day and again I went to the waterfront where a lot was going on . The day started with music from the navy band.

It was nice to listen to them and the good thing on this day that the “ Maritime Museum of the Atlantic “ and the Citadel were free of entry charge. And yes I spent time at both. This day also the “ Snowbirds” from the Canadian air force would give an air show . But due to the fog this was cancelled . But the whole team – pilots and technicians – were on the waterfront to answer questions and yes I talk with them and asked a lot . It was real fun to meet those people.

In the Citadel ( the big fort on the hill ) it was busy. And here were some performances from Scottish dressed people . The first settlers in Nova Scotia came from Scotland.

I had a good Canada day. On July 02 , at 07.30 the anchor was up and I was heading for Mahon Bay . More about that in the next post.

Hampton Roads by way of Southold to Onset.

After leaving the yard I went to Hampton Roads what is just opposite of Norfolk. It is a good anchorage to wait for the right weather to go offshore to sail north. I was there about three days . The day after I arrived I had my dinghy in the water and went ashore at the dinghy dock in Phoebus. If you tie up you dinghy in the marina you pay $ 10 per day but in Phoebus it is free. From there I walked to Old Comfort Point .

  • One of the beatiful big houses near the old fort.
  • This is one of the building outside the big fort
  • This inside the fort. In this building is a museum.
  • Big ships pass here to and from Norfolk.
  • The canal around the old fort.
  • Mylady on anchor at Hampton Roads.
  • Nice decoration near the dinghy dock

There is the oldest fort of the US. It was interesting but there was nothing going on, a bit dead. Anyhow I had been at this anchorage a few times before but this was the first time I was ashore.

On June 05 , 2023 the wind was oke and at 07.00 I left for Southold on Long Island. There was a special reason for me to go there. Last year on the farmers market I had met Leslie and Priscilla who were selling there veggies and fruit there and I had promised to visit them in Southold. And they had received several packages for me. That morning it was gently , easy sailing with a very gentle breeze . Near the northerly passage in the bridge tunnel – what is the entrance / exit to Chesapeake Bay – the wind was gone and the Volvo Penta had to be fired up .

Once I had passed the entrance / exit I motored fro about 45 min more. But by then the wind came back as a nice very gently breeze and the maximum speed I could make was 2 knots but the sun was out so what heck with speed . Early evening the wind was gone completely.

There was a beautiful interesting sunset.

I motored for a while till at 19.45 lt then just let Mylady drifting and waited till the wind would come back . And that was 45 min later so I had time to make some dinner and to eat it . The night went oke and the wind stayed oke . The next day was also good as was most of the voyage. But on Thursday , June 08 in the morning the wind was not much any more and by 13.25 lt it was flat calm.

I drifted again for a half an hour but by then the engine was on again. Later that afternoon the wind came back and I could make progress in the good direction by sail.

  • The light house Montauk Point on the most east tip of Long Island .
  • No a ripple at all.
  • A lighthouse underway to Southold

Around 14.00 I passed the lighthouse at the tip of Long Island . There a few small motorboats around who were all fishing . The wind was very light but I could still sail . The current was pretty strong but I had it from behind what gave me a bit extra. About 45 after I passed the lighthouse the wind was gone and the sea flat calm . Yes the engine had to do the job again. About one hour later the wind picked up and I had a nice sail . The wind came from the direction where I wanted to go but I had no complain because finally there was a nice wind . Unfortunately it only lasted for 45 min and it was gone again and the engine went on again . And it stayed on till I was on anchor near Southold . While underway I had already done some work regarding clearing the boat and after I was safe on anchor I launched the dinghy and went ashore to say hello to my friends. I was just near there home when they arrived back from the farm and they were surprised to see me but also happy . We went inside and had a chat and something to eat. Once back on board I went to my bunk and had a good night rest .

  • Mylady at anchor at the roads of Southold . Further in it was abit shallow fro Mylady to anchor.
  • The little marina from Southold.
  • The houses near the marina.

The next morning I went ashore again. My friends had told me that I could use there washing machine, a bicycle and the shower what was all welcome. And yes I did laundry , took a nice shower and went to the shops with the bicycle.

On Friday evening I saw Leslie and Priscilla again but on Saturday and Sunday they were very busy . On those day’s they go to the farmers markets nearby to sell there goods. Later that evening after there working day I was at there house again and Priscilla cooked a very nice meal with fresh fish and very fresh veggies .

On monday they took it easy and I met them again at there home by the end of the morning. After a cup of special coffee we went to there farm.

  • The house from Leslie and Priscilla is a lovely small house.
  • Priscilla.
  • Leslie
  • There base in the middle of there land where they grow the little plants before they go in the field in the green houses.
  • And this box full of nice fresh vegiie I got from them .

The have 3 acre and they grow all kind of veggies . Leslie has 3 tractors all nearly antiques but they are doing the job and he knows how to work with them. After seeing all I said goodbye to the two of them and promised to make a stop at Southold again in September on my way south .Leslie brought me back to the harbour.

By 14.00 I was back on board and the wind had picked up from the SE what made the anchorage a lee shore and I was not happy with it . I prepared the boat and an hour later the anchor was out and I was underway to Onset at the entrance of the Cape Cod Canal. I did that voyage in two day’s but stopped every evening and a good anchorage.

  • Sunset at the anchorage of Onset.
  • The bay of Onset surrounded with nice beaches.
  • A boat went on fire in a marina near the anchorage.

On June 14 , 2023 at 16.00 lt I was safe on anchor and the very nice anchorage from Onset . The entrance from the big Cape Cod Canal to the little canal to Onset is a bit tricky due to the strong current in the big canal. The anchorage at Onset is big and there is plenty room and the holding is more then excellent . At the town dock is dinghy dock where you can leave your dinghy for free . In the nice pretty village is one small supermarket and among the other shops there is a Ace hardware store.

  • The rail bridge build in 1935 what goes across the Cape Cod Canal
  • This is the highway bridge .
  • My nice bicycle

While there I took my bicycle ashore and explored the surroundings. I went to the Cape Cod Canal and now I saw it from the land side. And the next day I went a bit further away .

On June 22 it was time to leave for Nova Scotia , Canada. The prediction for the wind was perfect for the next 3 to 4 days. I left that morning at 07.30 and in the Cape Cod Canal I had a good current with me. About the voyage I will write in my next post.

East River in Mobjack bay to Dandy Haven Marina for Haul Out.

The sail from the East River in Mobjack bay to Back Creek was a nice one . The sun was out and there was a nice wind from the north east. The entrance to back creek is one where you have to keep your eye’s extra open . In general it is deep enough but if you go of the line between the buoy’s it gets shallow. But I made safe in but under engine power because the wind direction was a bit wrong for sailing in. Once in the creek you have to make a sharp turn to the canal to the yard . That was a bit confusing but all went oke. It was Wednesday afternoon when I arrived and I was booked for Friday . I found a anchor spot near the yard and after all was good I phoned them. I got Danny on the line and he told me that could come in to go alongside the floating pontoon for the night . They planned to take me out the next day what was Thursday. The last bit of the entrance canal to the yard is very small but there are enough bacons to guide you in. At the pontoon I met Danny.

He had a look at the boat and told me that in order to be lifted with there travel lift the forestay with the roller fuller had to go more aft. Before I had dinner I walked around this big yard where mainly small powerboats were.

That evening after I had eat something I worked on that and it took some effort but around 23.00 it was so far that the forestay could be removed the next morning . The next morning they first had to put an other boat back in and after that it was my turn. Danny and Mike help with removing the fore stay and half an hour later Mylady was high and dry above land .

Directly after the boat was out Mike started with a good high pressure cleaner to clean the boat and he took his time and did a good job . In general Mylady didn’t look to bad after 1,5 year in the water .

