Happy guests

Hi Captain Mark and M'beth,
We all reached our destinations stateside...returning one day after yet
another nor'easter slashed her way across the Middle Atlantic and New
England States. We arrived to see many fallen trees and deep puddles, due
to the high winds and flooding rains, but it is now beginning to dry out.
How wonderful that we were in the Bahamas, not even aware.

I am drafting this e-mail first to thank you for a most memorable
week...we all had a great time, one we will never forget. We enjoyed you
two immensely, and felt the same about Stray Cat. Hope to see you again
soon.

Second, I just read the first part of our Ship's Log, which you've put
online....guess it's a bit long-winded but fun reading and remembering. I
completed the second half at the Nassau Airport...on Jim's computer. (
Only two mistakes: In the second half of the Log on the 11th, I have us
going to Sampson Cay again...didn't have the first half with me to see
that we'd already gone there on the 10th, and regrettably I spelled "the
genny" wrong.) Oh well...next time! Jim will be sending the 11-14th
portion to you posthaste...perhaps that should read e-mailhaste... perhaps
even today.

Note for your webmaster: In moving around your website, I noticed that he
probably should change the text under ADVENTURE SAIL 2009...in one place
it says "Adventure Sail 2009 is being booked now, " and you might want him
to add a few more excerpts to update the section under Previous Ship's Log
Excerpts, because the last one in the Excerpts section was December,
2005...great reading them all, though.

Red sky at night, sailors' delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take
warning is a little saying that comes to mind along with "Red sails in the
sunset... " May you enjoy many beautiful sunsets...both red AND gold
..we'll be thinking of you.

Ginny Smith

P.S. Stray Cat in a calm harbor (a la your website) is my current
computer screen wallpaper.

***

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THE BAHAMAS March 5-14, 2010

Six of us, three couples from the Northern Lake George Yacht Club in the Adirondacks, set out on a sail in a roomy 44 foot catamaran, aptly named Stray Cat, to explore the Exumas.

Two couples, Ken 'n Enid and Jim 'n Seddon, experienced cruisers, were joined by, Manning 'n Ginny who are not experienced in cruising, but have skippered and crewed in small one-design sailing yachts. Ken, Jim and Ginny "grew up" during summers on Lake George…all learning to sail at the yacht club. So when Jim said that we'd known each other for over 50 years…it was no exaggeration. We were all little kids together--all "Skippers" by the time we were 12 or so.

5 March 2010
At 1700 hours Ken and Enid arrive Nassau Town, hail a cab to the "Poop Deck," to report aboard Stray Cat with a salute to and a warm greeting from our tanned and muscle-bound Captain Mark and his pretty, very fit and very able matey, Marybeth. Unpacked; had a quick bite near the harbor. Back "home," K and E chose a cabin and retired.
6 March 2010 Next morning, after a quick bite, Enid and Ken went into "provisioning" mode and set out for the "Wegmania of the Bahamas." Two and a half hours and two shopping trolleys-full later, they returned to the pier, blithely wheeling them right up to the Cat. Carefully, everything was stowed with efficient direction from Marybeth All conjectured about the weather, and shortly Jim and Seddon came into view. "Ahoy, ahoy, maties!!" Happily, the second they stepped aboard, Captain Mark revved up the engines, and we sailed off for Rose Island, close by. Checked out the island, met Mark's sailing buddies, grilled steaks aboard, watched the sun set…..
7 March 2010 At 0717 hours, set off on a 10 hour sail to Staniel Cay. Anchored, took the dinghy (Stray Kitten) ashore to the Yacht Club for Bahamian cuisine of mahi mahi and cracked conch. Yum. Despite "dinghy butt," made it back to Stray Cat.
8 March 2010
Leisurely breakfast, set off for Little Farmers Cay…fished en route, catching a young barracuda who fought briefly, let us pull him aboard, then jumped, broke the line and vanished…taking the lure with Her. Disembarking, we took a micro-hike, checking out the hilltop, the runway and the beach. Dinghied back to Stray Cat to change for dinner at Ocean Cabin, owned and operated by Captain Mark's good friend, debonair Terry Bain and his family. Ordering the best lobster in the Cays, we ate too much, finishing up with "Do you trust me?" flaming Nassau Royale. "You didn't burn your fingers, did you?" Warmed to the occasion, our dinner soon turned into a musical evening which began with one voice and a ukulele, and progressed to a lively sing-a-long, accompanied by a guitar passed among our three guitar players. Wonderful songs, which some remembered…it was unforgettable!
9 March 2010
Gourmet breakfast; set sail for Black Point Settlement…largest settlement in the Exumas (excluding Great Exuma). Ashore, we set off on a hike to the highest point on the island, overlooking Dotham Cut. Path a bit obscured, but that didn't keep us from venturing on…down to the beach…up across the coral hillocks, down to the beach, up hill to the mangrove forest. We forded a shallow inlet, climbed up again to the high point…incredible view. By now, way off the path, had to bushwhack our way back…which included wading thigh-deep around the mangroves to the very end of the road. Caveat…if you check out the map first, you won't have nearly as much fun. Dinghied back to the Cat to enjoy barbecued pork chops on deck with Mark and Marybeth. Motored up to Staniel Cay again to be ready for "The Grotto," next morning. What a life!
10 March 2010
Up and ready at dawn, Captain Mark dinghied us over to the renowned Thunderball Grotto for an early morning snorkel under the island…opened to the sky by 3 openings in the coral above. The coral garden below was filled with fish, sponges, coral fans and brightly-colored schools of fish. Aboard Stray Cat again, we sailed and motored north en route to Sampson Cay. Docked, checked out the gift shop, purchased water and set off again for the Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park on Warderick Wells Cay. The park is a safehaven and replenishment area for Bahamian wildlife. Passing the sperm whale skeleton, we hiked on the trail up to BooBoo Hill…with a couple of blow holes nearby. The cairn at the top was constructed of driftwood, piled high with signs carrying yacht names or names of couples which and who had "drifted by." We were enchanted by the little bananaquit birds who wanted to eat right out of our hands. Back at the Cat, we spent a relaxing evening after grilling "Bubba Burgers."