After she was clean they brought Mylady to her parking spot . And once there Danny and Mike worked on the supports to keep the boat upright . And they did a real proper job by putting on each side 6 stands under Mylady . On many yard they do only 3 on each side. I didn’t complain and was happy with such a good job.

After they were gone I started with the work. I had to clean the spots where the hosting belts were and I cleaned the whole bottom with with a good scrubber. After that was done it was a bit late for the first paint and the boat was still a bit wet.

The next morning the first primer was on and in the afternoon the first layer of antifouling what I had brought with me. The next morning I worked to get the second layer antifouling on the boat . Normally it takes me on my own 3,5 hour to do that job properly. These days was lucky with the weather . It was dry with a liitle bit sun so not to warm. And the paint dried good. On Sunday I had my polish out to do the outside from the hull above the waterline . That is also a big job but it went oke. I didn’t manage to do the whole boat but on Monday that was done also. In the mean time I had done also some other job that only could be done while the boat was out.

On Wednesday morning around noon the came with the travel lift and lifted the boat and took all supports away and that done they lowered the boat again and placed some supports under the boat but against belts . That night the travel lift was holding the boat . That afternoon I worked on where the supports were before . In all the years I own Mylady this was the first yard were it was done like this and it was perfect.

The next morning around 08.00 the trip back to the water was made and at 08.15 Mylady was back in. Danny and Mike helped me with putting the forestay back in place and Mylady was nearly oke again . Yes nearly because I still had to tie up the fore and aft stay but that was done one hour later. That day I cleaned the boat and made here ready for sailing on the next day.

All in all it had been a good haul out on one of the best yards where I had been in all the years that I own Mylady. This is a yard I can recommended to go to .

Elizabeth City to the East River in Mobjack bay.

On May 11 I left at 07.00 in the morning I passed the highway bridge in Elizabeth City out to sea. It was a calm and nice morning. The first half an hour I used the engine but then the wind came and I could sail. About 7,5 nm outside Elizabeth City you see a big round building .

When I came in I had no idea what it was. At the museum in Elizabeth city they told me it was a place where the keep the “ TCOM Airships “ there or as they common know “ Blimps “. They are used at football and baseball games to make footage from above .

About 5 nm further I saw a mast sticking above the water. Something did not go well with that boat.

Although the wind was light I could sail but once at the entrance North River the wind was straight on the nose and the engine had to take over again.

The dredged part is marked by bacons and those are perfect places to make a nest. It are always the big Osprey’s that are nesting there . At the end of the afternoon I dropped anchor somewhere along the Intra Coastal where it was deep enough . The next day at 07.00 after I had coffee I was underway again . The wind was oke to sail the first part. Then I had pass a canal what I did using the engine. Once I had passed that I could sail again . But the wind was pretty strong and I used only the foresail. It was a nice and good sail. But here on the Currituck Sound You have to watch the markers very good . Just outside the dredged canal it is very shallow. But I made it safe and sound and a short distance after I passed a bridge again I dropped anchor.

Other boats passed all underway to Great Bridge or further along the ICW.

The next morning at 06.00 the anchor was up and I was underway to Great Bridge . This last piece of this part of the ICW I did on the engine. There are to many places with trees , so no wind and there are a few bridges to pass. When I arrived at Great Bridge there was one spot free on the free berth jetty so I was lucky. I cleared the boat and went for shopping what here is very nearby.

I stayed two days and by that time my diesel tank was full , the propane bottle refilled and fresh veggies on board. On May 15 I left at 09.00 and passed the bridge . After the bridge I went alongside again because the lock would only operate at 10.00. The lock had power problems and they used generators for the power to operate it so it only worked every 2 hours.

  • After I left the lock all power boats past me.
  • But here the railway bridge was closed and the power boats had all to wait.
  • In Norfolk are big repair facilities for the warships from the US .

After Great Bridge I went to the free berth in Portsmouth. Also there was only one spot free and that is where Mylady was moored. That afternoon I went for a walk trough the area near the harbour. There are lots of old houses and it is a nice area to walk around

On May 18 I left Portsmouth early morning and was heading for Mobjack Bay . The wind was easterly what was a good direction for the passage . About 2 nm after I left the berth the engine went of and the sails had to do the job . It was pretty gusty and I had one reef in the main. Near Hampton roads I had to make two tacks because the wind was on the nose. But after that it was a nice long sail to the beautiful East River in Mobjack Bay . At 17.00 lt the anchor was in. I cleared the boat and took a beer.

The next day – on Friday – I prepared the dinghy and then made my way with the dinghy up “ Put in Creek “ to Mathews.

  • The start of ” Put in Creek ” what brings you to Mathews.
  • The end of the creek , No only it gets a bit smaller.
  • The last bit of the creek what leads to Mathews.
  • The ” dinghy dock ” what is special for launching canoes
  • The smal creek seen from the shore side.

Once there I walked around and went to the building centre to buy some things and to the Food Lion supermarket. While walking around I saw a sign about the farmers market on Saturday. Once back on board I pick up the anchor and anchored again and the entrance of “ Put in Creek “ . For the upcoming wind I had better protection on that spot and the distance to Mathews was a bit shorter. On Saturday morning around 09.00 I was with the dinghy again underway to Mathews . The farmers was good with lots of different stalls and a nice atmosphere.

  • The farmers market at Mathews. Every Saturday from 09.00 till 14.00 .

I stayed a few days longer on that anchor spot. It was a nice spot with good holding and I had enough to do. On Wednesday the anchor was out at 07.00 and I was heading for Back Creek where the yard from “ Dandy Haven Marina “ . I had booked a haul out at that place for Friday. More about the sail to there and the haul out in the next post.

Washington, Belhaven and Elizabeth City.

The railway bridge at Washington NC . Just before the harbor.

The next day after a easy morning with coffee and a good breakfast I made the dinghy ready and went ashore . It was not that far to the shore so I rowed. Ashore I walked a bit around and made it to the “ North Carolina Estuarium “ . That museum tell you all about the local flora and fauna, the people who lived and live there, about the hurricanes and many more subjects. It took me two hours to explore it.

  • This is the office of the harbor master.
  • The market in the main street .
  • An other part of the main street.
  • Some of the houses in the down town town area . That is also the historical district.
  • The boat o” Summer Breeze ” were ther also alongside. They gave me a hand when I came alongside while it was blowing and raining.
  • Mylady alongside.
  • A mural from how it looked long time ago.
  • The park near where I was moored.

The main street is not that big but there are nice shops. While ashore I also reported to the harbour master and got the code for the entrance of the shower. All free of charge. Around lunch time I was back on board and did this and that . At 17.00 I went ashore again and made use of the shower. It is good one and was very clean. I stayed two days on anchor. The 3rd day in the afternoon I went alongside. During that afternoon I heard a weather warning on the radio. I was busy inside and when that warning came again I looked outside and saw a very dark sky fast approaching . Fast fast I took the anchor up but the squall hit me anyhow and in heavy rain I came alongside. The people from sv “ Summer Breeze “ were so helpful to take my lines while it was raining heavy. At 17.00 the rain stopped and the wind went down and it became a nice evening. I stayed 2 days alongside. On a short distance from the boat was a petrol station. I took my diesel jerry can I went there to get some.

On May 02 I left this nice and peacefull town . Once through the railway bridge I rolled out the fore sail and the engine went of . There was enough wind to have a nice sail . I waited with hoisting the main till I was in bigger water . The first part is a bit narrow and just next to the fair way it is a bit shallow. Once In bigger water the main went up and we made good speed . It was a downwind sail till I left the Pamlico River and went up the Pungo River to Belhaven. On this part the wind came abeam from port side and increased so that I had to put the first reef in the mainsail . But al in all it was a good sail. At 16.30 the anchor was down and I was safe and sound in Belhaven. I cleared the boat and took a beer. There were only a few other boats on anchor.

  • The spot where you can tie up your dinghy near the Foid Lion in Belhaven .
  • A full load again but with the help of the trolley it came to the dinghy in one go.
  • Other traffic .
  • Down Town Belhaven .
  • The Cosy Memaid who were a big help to me .
  • Down Town Belhaven .
  • All the houses are raised because of the high high water during a hurricane.
  • The art centre.
  • One of the old nice houses.

That same afternoon I had send a message to my friends at “ the Cosy Mermaid “ . That is a very nice souvenirs shop in Belhaven and I could use there address to have several items I ordered on line send to. Among them was my “ Sailrite “ sewing machine . The next morning at 10.00 I was in the shop to have look at the boxes. Two boxes I could take already with me but I had to make a plan how to get the big heavy machine on board . ON board Mylady I have big stoppers for the lines that run to the cockpit . One was broken and needed a bit welding. The people of the “ Cosy Mermaid “ helped me to find the right person for that job . The next day the wind was still pretty strong but the day after that it was very calm so I picked up the anchor and went alongside at the town dock. In the “ Cosy Mermaid “ I took the machine out the box and put it all together in the travel case. And so it was easy to get the machine on board together with a load of spare parts. I should say big thanks to the “ Cosy Mermaid “ for there help. At the end of the afternoon I went back on anchor again.

While I was in Belhaven I made two trips to the supermarket “ Food Lion “. From the town it is a long walk but you can take your dinghy much closer and that was very handy.

Yes Belhaven is one of those places where I like to return.

On May 07 , 2023 at 09.00 the anchor was up and I was underway again . There was hardly any wind and the calm breeze that there was . Was straight on the nose. The sails stayed down and the engine had to do the job. I went through the long “ Alligator river – Pungo River Canal this day . That is 22 nautical miles long . At the end I went a bit further and dropped anchor near “ Deep Point “ . A few years back a big black cloud of mosquito’s came around dusk to the boat . This time there were non at all. Next morning I was up early and after I had a cup of coffee I left and this time the sails were up nearly strait after departure . It was a lovely calm morning with a nice southerly breeze. Most of the Alligator river was a down wind sail.

The passage trough the bridge went without any problem and I continued across the Albemarle Sound under full sail. And a nice sail it was. I was heading for the Pasquotank River. At the head of the river is Elizabeth City and that was my final destination for this day. After I was passed the sound and was in the river the wind increased a lot .I made the main small with the first reef but that was not enough. And to make it easy for myself I just took the main down and continued on the foresail alone what went perfect . At 17.00 after 43 nautical miles the anchor was in near Elizabeth City. Here they also have free berth had enough of it. I cleared the boat and took a welcome beer. The next day I took it very easy . But around 16.00 the anchor was out and I was heading for the water front. With several other boats I went trough the bridge and passed that I found a nice spot at a jetty from the Mid Atlantic Christian University. There is fresh water available but no power but you can use the shower .

  • The city highway bridge and just behind that is the Mid Atlantic Christian University berth .
  • Down towm Elizabety City
  • The museum .
  • Look what holds the tables.

The down town area is about 10 min walking and there are enough bars and restaurants. The main attraction of the city is Museum of the Albemarle. It is housed in a big building near the waterfront and for sure well worth visiting and it is free. I stayed a few days in Elizabeth City before moving on . Most boats go from here trough the Great Dismal Swamp Canal . But with my draft of 6,5 feet was that not possible . On May 11 I left and was heading for Great Bridge . More about this passage in my next post .

Sailing to New Bern, Washington both in North Carolina .

That morning when I left the anchorage the weather was good and the wind was good. But once I was on “ Neuse River “ the wind increased a lot . I had to put a reef and even a 2 nd reef in the mainsail to make it smaller and also the foresail had become much smaller . But it became real rough so to make it easy for myself I took the main down. About half way up the river I dropped anchor to wait for the wind to decrease. Around 15.00 the wind was down and took the anchor up and continued towards New Bern .

If you approach that town you see bridges and more of them . Around 19.15 lt just before it became real dark I was safe on anchor. The next day after the coffee and breakfast I pick up the anchor and went alongside at the dock near the “ Union Park “ . You can stay during the day but not overnight . From the park you are straight in the down town area .

  • Mylady at the dock near Union Park in New Bern.
  • The park and on Saturday and Sunday it was pretty bussy .
  • Down Town New Bern.
  • Yes Pepsi Cola had it’s birth place in New Bern.

It was a nice , clean area with lots of history. I checked out some of the shops . Once back near where Mylady was I had a chat with local people who were looking at Mylady. Back on board I took my trolley and an empty jerrycan and went to the gas station that was this time very near the boat. I first went for diesel and my second trip was for petrol for the outboard . After that was done for a last walk and had a beer in a nice bar with live music.

Back on board I slipped the lines I went back on anchor. I had a nice first day in New Bern also called “Bear Town “. Here are some pictures of some of the bears that were everywhere on display.

On Monday I started to phone to several dentists and at one I got an appointment for the next day. On Monday I took it easy and in afternoon I went ashore just to have a look around. And for lunch I bought a very good local made hamburger. On Tuesday I took the public bus to a stop near the dentist. The ride didn’t took long but anyhow I had a nice chat with a lady who was the only other passenger. The dentist did a good job and around 13.30 I was back down town and went for an other burger.

On May 02 I picked up the anchor around 07.00 and left the nice town of New Bern and was heading for Washington in North Carolina . The wind was from a good direction but strong. But near Wilkinson Point the wind became a bit stronger and I had to go more North East and that made that I had the wind on the nose and had to sail close hauled and tack. But Mylady handled it all very well and was dancing her water sail dance over the waves . At about 2/3 of that part the wind turned a bit more and I could sail directly to the entrance of Bay River. There the wind was oke I sailed up. Just passed “ Davis Island Point “ there was a good anchorage and at 19.50 Lt I was safe at anchor just before dark. It had been a long day but with a good sail.

The next morning I left early again but I first had a coffee and something to eat . It was overcast but dry. The engine brought me to the canal past “ Hobucken “ and also in the canal the engine did the work. Below the bridge and fishing ships near the village of Hobucken.

Once I was in the “ Pamlico River “ the sails went up. The wind was not that strong but still enough to make it a nice sail for the 27 nautical miles and the sun had come out. Washington , NC is all the way up the river and from half way on you have to watch where you going because then the fairway is deep enough but the rest is sometimes pretty shallow . After I past the 120 year old railway bridge I was in the harbour and found myself a spot to drop anchor. Around 18.00 I was safe on anchor at again a new town for me . More about it in my next post

Fernandina Beach till Cedar Creek (of the ICW in North Carolina)

The next day after my arrival I had an easy morning with a big breakfast and coffee. Next thing was getting the dinghy ready in order to go ashore. Once ashore I tried to get my mobile going but that was impossible because it was Sunday and help desks don’t work on that day. But I had a nice chat with the lady’s in the visitors / welcome centre and there Wi-Fi net was very good.

  • The main street of Fernandina Beach
  • Here you can tatste nice drinks .
  • One of the big old houses
  • The post office
  • On a very calm evening the lights of the factory see in the water .

I also had a walk trough down town Fernandina Beach and it was pretty busy due to the spring break holiday. And I walk to the distillery just to taste some nice drinks again . The woman remembered me and I had a few nice taste of the drinks. One of the disadvantage being on anchor near this town are the two big factories who for one thing make a lot of noise and second the smell mmm .

  • Mylady once again at anchor near st Marys .
  • The little waterfront park.
  • The last time I was here , just before christmas this was full with all the christmas trees.