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last night

Alan's cay was amazing. The weather had been questionable, however the morning after arriving in Nassau, the skies were blue and the weather was beautiful. We dug in on the snorkel equipment and decided to take a cold swim out to the reef. It was awesome!

All we wanted was to find a lobster in the coral, spear it, and eat; easier said then done. We snorkeled throughout the day and had found one lobster, but he had the upper hand. He could breath underwater, we could not. We did however see some amazingly colorful fish and wild life and played in the ocean.

Despite the fact that we were determined to catch some fish, our dinner consisted of what we brought along. Sometime after dark, however, we heard a fish strike on the line we'd left out baited with a piece of hot dog. Tyler jumped to the rod, but after a decent struggle, the fish jumped off the line. After tossing the line out again, we had another fish on! One again though, he was gone after a brief struggle and we were left empty handed. Finally, sometime before 11:00 pm, we heard a fish on the line yet again and brought a yellow tail striper onto the boat. It made an amazing breakfast the next morning,

The next day we woke up bright and early and made our way to Hybourne Cay. The sun was out, the sky was blue and the temperature was in the 80s, so we all went out snorkeling. Along our journey to the cay we had left the fishing line out in the hopes of catching a fish. As we approached the cay however, the lour was snagged on some coral. Our first task was to swim out in the blue ocean, find and release the lour. As we swam, we discovered how swift the current was. Once we accomplished our goal, we swam out past the boat and tried to reach the coral rock that had emerged out of the sea. We got 2/3 the way there and had to turn back, disappointed, as the current was to quick.

We pulled ourselves out of the water exhausted, but still excited for whatever was next. We set sail for Norman's Cay. On the way, we decided to troll for fish. Not because we thought we'd catch anything, but purely out of a sense of responsibility; having claimed we were to "harvest the bounty of the sea".

Low and behold, two fish struck on both lines at the same time. Fish on! We brought both on the boat, cleaned them and ate fried chunks of blue fin Tuna. Amazing! We continued on to the cay.

We arrived around 2:30 pm. We had enough sunlight to either paddle to the beach or swim to the reef to snorkel, but not both. Peter, Rachel, and Kate hopped in the kayaks and headed to the beach, while Tyler and I headed to the reef. The coral reef around Norman's cay was surreal. It was like swimming through an aquarium. By the looks on the others faces once they returned to the cat, the beach was spectacular as well. Simply put, we had a day that can only be had in the Bahamas!

As night fell, we could feel the wind pick up and were feeling the cold front rolling in. Our voyage back to Nassau the next day was a challenge. We set off on what could have been an 8 hour trek around 8:30 the next morning. The first half was rough. The seas were in the 4' to 6' range, the wind howled and the skies were dark. About 3 hours into trip, the clouds split, and the sun came out. It had become a beautiful day. While the wind was still blowing and the seas were choppy, we enjoyed the day thanks to a fortunate change in the weather. Our trip was much shorter and much more fun than we anticipated.

Early on the day was looking bleak. The debate amongst the crew was whether to dock in Nassau, or to make the most of things and port in Atlantis on Paradise Island. As the sun came out, the debate ended, we headed to Rose Island just to the East.

As we pulled in to the Rose, we discover an island within an island. While the wind was blowing on the open ocean, the seas were calm inside. Once docked, we went for a hike. We found an sandy beach and walked around for a while. Once back to the boat, we fried up some more fish and cooked up a delicious dinner.

Tomorrow we fly home, back to the Northeast. I'm not exactly looking forward to heading back to the snow and the cold, but I know I'll be back again, so it's okay. What an amazing trip, an amazing crew, and an amazing experience all the way through.
Your friend

Jason

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Ocean ho. We pushed off from Nassau today with a good wind at our back. We sailed and motored south, making great time to Allan's Key, despite the fact that Pete took the wheel for awhile. Once there, we made communion with lobsters, iguanas, and a yellow tail snapper. The lobster retreated deep into its cave, beyond our reach. Luckily, Jason turned lobster red in the sun, so we didn't come home empty handed. The iguanas on iguana beach accepted our tiny offerings of grapes and Kate. We kept the bananas to ourselves, though, as Rachel used them to blend up some amazing concoctions. Tyler landed a good-sized red snapper after hours of night fishing (drinking, eating, and otherwise forgetting a line was in the water) with highly-prized, secret bate (hot dogs). Among the ones that got away were the physics of sailing and two large fish, including what we believe to have been either french kid or a ray.

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what did you like

I liked feeding the Iguanas, it was funny when they took the grape and ran off. I liked feeding the sharks at Compass Cay, you can pet the sharks and I got a few pictures of the sharks underwater with my underwater camera. Carla always cooked good meals. It was really fun going really fast in the dinghy.
Ulysses 9

I liked feeding the Iguanas. I liked playing in the waves at Compass Cay. I really like being on the front of the boat when we have big waves. I like feeding the birds called banana quits on Warderick Cay, they eat out of your hand. I liked fishing even though I didn't catch anything.
Lyle 11

I thought the sharks were really cool, they chomped the fish bits really fast. there were smaller fish that got scared by the sharks but they did get little pieces to eat. I thought it was really really fun on our first day when we had the big waves and the boat was bouncing up and down. We fit 9 people in the dinghy when we went to dinner at Ocean Cabin on Little farmers Cay.
Fletcher 13

When we first sailed I got soaked sitting on the trampoline. I swam in the ocean a lot. I paddled the kayak with me and my mom in it all the way back to the boat. I fed the nurse sharks. I like hopping on the waves. I saw a green flash when the sun was going down.
Rose 7

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Up date

Summer is ending here in Miami but you'd never know it by the 91-93 degree temp's we are looking at for the next week. The summer had it's ups and downs; no hurricanes is definitely an upside but on the other hand I can't recall rain as frequent or as hard as this summer brought. It rained in the dry season, it rained in the wet season, it rained night and day for weeks on end.
I was returning from a series of charters in the Bahamas with guests onboard in June. During the passage we dodge a number of very active cells. As we approached Miami a storm with lots of lightning which radar showed to be 24 miles long and 10 miles deep. This storm with tops at about 40 thousand feet loomed 5 miles in front of us; no dodging this one. The VHF sang out with dire sever storm warnings advising all vessels to immediately seek safe harbor, ya right, we were to far off shore for that plan so we rigged for heavy weather and we got it.