After a few days on anchor there I moved to the village of St Marys . I had been there a few times before and I like that little village. The anchorage is good and for the northerly blow that was coming I was fine there. And yes that blow came with rain. For more then a whole day it was nasty weather but I had enough to do on board . After the weather had improved I made the walk to the fuel station to get diesel . The second time I did that and was walking back and was not even half way a young lady stopped and gave me a ride back to harbour.

From St Marys I went to an anchor spot near Cumberland island. I arrived there in the morning and till mid afternoon worked on getting the boat ready for the trip to Beaufort, North Carolina. At 15.00 on April 12 I was underway again . First a small part on the engine and then the sails took over . The wind was straight in the direction of the land so I had to tack Mylady out . Not a problem but the swell made going about a bit tricky and er was no room for error. But all went oke and at 17.00 I was safe underway on the big ocean.

The sunset at the end of that first day out.

The first 36 hours went good with an overcast sky but with a nice wind and it was close hauled so the boat heeled over on her port side, yes you can’t have it all. Later the wind turned from a better direction and the sun came out. With all this it was nice blue water sailing. During the second night , while I took a rest , it started to rain heavy and the wind had turned direction for more the 100 degrees. And there was lots of lightning and thunder . I got as fast as possible in some bad weather gear and went out to take care of the heavy slamming sails . I rolled in the foresail till it was real small . Next thing I did was taking the main completely down. And that settled all a bit. I just waited till the squall had passed and the wind was down and back to it former direction before putting the main back up and the foresail out again. The whole episode of the squall took about 2,5 hour. But after the sails were up again Mylady was heading the right direction again .

On the early morning of April 16 I was approaching Beaufort. The wind was good to sail Mylady a big part in but the last bit the engine had to take over. The wind was light and the outgoing current against . At 08.00 I was safe at anchor in Taylor creek in the town basin of Beaufort. There were not that many boats on anchor and I had found a good spot but a bit in the channel. Between the two green markers is a sand bank what is to shallow for Mylady. But nobody made a problem about my anchor position. After all regarding the anchoring was done I first took a cup of coffee. It was a lovely calm and warm morning . Next thing was to clear the boat and the dinghy in the water. Around 11.00 I was underway to the very good dinghy dock.

  • Opposite the town of Beaufort is an island where wild horses are. A beautiful sight to see these animals near the waterfront.
  • Mylady on anchor in Taylor Creek near Beaufort NC .
  • The small waterfront park
  • The shop of Island Trader .
  • More shops in the main street.
  • The shipping museum.
  • The museum what a must place to visit when you are in Beaufort.
  • Some of the big houses.
  • The waterfront.

Once ashore I went for an easy walk. I said hello to the staff at the shop “ Island Trader “. And I didn’t had to tell them who I was they remembered me. I walked a bit further and ended up in a shop where they sold lovely olive oil . The young girl who was running the shop knew all about all the different oils . I could taste and end the end bought a small bottle. I also bought honey and home made marmalade. And in the mean time had a lovely chat with the girl. Next stop was the ice cream shop and I bought a big one and eat it while sitting at a park at the waterfront. And that made all a good arrival in Beaufort.

The next few days I did a few small boat jobs and enjoined my time in this town. At about 20 min walking is a good supermarket and there I did some shopping for fresh veggies and fruit.

On April 20 early morning the anchor was up and I was underway inland , following the intra coastal water once again. But this time with some side steps.

The beautiful and peaceful anchorage near Cedar Creek .

Around 11.10 I was near Adams Creek Light 8 a and there just next to the waterway is a beautiful anchorage but it is a bit shallow . I went in very slowly but kept max 40 cm ( 1,5 feet ) under the keel. Yes that is not much but enough to stay afloat and there is nearly no tide difference . At 11.30 the anchor was in again. That evening the BBQ was on again and that evening I had a good meal with chicken from it . I stayed till April 22 there before the anchor came up again and I was heading for a place I had never been “ New Bern “ . In my next post more about the nice town .

From Little Harbour all the way to Fernandina Beach, Georgia, USA.

The next day after the burn Garbage party I left around 10.00. With only the fore sail out I made good speed on the strong southerly wind. I did go that far and dropped anchor at “ Armstrong

Cay “ around 14.30 lt . The dinghy was on deck and there was not much to see on the shore so I stayed on board and took it easy. The next day I sailed up to Man-O-War cay where I would meet a boat “ Santiago “ . I had met them years ago on the yard at Yankee Point marina. At 17.00 they arrived and anchored next to me.

After they were safe on anchor I went over to say hello and to share a sun downer with them. The next day I did this and that on boat and around 17.00 we had a sun downer again . On Tuesday 21 march I picked up the anchor around 09.00 and had a nice sail to Marsh Harbor where I wanted to do shopping . In Marsh harbor it was full with boats but I found a good anchor spot . After Mylady was all oke I went ashore and of to the big supermarket about 10 min walking. I came back on board Mylade 2 hours later and stowed all my shopping and left the harbor straight after that. The sun was out , the wind was east , 4 bft , so I had to tack to come back to Santiago . It was a very nice and good sail and 2 hours later I was anchored next to them . And yes we had again a sun downer together. In the mean time friends of them had arrived and they joined us for this. The next day it was pretty windy and the sea was to rough to go over to Santiago.

On Thursday 23 March I went over to Santiago to say goodbye. And at 10.30 the anchor was out and I was heading for Green Turtle Cay. The wind was SSE and not strong anymore. I had all my sail up and out and had a good sail all the way. And at 16.15 lt the anchor was in at Crab Cay anchorage . There were about 15 other boats on anchor but the next day more were coming in . At 13.45 my anchor was out and I was heading for the anchorage behind Nunjack Rocks .

  • The approche to the anchorage behind Nunjack Rocks
  • Trees that were washed away by the waves from the hurricanes

This is a beautiful anchorage with a long white beach.

The main attraction are the Sting Rays that are near the beach . Many people bring fish and other food and feed that to them and as soon as you are there they come to check if you have something. Among them are also some small sharks.

From the beach there is a patch to walk to the other side of the island. And on the other side is also a big beach. From there you can just follow the beach and you end up at the anchorage.

On Saturday some local small boats came to the beach. One was from a law firm and I had a nice chat with them and shared there lunch and some beers with them.

Of course I made a fire again to burn my garbage. None of the other boat crew came to check it out but anyhow I had a nice fire and a cold beer.

  • While sailing along some dolphins were following me
  • Main Street Green Turtle Cay
  • The ferry boats
  • Some houses were rebuilded after damaged by the hurricanes.
  • Mylady on anchor near Green Turtle Cay

From this anchorage I sailed to Green Turtle Village to have a proper look around and to do some shopping . It is a nice clean village and there is a good supermarket . That same day , late afternoon I sailed back to Crab Cay anchorage and stayed there a few days more . I was keeping a good look at the weather because I wanted from there to sail back to the east coast USA. On April 01 at 14.00 lt my anchor was out and I was underway to Fernandina Beach , Florida , USA . I had a very good trip with a good wind. For a part I could follow the north going Gulf Stream and was doing 9,2 knots max over the ground . Yes that is for Mylady very fast . I arrived at Fernandina in the middle of the night but it was a clear night with some moon and it is a big entrance . At 02.30 on Sunday April 02 , 2023 I was safe on anchor and it was time for my welcome beer .

From Hatchet Bay going north to Little Harbour Bay.

While I was anchored the sailing weather to good to stay on anchored so I left the bay . Outside the wind was good from northerly direction . I was heading for the area near Goulding Cay Point. There are some nice beaches . The sail was a bit rough but perfect and at 10.00 the anchor was down. But after I was on anchor for a little while somewhere nearby on land all kind of machinery came to live

  • A part of the beach at Goulding Cay
  • My dinghy and that from an other boat on the beach.
  • The other part of the beach

And yes that was not nice so I picked up the anchor and moved a bit where I was oke. In the afternoon it become overcast but anyhow I took the dinghy and rowed to the beach and had a nice walk.

The next day I sailed back to Hatchet Bay. There was a strong westerly coming and then the Bay is a good place to be on anchor. And yes the next day the west wind came but it was not that strong. Late in the afternoon it became a bit less. I stayed the next day and late afternoon there was loud regea music from the shore. This stopped around 21.00 but then the bar near the dinghy dock started with his loud music what only stopped around midnight.

The next morning I went ashore to buy some veggies and bread. I was luckily because I had the last loaf of bread that was there. Back on board I did this and that. By 20.30 that evening I thought , you know what I go and sail for a anchor spot near Current Cut. By 21.00 I left . Nowhere near the entrance is a navigation light but I came safe out and outside was nice gently breeze and I had very nice sail under a pitch dark sky with lots of stars. And the only music was the water moving along the boat and the wind in the sails. And at 02.00 the anchor was in.

Here you see Current Cut just after I passed it.

The next morning after breakfast and coffee I sailed to the beginning of Current Cut. I went trough it without a problem. Last time when I went trough it I had 3 knots of current with me now only 1 knot against me.

From Current Cut I was heading north to Little Harbour Bay in the Abacos. I did this passage during the night because I wanted to be shore to arrive at the passage trough the reef at Little Harbour Bay by daylight. The wind good and I had a very nice gently sail mostly only on the foresail. And at 08.00 I was safe on anchor. But during the day the wind increased and it became a bit uncomfortable where I was.

I pick up the anchor and moved to a spot behind the island on the other side . There it was oke .

The next morning The weather was good and the only a breeze so I moved to the spot I was anchored yesterday. While I was on anchor there and having a coffee I saw an other boat anchoring just a bit more north of me. I though you know what I go there to , to see how it there. Half an hour later I was safe on anchor behind them.

  • The anchorage where I was anchored.
  • This is the patch to the coast.
  • Waves crashing on the lava rocks.
  • These little salamaders you see everywhere.
  • The trees on beach were washed away by the big waves from the hurricanes
  • The beach full of old seaweed

Later in the afternoon I went to with the dinghy to the beach there. The beach was full of old seaweed. There was a “ road “ and I walked up and found a patch to the east coast of the island. There the waves were crashing to the lava rocks.

During the next day I moved again and now back where I “ normally “ anchor near Lynyard Cay.

I had I had a good time there and also there was a short patch to the other side of the island. There were no rocks but a big beach.

While I was on anchor there I met the people from an other boat who were there and on one evening we decided to make a fire to burn our garbage.

Some people from other boats also came to see what was going on and two boats brought something to eat. Together we had a good time. The next day I took it easy. And the day after that I left to sail up north again . More about that in the next post.

Thomas Cay in the Exumas to Rock Sound and Hatchet Bay Harbour on Eleuthera.

I left Black Point with the intention to go to a anchorage just 3 nautical miles further north . But once out the anchorage and in the cut I had the wind from forward and to tack. Then I saw where I had planned to go and that didn’t look to deep for me. I decided to skip all this and to go trough the cut ( this is how the passages between the islands here are called ) and to sail trough the Exuma Sound to Thomas Cay . Once in the sound I had a beautiful , gently sail. The cut at Thomas Cay was an easy one with not to much current. And once in I went to the anchorage behind Thomas Cay .

It was a beautiful anchor spot and the surroundings were also beautiful and the holding for the anchor very good. There were only a few other boats there on anchor. All above pictures are take in Thomas Cay. On the second day, late afternoon

I took my garbage ashore and collected some wood and started a fire to burn my garbage. When the last wood was burning a couple from an other boat who were also there on anchor came to join me. That had seen the fire and thought we have check that out. They found some more wood and got the fire going and had a nice chat.

  • Dinghy ready for the expedition
  • Parked on the beach
  • The start of the patch well marked
  • The mud passage
  • Mylady seen from the hill
  • Thomas Cay seen from the hill
  • The cut to the area behind the island
  • I got company
  • My shoes after the expedition

The next day I took my camera , a bottle of water and my shore shoes and went ashore for an expedition. There was a patch that would bring be to a hill near the cut. The first part went trough the bush and then I had cross a muddy nearly dry “ lake “ . It was real shit but I made it across. The view from the hill was beautiful. There was also a beach on the other side but I could not find a way to go there so I went back to dinghy and Mylady.

The next morning just after daybreak the anchor was out and I was underway across Exuma Sound to Eleuthera . The start was with a gently breeze but at 10.00 the wind picked up and sailing went fine.

I decided to go to “ Rock Sound “ . The last bit of the voyage I had the wind on the nose and I had to make a few tacks but at 21.30 lt on March 02 the anchor was in near “ Pigeon Bay “ . I cleared the boat and took a beer and something to eat.

The next morning after the coffee and breakfast I pick up the anchor and went to the anchorage near the village.

  • The main street from Rock Sound
  • The big supermarket
  • The anchorage
  • The waterfront church
  • The dinghy dock
  • My dinghy was parked on the beach , a bit closer to the boat.

Once there I prepared the dinghy and went ashore to get some fresh veggies at the local supermarket. Back on board I stowed everything. Then I took the fresh water jerrycans and filled up the big tank and went ashore to fill them again. By that time it was already late afternoon. And I picked up the anchor and went back to the spot I was last night . Why ? Because I didn’t want to listen to the very very loud music from the very small waterfront bar.

Once on anchor I took my dirty cloth and put them in bucket with the fresh water and soap so they could soak during the night.

The next morning again it was first coffee and breakfast and then under a small foresail back to the village. I finished the washing and it on guard rail for drying before I went ashore for a bit more shopping and the last fresh water fill. And again by the end of the afternoon I went back to were I had started in the morning

Sunset on the anchorage that evening .

The next morning at again daybreak I went underway in northerly direction. The wind was very light but I could make progress north slowly.

I sailed that slow so I had a good look at the bottom passing under me. The picture lep shows how much wind there was , yes nil . But just drifting and waiting for wind is wonderful.

By the end of the afternoon the wind picked up a bit and I could sail al the way to “ Alabaster Bay “ . This was a big open bay what made it easy to enter even at night time. At 22.00 lt on Sunday March 05 I was safe on anchor and yes cleared the boat and took a cold beer .

The next morning there was a nice breeze and after the coffee and breakfast I went underway to “ Hatchet Bay Harbour “. This is nice nearly landlocked bay. It was a small lake but long time ago the army blew an opening to sea in the rocks. When you approach it you only see the entrance at the last minute.

  • Somewhere there should be the entrance to Hatchet Bay Harbour
  • Coming closer .
  • Yes there it is.
  • Luckily the current in the entrance is weak.

On march 06 at 13.15 I was safe at anchor . Once inside the holding for the anchor is good and there is a simple but oke dinghy dock. In the village are two small supermarkets . I only visited one and to my surprise there prize were below what I was used in the Bahamas. The village is one big car wreck dump.

  • The dinghy dock .
  • Walking around in Hatchet .
  • The supermarket .
  • The guitar player.
  • The dinghy dock.
  • Along the road was afresh water tap.
  • Mylady on anchor in Hatchet Bay Harbour.

Everywhere are car wrecks. But the people are friendly. At the dinghy dock is a place where you can sit and when I was ashore and back there after my shopping a men was playing his guitar and singing while sitting there. He play nice music. I had a little chat with him .

The next day I left the anchorage again and sailed north to a nice area with some beaches. Next more about that in the next post.

From Little Farmers Cay to Black Point.