The rain was coming down so hard I couldn't see the bow of the boat, the radar was useless no mater how diligently I tweaked it, the wind piped up to fifty knots. Stray Cat has taken me through much worse, she handled this comfortably. My guest naturally were very concerned by the tremendous frequent and loud reports from the lightning- I'm glad they couldn't read my mind; more on lightning later.
Another downside to this long wet summer is one we are all dealing with namely the economic one, it has finally come home to roost. The up side is unplanned time off which allowed me to take on maintenance issues that always seem to pile up when the schedule is tight. I also did some personal health maintenance after meeting a fellow sailor and guess what, he is also an internist who practices close by to Coconut Grove, he is taking real good care of me.

That brings me to Dental care, I managed to loose control of a jib sheet in a strong wind that not to kindly, whacked me in the mouth breaking a few teeth and loosening a few (definitely a downside). That event found me flying to Charlotte for a visit with Jane Parker DDS., Russ Nash DDS., Jeff West DDS. and Mike Kelly DDS. Thankfully they are all long time friends and charter guests (definite up side) and in their many talents did extractions, bone transplants, and a number of implants. I have three more visits to go.

Lightning; the following is a loss details letter I had to write for my insurance adjuster:

Statement of loss

Date of loss: 09.05.09

This detail is presented by Mark Pomerenke USCG licensed, 50 ton Master, the vessel's master at the time of the event.
The vessel was at anchor utilizing ground tackle of 120' of chain to 200' of rode on a 45 pound Delta anchor. The decision to anchor in the Dinner Key Marina anchorage was made at Approximately 13:30 with the approach from the east of several cumulus cells and one towering cumulonimbus formation. These storms were significant in their accompanying high winds, intense rain (zero visibility) and numerous lightning displays.
Thereafter, The vessel suffered a direct lightning strike to the masthead which rises 64' above the waterline. Smoke was immediately apparent from the 120 vac and 12 vdc distribution/ circuit beaker panels and the various radios and displays at the adjacent Navigation table.
The Genset failed, shutting down automatically at that time and the systems such as the A/C's that it provided current to. All circuit and isolation switches were immediately shut off, fuel shut off valves were placed in the closed position, ABC fire extinguishers were at hand, access panels of the port and starboard sole were lifted to visualize the bilges, no personal injuries were experienced, a fire watch was maintained for approximately thirty minutes.
A short while later diesel fuel was smelt and discovered to be caused by a fuel leak at the bottom aft end of the starboard fuel tank which has a sixty gallon capacity. The auto function of the servicing bilge pump failed, a fortuitous failure, had it operated it would have pumped fuel over board.
Capt. Ricky of R&B marine services was called, he came to the vessel with a 55 gallon drum and pump whereupon the fuel was removed from the tank.
The small pin holes found in the stainless steel tank were abraded, dried and sealed with JB Wield. The described repair holds to this day and requires no further repair.
Double head halyards were employed as a safety measure to stabilize the mast section in the event of undiscovered structural damage and failure of the rig.
The insurance agent was notified of the loss on 09. 08 after the Labor Day weekend. Mr. Ken Ferch, claims Examiner called on 09.10 to acknowledge the claim and advise that Mr. Randal Roden marine surveyor would contact me to arrange his inspection of the vessel. Mr. Roden inspected the vessel at Dinner Key Marina on 09.12 at approximately 13:00; taking notes, asking pertinent questions, and took pictures of the thus far identified failed equipment.
The above statement accurately describes the events and actions attendant to the lightning strike to the best of my recollection.

Well that sums it up, excitement of the downside and now begins the dark side; dealing with insurance folks who will be compelled to protect the company. There seems to be near to 45k of loss mostly to electrical and electronic systems. The up side is the boat is operational and so am I.
Mark

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ahh sehr nett! ja wär gern noch mit euch mitgesegelt.. aber hatte eine tolle sicht beim ersten flug.. der übrigens 2stunden verspätet war.. hab sogar die stray cat noch aus dem fenster gesehen..
ja war sehr anstrengend der flug. mein gepäck ist auch in miami stehen geblieben aber sollte mir demnächst zugestellt werden.
tja jetzt kämpfe ich den ganzen tag schon mit being landsick aber noch viel mehr mit dem wach bleiben!!! pffff
zumindest scheint die sonne..

also ich wünsch euch noch eine schöne zeit, liebe grüsse an alle bussi!!

aja bei franzi war ich noch nicht oben,,,aber ich ha opa husten gehört--

so, ich scheib jetzt da noch das ship log;

bitte mark geben damit er es auf seine homepage stellt!

The days before getting onto Capt. Mark´s Stray Cat we all just couldn't wait getting on board. Still back home in Austria my father Dieter would always have a big smile on his face when speaking of the beaches and the water of the Exumas, Bahamas and the fact that we would explore this by sailing. His girlfriend Gabi though pointed out the possibility of having too big waves and therefore getting seasick. My sister Linda also had on the one hand a big smile on her face but on the other hand she started to realize that on this trip she might meet some sharks, one of her biggest fears. Her boyfriend Julian was hopefully watching the movie "razor man" (later on board he convinced us of the existence of this movie just in order to win a game we've played. well but we are still doubting its existence...) for him it was the first sailing trip.
Anyway, it sounded like a great adventure..

Since I arrived a few days earlier to the Bahamas I met all of them right at the Stray Cat in the Nassau Yacht Haven.
I remember one of the first things Mark said to me: So, Dieter seems to be a precise person.. Oh, yes Mark he is, especially with Coca Cola cans.. Luckily we never ran out of it..
Speaking of beverages and food I really have to give the best compliments to our chef Deborah. I don't know how she managed to cook these amazing meals in that kitchen on board that just wouldn't stop moving. I wonder how she did not get seasick. After all in the beginning we were quite curious who would be the first.. Mark told us some tricks he would use when he would see someone getting the first symptoms. Anyway we were lucky to spend our days on Stray Cat without such incidents, even though with Capt. Mark on board nothing would have been a problem. Its amazing how he made us feel comfortable on board, with his trustworthy and positive energy.
I think the first nights him and Deborah could not get much sleep, since we, the guests, started wandering around on the Stray Cat to find th best sleeping place. I think after the first nights we have all tested all possible sleeping places on board..the trampoline and the little mattress outside, the bench inside and the rooms.
I think that's also why Mark sent us hiking on one of the islands we have stopped, so we would be more tired of walking around at night. And at least for me it seemed to work. That night I was so tired and exhausted after we have walked to amazing beaches and enjoyed a long bath in the sea...