On Wednesday February 15 , 2023 around 10.20 lt the anchor was out and I was under a nice easterly wind underway to Little Farmers Cay. The distance was only 4 nautical mile. For navigation I use “ Navionics charts “ and according the charts there was a nice and easy route . But the depth on the charts were completely wrong. After messing around I took the route that other boats took and that went fine . According the “ Navionics charts “ there would only be half meter on a part of that route but there was more then a meter under the keel. All in all I made it safe to the east side of “ Little Farmers Cay “ and dropped anchor there .

  • The little harbour seen from the road I took to walk to the village.
  • The shop with the three people playing domino.
  • The big palm threes in the village.
  • Where to go ?
  • In the evning the mailboat for the village pasted me.

This cay is just a small island and there live about 65 people. After all was set and the boat was safe at anchor I took the dinghy and went ashore. The little village is a nice place with a shop and there is a school. In front of the shop a few people were playing domino. After about an hour and a half I was back on board. Once on board I put the little outboard on it’s spot on the back and took the dinghy on deck. So all was ready for the trip of the next day.

The next morning on February 16 around 10.00 lt. I was underway again. It was good sailing weather and I had a good sail. Near the spot were I was heading for it was again eyeball navigation . What that is? Well by the colour of the water you can see if there is a reef then it is green, dark blue is deep water and very bright is sand tells you that it is shallow. While heading for the anchor spot I saw one reef and went around it . At midday the anchor was in near a small beach just around the corner at “ Hetty’s land “ . But by the end of the afternoon the wind turned a bit more southerly and it became uncomfortable due to the swell. I picked up the anchor and moved to the other side “ Hetty’s Land “ and there it was better.

  • Mylady anchor just of the shallow waters.
  • The beach and rocks
  • In a distance you can see Mylady .
  • A part was black rocks what was ” old ” lava.

The next morning I took it easy with the coffee and a good breakfast . After that I made the dinghy ready. I didn’t put the outboard on because it was not a big distance to the shore and rowing was good exercise At 14.00 I went on my expedition. The “ beach “ was part indeed a beach and part rocks. The whole distance one way was about 1,5 mile but it was a pleasant walk both way’s . At 16.30 I was back on board. The next day the wind was weak so I picked up the anchor and went again to the spot near the small beach.

  • The dinghy ” parked ” on the beach .
  • The track into the island.
  • Mylady peacefull on anchor.
  • The track with some markers.
  • Pictures take from the hill what was the goal of the hike.
  • All the islands are green and don’t look dry at all.
  • The mud flat I had to pass.
  • The little beach seen from the boat. Yes cristal clear water.
  • Underway to the other anchorage again.

Once I was safe and sound on anchor I went ashore and on an other expedition. From the beach you could walk to the ocean side of the island. The track was marked by means of all kind of things like old rope and small buoys. It was a good hike trough bushes and mud but a nice one.

The next morning I picked up the anchor again and moved to the other side of “ Hetty’s Land “ but a bit more north. After I was safe and sound on anchor I went for a swim. And after that I rowed to beach for a small walk.The next morning the anchor came up again and sailed only under a small foresail to a spot near “White Point “.

  • This was bay where I was before on anchor.
  • And this is where I went , just passed White Point.
  • Mylady nice on anchor.

I had to go around a big shallow part but found a very nice anchor spot again near a big long beach. That same afternoon I walked the beach and by the end you had walk up a small hill and you could see both beaches. On one late afternoon I took my garbage ashore and made a fire again to burn it all. Yes I had a cold beer also.

After three days on this spot I picked up the anchor and sailed only on the foresail the short distance to the village and anchorage of “Black Point “.

  • The anchorage near Black Point
  • One of the small shops in Black Point.
  • The ” mainstreet ” .
  • The small take away.
  • Big clouds rolling in but not a drop came from it.

Here were many more boats on anchor but I found a good spot. In the afternoon I went ashore. At the Governors Dock the mailboat was moored and they were busy to unload it. It is called “ mailboat “ but it brings all the supplies what has to go to that village and area . And when the mailboat has been there the shops has stock again like fresh veggies and fruit. Black Point is a small village but one of the bigger ones in the central Exumas. Near the little beach were I left the dinghy is a fresh water tap so I also filled up with that and did washing as well. In Black Point is one famous restaurant but the prices were far above my budget . But there was a small take away close to dock and that lady was selling for only 7 us dollar very nice big hot-dogs with a lot of different sauces. Good eating for a nice prices.

After three days I had all done what had to be done and pick up the anchor and left and once more I was underway to the next destination.

Georgetown till Big Galliot Cay both in Exuma

Chart

The next day I motored to the anchorage near the village of Georgetown. There was enough space to anchor. After I was safe on anchor I made the dinghy ready and after I had all what I needed had in my bag I left for the village.

  • The little bridge you pass to and from the dinghy dock
  • The dinghy dock
  • The main street from Georgetown
  • The lagoon seen from behind the church
  • The Farmersmarkt in Georgetown
  • The ” mailboat ” just leaving
  • The anchorage with boats and boats

It was only a short dinghy ride away and the sea was flat calm. Just after passing the little bridge there is the dinghy dock. And after I secured the dinghy I walked into the village . After you come of the dinghy dock there is straight away the first supermarket. But I first wanted to walk around a bit. It was a warm and dusty day and there is not much to see what had for me any interest but it was oke to walk around after all those days on the boat. I found the “ farmers market “ with one lady selling some fresh veggie and other stuff. And near the market is an other supermarket. I bought my veggies in both supermarkets and I also bought some at the market. After I had everything I went back to the boat. I packed the veggie away and filled up the fresh water tank and some buckets with fresh water from my jerrycans. That done I went back to dinghy dock because there was a tap were I could fill up everything again. I also bought some more veggies at the supermarket. And at the market I bought a little jar of very nice honey.

Back on board I started the engine and moved to a spot behind the islands on the east side. It was not that easy to find a spot with so many boats on anchor but I found one. Why I did not stay near the village? The next day there would be an easterly wind and then it is very uncomfortable there.

The next day I had work on the engine. A few times I had a overheating alarm what is no good at all. I was told by a engineer who had worked on the engine a few years ago to flush the heat exchanger with vinegar. It took a while before I had all set up and then the flushing could go on. I let is run for the whole afternoon . A lot of dirt came out. Yes the maintenance never stops and you have to know all kind of different stuff.

On Sunday February 05 at the beginning of the afternoon I left Georgetown and was heading north with a nice wind. It was good to get away from the place. After a nice sail I was 17.30 near Boysie cay . Just behind that island it was a bit roly. But after I move a bit further away it good and that is were I dropped the anchor. And this time against my own rules I first took a beer. After that I cleared the boat and made myself something to eat.

The next morning at 09.30 I picked up the anchor. I had planned to go to Williams Cay and thought to take a short cut with the high water that it was at that moment. But it didn’t work out at all it was to shallow for Mylady to pass. Instead I went a little bit outside on the Exuma Sound and then nearly straight away inside behind the islands again. At 09.20 on February 06 I was on anchor again.

  • The anchorage behind Willeams Cay
  • The next pictures are from the east coast of cay

I stayed at that anchorage a few day’s. On Wednesday I took the dinghy and went for the small beach. From there you could do a small walk to the other side of the island. The weather was overcast and the wind pretty strong but it was a nice sight that side of the island. On Friday February 10 I left and was heading for Big Galliots Cay. Again I could take a short cut. I checked google earth what showed that it would be possible and yes it worked out oke this time. Once trough the pass near Adderly Cay I had a very nice sail . There was still a reasonable swell rolling from the days before. At 14.00 I was near the pass at “ High Island “ near “ Big Galliot Cay “ . The passes from the pass went oke and at 14.50 lt on February 10 I was safe at anchor . This time I first cleared the boat and that done I took a beer.