At one point, during snorkeling, Julian and Linda were just swimming next to a Barracuda. Especially Linda was amazed. After swimming with that fish and having seen many sharks swimming right next to our boat, I think she started to like them..
Also Gabi got rid of her fear of getting seasick (after all she seemed to be the only person not feeling the land move when we had our dinner out at Staniel Cay). Julian discovered his talent of making the most beautiful pictures of some amazing sunsets we saw as well as taking pictures of lizards on the beach. Linda and me, for the first time, had to escape some wild pigs walking towards us at the beach.
And I think now, after this trip Dieter will have an even bigger smile on his face when thinking of the Bahamas.

I could continue writing for ages since we had so many great experiences.
Just thinking of flocking with the fish, the huge "fishball" we encountered, the many many big and colorful fish at that cave close to Staniel Cay, the sun and the wind on board, the stars at night, the crystal clear water, and the baby powdery sand, the kayaks..

just don't forget your sunglasses, sun cream and hat....

Thank you Mark,

all the best to you and Stray Cat

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May 13, 2009
On board, Jeff & Marcia Kish, Mike (the Heat) and Mel Streng, Paul and Laura Sauer, and Bryan & Carol Albright and Captain Mark

We left Nassau Bahama's today around 1:00 pm. We traveled to Allen's Cay with Captain Mark and Mel guiding us on our way. There were three to four footers on our way to Allen's. The ride was a little rough but we were still able to drink and party on the seven hour tour. Just as the sun was setting we anchored inside of the bay. Jeff wanted to take off to explore the island but Captain Mark said that it was not safe at night. The other boats were chumming the water with their leftover fish bait, perhaps attracting fish we may not like to swim with. Now we are sitting on the boat chilling out to my favorite band OAE. The song Nigh Shift/ Stir it up is on right now. We will wait till dawn to explore. I am going to sign off and join the rest of the crew and enjoy the amazing stars. Life can not get any better.

Marcia

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Monday April13- Friday April 17 2009
Paul, Julie, Elaine(14),Liam(12), Drew(9)

We set out and Captain Mark taught us about navigating, about the GPS, radar, speed and the depth. We enjoyed swimming in the ocean, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling. We saw many different types of fish and sea creatures such as squid and spotted eagle rays [harmless] which we swam with.

We sailed around Rose Island and Green Island, we found star fish, sand dollars, sea biscuits, shells and conch shells.
In the evenings we watched a movie 'Captain Ron', looked at the stars, and one of the nights had a bonfire on the beach.
Carla's amazing cooking was 5star everyday, there's always enough and we really liked it. Thank you Carla for your terrific effort, it was great.
We had so many wonderful new experiences that will stay with us forever. Thank you Captain Mark.

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More of the last three weeks

Had another theatrical event last week.

CBS or CNBC, I'm a bit shaky on the details, chartered me for the reenactment of a true story involving an NBA star who went off on a Catamaran in Tahiti several years ago. As the story goes the star ended up killing his girl friend, his estranged brother, and the Captain - I hate that part.

The director (another Chris) briefed me in great detail of the story line and how I would be required to maneuver the boat to accommodate his scene structure. A few years back I did a four day shoot for the Macy's spring catalog so I knew from that experience he would want much of me; to my surprise he wanted more than I conjured up.

The two black young men (one of the guys is another Chris) who would play the roles of Star and angry brother (the brother demanded money from the star) and a young white gal who played the stars girlfriend showed up. After they settled in on board, introduced themselves to each other, were briefed about their roles by Chris and by me about safety on board, Chris inquired about the actor Captain who was MIA.

Phone calls ensued, it became obvious to Chris that he would have no Captain actor, and then he looked at me thoughtfully and said "you look like a Captain with your tan and all; you're older then the real life Captain but it can work".

I signed release papers, & later in the day while playing the Captain I was clunked in the head with a wrench and dispatched to actor's heaven; what a short career. This documentary is to air in March.

Here's another one from last week

Dear Capt. Mark,

My name is Francie Anderson and I am the editor of Wando High School's
Tribal Tribune. We are doing a feature story about your sail charters,
and we were wondering if we could use one of the pictures from your
website in our newspaper. We would greatly appreciate your help!

Thanks!

This fine Carolina school has an online version and may have published the article this week on page 21, www.tribaltribune.com. Since I'm out here in the middle of nowhere if someone comes across the article it would be fun to know about it.

Mark
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Last three weeks

After three weeks of no sailing it's good to be underway again, I crossed the Gulf Stream Miami to the Gun Cay cut yesterday in very ruff conditions. This morning I'm easting on the Bahamas Banks in light air (on the nose of course) but making good time at about 7.5 kts, it should reach 82F today. The wind will shift to the southeast (no help there) today with a cold front passage later, a shift to the northwest at 15-20 tonight, that shift will be real good for sailing.

I had to delay this passage because the sea state in the Stream has been 8 to 10 feet with wind gust over thirty for the last three days; the result is, cutting it real thin for meeting with my guests in Nassau.

They will be flying in from Austria tomorrow, so Max if you're reading this, I'll make it, but-just.

I went to the premiere of The Heart is a Drum Machine at the Phoenix Art Museum to see and enjoy my son's success. Chris wrote and directed this documentary about music. Along with his friend and colleague Ryan Page (who produced the movie) both were well received by the six hundred people who came to the opening, but most of all by me and my Daughter and Grand Daughter who came over from southern California; yep I'm a proud Dad. Chris's Mom lives in Phoenix and was also there beaming.

I didn't know this, a drum machine is the electronic device a short handed musician might use to set the rhythm and generally be their percussion section.

Chris interviewed about one hundred celebrities to get their thoughts and feelings about music. People like Maynard James Keenan of the rock group Tool, Steven Drozd of the Flaming Lips' who also scored the film, Elijah Wood, John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and many more.

The widow of Dr. Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan, you may remember her movie Contact, introduced the movie and concluded it. Ann also picked the music of the golden record that was onboard the Voyager space probes 1 and II.

I'll fill in the rest of my three weeks of non sailing in the next entry.

Mark
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Back again

I didn't have any luck with that Wifi, no signal, I'll just have to wait till Miami to get online.


Things change fast out here, while near Cat the wind came up at about ten from the south, that blew the fog out and the sun in.
I'm 15 miles from Miami now sailing at about 7 knts on a south wind in the Gulf stream, I'll make the sea buoy at about 6: pm, to late for happy hour at Scotty"s so if I do have a drink there, it will cost $8.00 plus tip. I'm ready to get off the boat though and some human contact could be fun.
All for now,
Mark

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Catch up

It's been weeks since I last wrote; guests have written a fair amount though, that kept me out of trouble with friends and family who keep up with my wondering's. There are no guests onboard as I sail from Nassau to Miami so it's my turn to jot a bit.
So far this winter season there have been many days of wind in the twenties and above, a few nights in the high thirties, (which reminds me of the pop group Three Dog Night who took their name from Australian natives that judged the cold of night by the number of dogs they had to sleep with) But for the most part it has been very nice, on the mild side. Looking back, there were about 10 days of sailing the wind on long passages at 8-10 knts, real fun.
Today is not a sailing day, its flat calm in bright sun but it didn't start that way. This morning, after spending the night at anchor on the Great Bahamas Banks ten miles east of Cat Cay, I went on deck with my coffee cup in hand and was enveloped in a blanket of cool fog (very unusual in these waters). The decks were very wet with condensate, as I was looking over the starboard side, I saw a large Logger Head turtle apparently napping or I don't know what for sure, but it finally noticed me and dove real fast. I have read that Logger heads enjoy eating Portuguese Man Of war jellyfish; the down side for them is that, the long tentacles burn their eyes; as a result they don't see very well.
I'm going to sail over to Cat Cay and get a little Wifi time be right back.

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Dana up data

December 27-30, 2008

Over the next three days we continued to travel to different Cay's during the day. We arrived at the different cays each day around 1pm or so. Once we got to the anchor or mooring site Gary and I decided to go snorkeling. We found some great snorkeling spots where we saw lion fish, large cucumbers and sea stars, fantastic fan and brain corrals, Sergeant majors, large tangs, angelfish, etc. The snorkeling spots that Mark took us to were wonderful and had a lot to see. Each night we ate on the boat and got as much relaxation as possible due to the closing of our adventure. On the way to Nassau on the 30th we were able to see the original Gilligan's Island and where The Blue Lagoon was filmed. Mark dropped us off for our goodbye's on a dock in Nassau. In Nassau we ate some lunch and decided to do some shopping while we waited to go to the airport. On the way to the airport we drove the cemetery where Anna Nicole Smith is buried. I must say it was a wonderful trip that I will cherish always. Thanks Mark for all of the fun and sun. See you again some other time!

My Favorite Part of the Trip:

I would have to say there are 2 things that stick out for me on the trip we had on the Stray Cat. The first was the snorkeling spot called Thunderball Cave. In this cave was some of the best snorkeling I have seen. (I have been to many places to snorkel and dive.) I would also have to say Farmers Cay dinner at the Le Bleu restaurant was also memorable for me. We had a great dinner and met some interesting people there. What a blast we had!

Dana signing off till next time…….

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Chidrens Bay

December 22, 2008-Wednesday December 24, 2008
Ship's Log
On Board: Mark, David, Madeline, Gary, and Dana

Dana's Entry:

On Monday we flew in to meet the Stray Cat in Georgetown, Exuma. After provisioning the vessel we decided to anchor right outside of Great Exuma where we ate dinner at the Chat and Chill Restaurant and Bar. I ordered 2 Kalik Golds, they hit the spot. I ordered the fish and fries, Mahi Mahi, cooked fresh. After dining we moved back to the boat to relax and have some cocktails.

Today is Tuesday. Due to extreme winds at about 25 knots, we have decided to hang around the boat today. We will move tomorrow and fight the wind and waves for either 15 or 30 miles. Tonight for dinner we are having Mark's potatoes that I have heard a lot about accompanied by steak and vegetables.

Wednesday Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) we had a light breakfast and decided to motor sail 15 miles to Children's Bay. After 6-9 foot swells for 15 miles we had finally arrived. Two of us on board were not feeling very well from the Atlantic swells so we made a decision to cut through to the inside area of the islands where it would be calmer. To cut through we would have to take the boat through a small area where the waves were breaking. After a quick turn and 2 waves that broke on the boat we made it through. On the other side the water was much calmer and was easier on our stomachs. I must say though that Mark gave me a little bracelet to shock some nerves in my wrist area, and suddenly I was cured of my motion sickness. (I will definitely be buying one of those when I get home! Thanks Mark!) So we are on the inside (west) of the islands and begin to find a cove to settle down for the night. Once in Children's cove we took the dingy to land to go for a small hike over to the east side of the island where the waves were breaking hard. Following our hike Gary and I decided to get into the 77 degree water and see what we could find with masks and snorkels. We saw 1 fish and plenty of "ant hills" that were probably clams underneath the sand. We will cook again tonight because the island is not inhabited and will sail to another island tomorrow that has a restaurant. Until then; good night friend.