  • Approach to the cut what will bring me to ” Big Galliot Cay ”
  • ” High Rock ” at the entrance of the cut.
  • And here I am trough the cut and the water is flat again.
  • The beautiful very nice anchorage near Big Galliot Cay.
  • Mylady at anchor near the small beach .
  • And here my dinghy on the small beach.
  • What a spot just perfect.

The coming days the wind would go around from east to south , west and by north back to east . The next day in the afternoon I moved to the north anchorage of Little Galliot Cay what was just next door.

The wind was slowly started to move direction . The next morning I went to the east anchorage and with the westerly wind from the rest of that day I was fine there.

The south side of Little Galliot Cay

The next morning I moved to the south part of the island and that same day late afternoon I went back to the anchorage at Gig Galliot Cay.

I liked this anchorage with it’s small beach. The next day I took the walk trough the bush across the island. The track was marked with old pieces of rope. The other side was special and beautiful. The next day I walked there again but this time I had my camera with me.

  • Mylady safe on anchor , dinghy safe on beach , time for a expedition.
  • The start of the track.
  • The other side of the island or cay as it mentioned on the chart.
  • ” High Rock ” again now seen from an other direction
  • Back on the beach near sunset.

That same late afternoon just before sunset I collected all the garbage I had on board and went from the boat back to beach. I made a spot in sand to burn my garbage and collected wood for that fire. There was a pile laying on the beach what was dry. The fire burned pretty good and with a cold beer on hand I watched it till all was burned.

I covered the remaining with a layers of sand and some stoned and went back to boat and after an other very good day I had a good rest that night.

Little Harbour Bay and by Eleuthera and Cat Island to Georgetown.

Sailing from Marsh Harbour south side to Little Harbor Bay is not that far but there are some interesting passages in it. One of them is a shallow bar you have to pass. Before picking up my anchor I checked the tide table and about 1,5 hour before high water I left. The bar was only 4 nautical miles so I took it slow only on a small foresail. Near the bar – according the chart it has 1,3 meter but with the high tide it should be about 2,1 meter – I had the sail in and the engine running. Normally by the colour of the water you can see if it is shallow. Then the colour is very light . But it stayed a bit darker and when I passed the bar I had a bit less then one meter water under the keel. After the bar the engine went of and the rest of the trip I did under nearly full foresail only. At 15.40 I was safe on anchor. The spot where I anchored was a bit roly but oke.

The next morning after the coffee and breakfast I picked up the anchor and went moving around to find a bit better anchor spot . I ended up at the south point of “ Lynyard Cay “ still in Little Harbor Bay.

  • Other boats on anchor near Lynyard Island
  • The most southern beach near where I was anchored
  • And here the other beach.
  • Mylady at anchor in a distance
  • A place with all kind of collectables where you can have a beer at sunset

I stayed here nearly 1,5 week . One time I pick up the anchor and moved to a spot near Little Harbour but half way I got an “ overheating “ alarm from the engine. I stopped the engine and sailed back where I just came from. I worked on the engine that afternoon and all was oke again . A few days later I went over to a spot near Little Harbour but in the afternoon I went back to my old spot . There it was much better . There were two small beaches . Twice I took my garbage ashore and burned it.

  • My dinghy with Mylady in the background . Yes I rowed ashore
  • Here in fore ground you can see that all is was vulcanic

On Monday 23 January at 15.00 lt I picked up the anchor and set a course for the Island of Eleuthera. When I was passed the reef the wind was light but oke and it was a nice evening. Later the wind picked up and during the night I had a good sail crossing the strait between the islands.

At the north of Eleuthera I went to a pass with the very good name “ Current Cut “. I was there around 07.00 in the morning and had a current of 4,5 knots with me so I shot through the passage. The sails were down for safety reasons and I did this passage by engine. Once trough I stopped the engine and rolled out the fore sail again and in deeper water the main was set again also.

From this passage I had a good sail to a anchor spot behind “ Levi Island “ . When I was near this spot I saw that “ sv Danja “ was anchored there and the last time I had see those people was in the Canary Islands . I cleared the boat and put the dinghy in the water and went over to say hello.

  • The anchorage at Coolebrook Town in Governors Harbour
  • Coolebrook Town has some good looking old buildings at the waterfront.
  • The local ” big ” supermarket .
  • The library near the water front.

The next morning I moved to the anchorage near “ Colebrooke town “ in Governor Harbour. After I was well at anchor I went ashore . Together with the crew of sv Danja I walked to the only supermarket and did some shopping. I thought to stay here a few days. But in the evening some waterfront bar turned up the music ad full blast. Luckily it stopped at midnight . The next morning I did some last shopping and picked up the anchor and was heading for “ Rock Sound “ in the south of the island. There was not much wind but I could sail a small part to where I dropped anchor for the night. The next morning I was underway to “ Rock Sound “ again. The wind was first light but later it increased and I had a nice sail. And on Friday , January 27 at 16.00 the anchor was in . There were about 20 other boats there spread out on anchor. Around 18.00 the local waterfront bar pumped up his music , yes also here amazing. I picked up the anchor and found a spot far from the noise.

  • The waterfront of Rock Sound near the dinghy dock with the nice church and a building blowen to pieces.
  • Some of the houses that looked oke.
  • The lady in front of the supermarket with here souvenirs .
  • And the wash is drying.
  • The tap on the beach. It was a very short dinghy ride to get my jerrycans filled.

On Saturday the weather was nasty with strong winds. But I made the dinghy ready and went ashore to look around and to do some small shopping. The village was a sad place with lots of abandoned houses. But there was also a big very modern supermarket. In front of the supermarket there was a lady selling all kind of souvenirs . I bought a few small items and we had a nice talk for about one hour.

On Sunday morning I picked up the anchor and dropped it again near the village. Yesterday I had discovered a fresh water tap on a small beach and that was what I needed to do my washing on board and to fill the water tanks. And so the whole Sunday I was busy with the laundry but by the end of the all was done. And by that time the music started again so back I went where I was far from that noise.

On Monday morning the anchor was out around 07.00 and I was heading for “Cat Island “. It was again an over nighter but all together I had a good sail with a very fine wind. An other sailor had told that this was a nice island to visit. Around 12.00 on January 31 the anchor was in at Fernandez Bay.

This is a small bay with on the shore some resorts and the rest filled up with houses. It was oke but the next day I left and was heading for a spot in the north of the island. The wind was light but oke. Near the spot where I wanted to go I saw that it was not much different then where I was . I turned around and sailed for Hawks Nest Point so I could go to Georgetown the next day.

The next morning at 07.00 after a cup of coffee the anchor was up and I was heading for Georgetown on Great Exuma Island. Georgetown is a bigger “ town “ and has two supermarkets. It is very popular among the Bahamas cruisers. When I arrived there were – I guess – more then 200 boats there on anchor. More about this place in my next post .

Cape Canaveral to the Bahamas

At Jan 04, 2023 at 10.20 lt the anchor was out and I was underway. First I had to pass trough the “ Barge Channel “ . This ends in a lock. The passage trough the channel went oke. Near the lock I had to wait till the boats coming from the other side trough the lock were out.

While in the lock waiting for the doors on the other side to be opened I saw two dolphins swimming around in the lock. Once the water level in the lock was level with that on the outside the doors opened and I could go out. But before going out to the ocean there was one more bridge to be opened. But that when fast and I was in the Harbor of Port Canaveral heading for the ocean to make my way to the north of the Bahamas.