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Continued

Back at the boat we decided to watch a movie called Bloody Sunday. I wasn't really into the movie right away so I started looking around at the boat. I noticed that Mark was looking out the stern a little concerned. He called Gary to come and look and our hearts dropped into our ankles. The dingy was GONE!! With no moon and 25 MPH winds we started to look for it with flash lights hoping that it ran aground on the beach near by. The other option is that it had gone out to sea. Of course I am sure you can imagine that we were definitely hoping for the beached outcome. After about 30-40 minutes of wandering with the catamaran and flash lights Gary had an idea to dock and look for the dingy by foot along the shore. Madeline, David, and I went one way, nothing. Gary went the other way in his booties and wetsuit, nothing. Back at the boat the rest of us could see Gary by the light moving on his flashlight. Suddenly his flashlight stopped for some reason. As we kept watching we suddenly got a call on the VHF radio. "I got it!" he said! At that moment our hearts moved from our ankles to our chests again and it was definitely time for a drink. Wow! I can't believe we found it. Gary found a $6000 bill just floating on the shore and motored it back to our catamaran. My hero…..for now :

Friday December 26, 2008

Last night the winds were howling louder than I have heard since my trips to Mexico in a tent trailer with my parents. In the morning we had some breakfast and quickly got moving to our next Cay. We traveled another 10-15 miles to a new island called Stanley's Cay. We first anchored near a beach, took the dingy into shore, to be greeted by a family of 4 wild pigs. On the beach we took several pictures with the pigs who were venturing into the water to meet the other boats for food. On the beach you could find random carrots and egg shells, etc. The pigs would come up to your hands to see if you had any food. The coolest was the baby pig who seemed to afraid to go all the way into the water but still liked to cool his feet. Once we walked the beach and got plenty of pictures with the pigs we decided it was time to go snorkeling in Thunderbull Cave.
Thunderbull cave got it's name because the James Bond movie filmed a scene inside. The cave had an extreme amount of current going through so it was a little difficult to get in but not impossible. Inside the cave we saw many different types of fish. One fish that was a surprise was a Voltan lion fish. Any time a Bahamian sees a lion they are supposed to kill it because it is a Pacific fish and does not belong here. Gary and I spent about an hour in the water swimming in and out of the cave through the different holes. When we tired out we went back to the boat to get ready for dinner. Dinner tonight was at Club Thunderbull and the choices were chicken or ribs dinner. I chose the chicken and boy was it great. It was served with a small piece of corn on the cob, a baked potato, and a hefty salad. Due to the strong current and snorkeling adventure I did not even mind that it was dark meat and before I knew it my plate was empty. Like yesterday with the lobster I don't usually eat dark meat chicken so you know it must have been great. Well, after a wonderful dinner and a small dingy ride back to the boat we are now settling in with some tea and dessert on the boat and will soon retire to bed for another day at sea. Until then, goodnight friend.

P.S. Hi Mom!

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Back Country Exuma sailing

Stray Cat Captain's Log
On Board: David, Madeline, Gary, Dana
Captained by: Mark

Thursday December 25, 2008

As I woke up on Christmas morning I quickly noticed it was still very windy here in Children's Bay Cay. We decided it would be safer and more enjoyable for all if we stayed inside the islands and weaved in and out of the shallow depths. We passed many different small cays today, that included cays owned by Faith Hill and Johnny Depp. As we were weaving in and out there were times that we were in 3.5 to 4.5 feet deep. It was incredible to see the different blues due to the depth changes around us. On the later part of our travels today we ran into 2 Atlantic bottle nose dolphins. That was exciting although they only hung with us for about 1 minute, not even enough time to get the bread treat from Madeline. Finally, after 2-3 hours of sailing we reached our final destination for the night, Little Farmer's Cay, where we fortunately were able to get dinner thanks to a nice man named Terry.
On shore was an interesting experience for me. As soon as I stepped on land I felt like I had already consumed 4 beers. My equilibrium was off and I could not find my balance at times. As we entered the Le Bleu Restaurant we were introduced to the owner Terry and we sat down for a drink at the bar. Suddenly, it went from a quaint bar with the 6 of us to a grand party with an attendance of about 15% of the islands population (approximately 60 total). Many different locals came into the bar to greet us and enjoy drinks with us. As we were waiting for dinner in the bar the officer from the island came to sit with us. We ask him several questions about his life as an officer of the Bahamas and he told us many interesting things about life as he knows. After a couple of Kaliks our wonderful dinner had arrived to our table. For dinner tonight: Bahamian Mac and Cheese, Cole Slaw, Peas and Rice, and the largest lobster tail I have ever seen.
I must tell you that I do not enjoy lobster very much, but when I was finished I looked at my plate and it was virtually empty (even the lobster was gone). I must say I have always made fun of my cousin because one time when we were younger she was absolutely sure that she hated lobster dinner. It is an ongoing family joke because when she actually tried it she loved it. Well, pretty much the same thing happened to me. I have realized that maybe I just have not liked the way it was cooked or prepared. Anyways, back to our story. So as we finished dinner the locals were starting to play bar games.
As they were playing we realized they were playing a game that we have never seen before. It consisted of a board on the wall with a hook attached, and a ring on a string about 8 feet away. The object was to throw the ring on a string to the wall and hook it. It was harder than it looked but we decided to give it a try and ended up being fairly good at it. After the festivities we decided it was time to go back to the boat for some relaxation and a movie. (continued)

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Chidrens Bay

December 22, 2008-Wednesday December 24, 2008
Ship's Log
On Board: Mark, David, Madeline, Gary, and Dana

Dana's Entry:

On Monday we flew in to meet the Stray Cat in Georgetown, Exuma. After provisioning the vessel we decided to anchor right outside of Great Exuma where we ate dinner at the Chat and Chill Restaurant and Bar. I ordered 2 Kalik Golds, they hit the spot. I ordered the fish and fries, Mahi Mahi, cooked fresh. After dining we moved back to the boat to relax and have some cocktails.

Today is Tuesday. Due to extreme winds at about 25 knots, we have decided to hang around the boat today. We will move tomorrow and fight the wind and waves for either 15 or 30 miles. Tonight for dinner we are having Mark's potatoes that I have heard a lot about accompanied by steak and vegetables.

Wednesday Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) we had a light breakfast and decided to motor sail 15 miles to Children's Bay. After 6-9 foot swells for 15 miles we had finally arrived. Two of us on board were not feeling very well from the Atlantic swells so we made a decision to cut through to the inside area of the islands where it would be calmer. To cut through we would have to take the boat through a small area where the waves were breaking. After a quick turn and 2 waves that broke on the boat we made it through. On the other side the water was much calmer and was easier on our stomachs. I must say though that Mark gave me a little bracelet to shock some nerves in my wrist area, and suddenly I was cured of my motion sickness. (I will definitely be buying one of those when I get home! Thanks Mark!) So we are on the inside (west) of the islands and begin to find a cove to settle down for the night. Once in Children's cove we took the dingy to land to go for a small hike over to the east side of the island where the waves were breaking hard. Following our hike Gary and I decided to get into the 77 degree water and see what we could find with masks and snorkels. We saw 1 fish and plenty of "ant hills" that were probably clams underneath the sand. We will cook again tonight because the island is not inhabited and will sail to another island tomorrow that has a restaurant. Until then; good night friend.

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The sailing life

I completed a five day trip with five guys who went to grad school together; it was great to have them aboard. Since they went to M I T, I thought they would all have pocket protectors, glasses held together with duck tape and goofy clothes; stereotyping was wrong, as always.
I'm at anchor in Nassau harbor and have been for three days dealing with small but aggravating maintenance issues. My four year old GPS chart plotter began to malfunction on my way over from Miami and finally died. That's being handled by my next guest Gary who has purchased a new one for me and will bring it with him to George Town. That will be expensive, about 2k when all is done.
I was enjoying some BBQ ribs sometime last week and broke a four tooth permanent bridge. Dental work is the only thing I know that's more expensive then boats but fortunately I have been doing barter with my two Dentists for years so the only expense will be flying to North Carolina a few times to get this problem resolved. I just have to remember to not smile to broadly till then.
More maintenance, the anchor windless is slipping when I use it to haul the anchor up. That usually means I simply re torque the main spindle bolt thereby increasing the friction. Well the dam bolt is frozen, I have for two days been trying PB Blaster, extreme heat and ice. Last night I got the bright idea to use the wench handle (that's the way it's designed) with a leverage bar yep; the wench handle broke. What next, I don't know, anybody out there got an idea?
Here's a small one but very aggravating; Chef Mate Deb told me way back in Miami that there was water on the shelves below the two galley sinks. I replaced all the plumbing with new, it seems I only made the problem worse; I'm not good at plumbing would be a kind description of my plumbing skills.
While I'm venting, I was boarded here in the harbor by the Bahamian Defense Force yesterday. I presented myself and papers while covered in grease, with tools strewn inside and out, topped off by my smile at their comment. They said they couldn't believe the age on my passport compared to my physical condition; and where is all my help.
I quoted Captain Ron "it's the rum, sailing and woman" that keeps you young.

Here is the last one I'm dealing with: the raw water pump that brings up sea water to cool the diesel engine, which drives the generator, had a small water leak caused by a two dollar lip seal failure. No problem, I have a spare for that so, remove, repair and reinstall about two hours, wrong. The spare was damaged. I got in a taxi then visited six shops, I was slow to understand that lunch here means that one shop is closed 12 to 1 and the next might be 1 to 2, anyway four hours later and a $120 taxi ride I located the seal at the last shop that might have such a seal, it wasn't two dollars it was ten; I would have paid fifty at that point.
I put it all back together and it worked fine; this morning it is not drawing water up-see why I don't like plumbing!
At the end of four days I'm right back where I was at the beginning with the exception of dock and taxi fees.
I'm going to the dock after I post this log and find my friend Captain Tony who often knows more about certain plumbing issues then me, not to diminish Tony but most everyone knows more about plumbing

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MIT BOYS

Monday 12/22/08

We depart from Nassau this morning after four days with Captain Mark and crew of Stay Cat feeling somewhat like one feels after huge Thanksgiving dinner, very full and satisfied. I not sure if it was all of the great food, the picturesque spots we anchored each night, or the nine bottles of rum we consumed over four days. Most likely some combination of the above. We were not your typical carter customer, five grad school buddies with a hall pass from our wives to go relive some memories for a long weekend. We arrived last Thursday night with just enough time to make it out to Rose Island for the sunset. Our plan was to head south the following morning to explore the Exumas, however, there was one problem, we had polished off most Stay Cat's stores of Rum, Tonic and limes and needed to head back to Nassau to reload. I think at this point Captain Mark was beginning to question why he had accepted this charter, but in record time we had the bow pointed south again. We made it to Allen's Cay in plenty of time for a dingy excursion to the white sand beaches and some great snorkeling, which was followed by a sumptuous multi course dinner and a full contact poker game lasting well into the evening. We were loud and at about 11:30 PM had a visitor from a neighboring boat: we presumed to complain. As it turned out he wanted to join the party.

The following morning after two hours of snorkeling and given the relatively short duration of our planned stay, we decided to head north again to take advantage of the settled weather and to get a little closer to the barn in advance of an approaching cold front. We found a spot about two hours outside of Nassau and again strapped on our snorkels and fins. This time we found ourselves in a schools of six eagle rays - a spectacular sight. In the evening more food and booze - a special thanks to the crew of Dances with Dolphins (a neighboring cat) who had vacuumed all of the lobster off of the reef that afternoon and bestowed upon us some fresh tails.

On our final day, we decided we needed to act more like children (like some how we had been mature the previous three). We took a slip in the Atlantis Marina and spent the afternoon sliding down the waterslides giggling like 11 year-olds. Fun, lots of it and here we are getting ready to leave, full. A special thanks to Captain Mark and "Candy" the able bodies Cook Mate and card shark.

See again soon.