Once on the open sea the sails went up and I was slowly heading out. But the wind was weak and after 15 minutes it dropped nearly till zero so the iron sail had to take over otherwise we would end on some shallow parts. But just as I had passed the outer tip of that the wind came back and of we went under full sail. The wind was south What made that I had to go with the sail tight and close to the wind. Around 22.00 the outside temperature went up and according the position I was in the gulf stream . And the gulf stream can run up to 2,5 north from the south and yes it was pushing us north but the speed of Mylady was good and we made good progress east north east. By 04.00 lt I noticed that we were going more east and even east , south , east. This gave me the impression that we had passed the Gulf Stream . And an other thing what was happening was that the wind slowly turned more westerly and we could steer a southerly course. I didn’t do a thing because the Aries wind vane was steering the boat and while the wind direction changed to heading of Mylady changed also . Daylight came and we were sailing along nicely direction north Abacos , Bahamas.

By the end of the afternoon , early evening the wind had turned back to the south and I was more heading east. I went about and made a tack with the sail over the other side. In the mean time a big black cloud was slowly coming near from the north and suddenly the rain was there and the wind shifted 180 dgr but luckily stayed calm. I took the foresail nearly all in and let the boat go. The good thing about the rain was that all the salt was washed from the boat. By midnight the rain was gone and the wind back from the north but very weak and after half an hour completely gone. I motored for more the an hour before the wind came back and I could sail again. And once the wind was back it was good sailing under a nice clear blue sky. I sailed on to a anchor spot behind “ Upper Fish Cay “ where I was on anchor around 15.45 lt , Jan 06. I cleared the boat and took a nice cool welcome beer . That night I slept very good.

The next day I sailed till an anchorage near Crab Cay. There were more boats on anchor but I found a good spot and dropped the hook just before it was dark. The next day I stayed here just to take a rest and it was weekend anyhow. On Monday morning early I went to an anchor spot near Green Turtle village.

There I went ashore to find out where I could the formalities fro the check in. Near the waterfront I met a lady who took me to a small restaurant and there I was told I had to go to Green Turtle marina in White Sound what is a inlet just near. I thanked them for the info and went back on board. Once back on board a squall hit with a strong wind and lots of rain. I waited till that was gone before I moved to an other anchor spot near White Sound. There I took my dinghy in. The marina told me that the custom lady would be there at 12.00. Together with some other people we waited. Once the customs was there and it was my turn I was told that the only way to check in was online , by by come back tomorrow. I went back to the boat and brought her into White Sound and dropped anchor there.

After the boat was oke I went ashore and did the whole check in using the good Wi-Fi from the marina. It took a few hours but I got it done including the payment of $ 150 us dollar for a cruising licence of 3 months. The next day at 09.00 the custom officer was there and I told here all was done. But the lady made again lots of trouble , this time about my ships certificate. She treated me with the police because I wanted to know what was wrong . Oke it took a while but at the end I got my 3 months stamp in my passport and my cruising licence. Once back on board I pulled the dinghy on deck and made the boat ready and left straight away. Outside there was not much wind but enough to have a nice sail. By the end of the afternoon the wind was gone and I was motoring once again. I was heading for Marsh Harbour but that was still 2 hours away . I had a look in the chart and saw a good spot for the night and 15 minutes later the anchor was in and I was set for the night.

The next morning there was no wind at all. I fired up the iron sail and was heading for Marsh harbour. There I dropped anchor 2 hours later. After I was settled I made the dinghy ready. Before heading ashore I went to a boat anchored next to me and asked where to put my dinghy. Where to buy a SIM card for my mobile and if there was a supermarket. All questions were answered and of I went. I got all done that afternoon and by the end of the afternoon I was invited by my neighbour for a sundowner and so the day ended good.

I have not many pictures from Marsh Harbour because it is not much. It is sand and more sand and there are still enough buildings that are heavily damage from the hurricanes that past the last few years.

Pictures I took while heading for the storm spot. The picture on the right shows what was to see ashore, yes not much.

I stayed two nights before moving on to a safe spot to ride out the north westerly gale that coming. I went to the south side of Marsh Harbour where I found a good spot. The wind was max 30 knots and lasted 24 hours but Mylady was fine.

After two days there I moved on further south to the area near Little Harbour bay.

St Augustine till Cape Canaveral

After the anchor was safe in I made the dinghy ready to go ashore for the next day . That evening I stayed on board . The next day after the normal coffee and breakfast I went ashore . From where I was anchored it was a bit of a ride.

  • The fort at the waterfront of st Augustine
  • The bridge of Lions
  • This is a building from the local college.
  • The Christmas lights

I went for a walk trough what is the centre and it was only tourist shops and restaurants and tourists. It is an old town and a beautiful place and it was around Christmas and New Year so it was not a surprise to see so many people. While walking a bit of the centre I found a gas station with a good price for diesel and I found a bank where I draw cash for the Bahamas.

After I had seen it all I went back on board and had something for lunch and then took my diesel jerrycan and the trolley and went after more diesel. The difference in price with the marina was 1,30 us dollar per gallon.

That evening I stayed on board and took it easy after all the walking. Yes my condition is not to bad with all that walking. The next day I went ashore again for more diesel and to have a shower. Sailing friends who were moored in the marina had a key for the shower .

That evening I went ashore to have a look at all the Christmas light and it was beautiful done specially on the main square.

  • Leaving st Augustine trough the bridge of Lions
  • White pelikans
  • Shallow parts just next to the ICW
  • And an other bridge past
  • Boat Storage
  • Daytona Beach
  • This is not painted but all small tills.

The next day I left St Augustine for Daytona Beach . That was along long passage . By the time I was there I had clocked 48 nm . When you come in Daytona Beach from the north you see a lot of bridges , It is an amazing thing to see. I found a good anchor spot and around 16.30 the anchor was down and a beer out.

My sailing friends – Lance and Shawna – from sv Minerva where moored in a marina not to far from me.

The next morning I went over to them. Together with Lance I walked to a car rental place where he picked up a car. With the car we went to Walmart. There I did some more shopping and Lance did real big shopping. The next morning I went over to them again and we went to the Flea / Farmers market.

After walking around there we went back to there boat . Together with Shawna I went one more time to Walmart. With this shopping Mylady was real full . Back to there boat we had a chat and a drink before I went back to Mylady . After all was packed away I made something to eat and had that together with a beer.

The next morning I left early and had plans to make it in one go to Titusville. But around 11.30 I pasted “New Smyrna Beach “ I hit the breaks.

  • A bit foggy while underway
  • A hurricane victim.
  • The waterfront park at New Smyrna Beach
  • The main street
  • The Brewery a nice bar
  • They have good beers.

I remembered this lovely place from a few years back and thought why not have a look again. By the beginning of the afternoon I went ashore and walked trough the main street. I remembered that there was a place who sold “ Coopers home brew beer “ kits but could not find them . On my back down the main street I stopped in front of the “ Brewery “ and thought yes time for a beer . While I was there I had a taste of several kind of beers and met a bunch of wonderful people. Yes a good place for the last day of the year.

  • and an other hurricane victim

The next morning I left for Titusville. That was not a very long ride and the weather was nice and warm . Titusville is Rocket town. From there you can see the rockets they launch from Cape Canaveral. I anchor there on the anchorage what is a bit way out because the good spot is a big mooring field.

Titisville centre .

The next morning I took the local bus to a hardware shop who topped up my propane bottle. And believe it or not but I did a little bit of shopping to fill up the last bit of space that still was on Mylady . The second day that I was there I went ashore in the USA for the last time this trip. I walk around and bought at the bakery some nice stuff . Once on board I made the whole boat ready for the jump to the Bahamas. At 12.30 I left and moved 14 nm further south , closer to the

“Barge Channel “what ends in Port Canaveral and then out in the ocean.

Now it is 03 January 2023 and tomorrow I will leave for the Bahamas.

The last bridge in the ICW for me . And you see they building a big one.

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