Jim Alden and the MIT boys

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Miami, Cat, Chub to Nassau

Time to get caught up again, a couple of weeks ago I was trying to decide to cancel a short charter in Nassau because the last hurricane of the season was headed for Cuba and might have gone on to the central Bahamas. The storm slammed into Cuba as a Cat IIII about 160 miles from my location. The upper air, (shear) and the high mountains tore it up, so the charter was on again. Debra chef mated for me so the food was great and the weather was fine.
Deb sailed back to Miami with me in some heavy weather- but great sailing -I think she wanted more weather, go figure.
I just finished a trip last night with a very special family of five from Bulgaria and Deb who was the able chef again. This family was just so darn nice I should have paid them for there company. A high point was the last night at Hurricane Hole when Diko's Dad Balcho started singing Bulgarian folk music. He has a very deep and strong singing voice that was heard through the anchorage and enjoyed by all who could hear. Diko will post a ship's log entry in a few days telling all about the holiday aboard Stray Cat with his family.
I got to sleep at about 9:00 last night and was up at five to get ready for this passage today to Nassau. I had plenty of help Robert, Deb and Candace all helped with laundry, beds, floors, food, fuel, water and such. I have two days to get to Nassau for my next trip.
Candyce is aboard and will Chef mate for me then fly out.
We are mid Gulf Stream on the back side of a cold front, the sea is running about seven feet and we are under sail making about 8 knts, the sky is clear. The sunsets in Miami and the Bahamas are legendary; looking back at Miami it's easy to see why, tonight's example is awesome. .
Mark

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Re: coming home?

That little bang got my happy but moving; the sea is flat the wind is light out of the SE and I'm just starting off from Cat Cay be back around 14:00. I'll call.
Lv M

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Nassau to Miami

Just finished a three day charter with a very nice extended family of six from New England. I had thought to cancel the charter before they arrived because of the dangerous potential and close proximity of the Cat IIII hurricane. The forecasters seemed convinced that the upper air wind shear, and the mountains of Cuba, would take the storm apart and they were right.
It was a hard decision to make, staying there, since my natural inclination is to sail away from the threat.
Talking with my guests by Sat phone, I learned that the airlines and hotels would make no concessions for them. That news, coupled with the forecasters consistent predictions, I decided to stay, it all worked out fine and a good time was had by all.
I'm underway with two sails up in twenty knots of wind making about eight knots. We are broad reaching comfortably on a starboard tack in six foot waves, It's about eighty two degrees out here.
Last night I anchored near the Yacht club since I was able to pick up a WIFI signal from a boat named Camelot. I woke up about midnight and couldn't get back to sleep, the wind was at times 30/35 but everything was good when I walked around the boat so back to bed. At two AM I heard a bang, jumped up and ran to the cockpit to discover that Stray Cat had dragged three hundred feet to the concrete sea wall inches from the bow roller of Camelot. Even though I was awake I didn't feel the slow drag of the anchor. The bang amounted to a two inch dent in the gel coat at the starboard aft transom. Lucky me, could have been much worse.
Mark

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Greetings from Stray Cay!

We just ended our 3 night charter with Captain Mark…what fun we had!! After meeting Mark online(Match.com…j/k) and reading about the Stray Cat, the six of us booked a trip from Boston. We almost had to cancel our trip due to Hurricane Paloma, but we seemed to have nothing but good weather and warm sun! Sara and I kayaked to white sand beaches, Matt and Joe speared lobster for a fabulous dinner last night and George and Marie, my mom and dad, dreamed about retiring on a boat in the Bahamas! I vote for them to do that…so I can come visit, whenever I'm not watching The Hills of course! Last night we had the most fun, we had all the neighbors over for cocktail hour, or multiple cocktail hours - so fun! We taught Mark all kinds of new hip words and made him listen to XM Top 20 on 20! Everyone had a wonderful time…Thanks Captain Mark and Deborah, Happy Sails, Kristin, Joe, Matt, Sara, George and Marie, the best charter from New England!!! : (Or ever!)

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Nassau - BIG NEWS - Another Adventure Sail

Anchored here on the southeast side of Rose Island, eight miles from Nassau in strong wind and light rain, the boat seems very quiet. My son Chris left two days ago, he and his girlfriend Susan and her friend Stasha spent five days aboard. It's always fun to get caught up with what is going on in his life and of course his daughter Ocean. It's all good.

Chris has directed a movie, a documentary about music which is getting a lot of 'buzz" as they say. He interviewed about eighty celebrities, many are very famous. The movie is, The Heart is a Drum Machine and will be out, I think he said, in February. I Googled his name and it turns out there are about 6 or 7 hundred pages on him, there may be a new boat in my future after all, lol.

A lot of people have asked if I will do another adventure cruise this year - last years Panama cruise was great. It was so popular, in fact, I knew there would be another this year. With the economic down turn we are all looking for value; this cruise will be a real value at $125 per person, per day, plus shared expenses; I've been known to spend that much staying home.

Like last year, you can come aboard at a port of call along the way and stay as long/short as you like, leaving from the next port. Some guests left the boat and came back aboard further along the route after land touring for a week. Some guests reserved a week at certain locations for a private charter. The theme for 2009 will be the same, that is to say, all guests will be working crew, cooking cleaning, setting sail, standing watch and navigating. No worries if you don't have the experience or knowledge - you will be getting it on this cruise.

The route of sail will be the same to a point, starting in Miami or Nassau about the 1st of June sailing through the Bahamas, passing between Cuba and Haiti in the Windward Passage to the north east point of Jamaica at Port Antonio. After visiting in this very safe port we will make for Cartagena, Columbia then on to the San Blas Islands of Panama and Colon at the mouth of the Panama Canal. Here is where the trip differs from last year; this time we will transit the Canal.Once on the Pacific side we will make for the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, and Peru.

This trip will be posted in detail shortly, both here and the newsletter you can sign up for at my web site. An equally exciting return trip to Miami will also follow. If you like you can get the flavor and sites of last year by going to the Panama trip on the site also the ship's log, lot's of pictures and comments.If you have interest in this adventure send me an email I'll do my best to answer your questions.

To keep updated on the progress of the trip, sign up for The Stay Cat News using the form at the bottom of each page on the SailStrayCat.com website.

Also, be sure to check the Ship's Log on a regular basis.

Mark

Miami to Nassau

I haven't written in a long time, there simply wasn't much going on. I did a three day charter and a few day charters in the Miami area.
I'm currently 5 hours north of Nassau where I will meet my son Chris, his girl friend Susan, and her friend Stasia. We plan on some fun in the sun and catch up on family stuff; all is good.
Mark

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Coconut Grove

Saw my car yesterday for the first time in eight weeks; always wonder if it will be here when I finally get back to Miami. Towing/impounding cars is a municipal sport here, (big money) their competitors, "car thief's", want the money too; they just announce themselves more honorably. I wonder why I keep the hassle of it but it's sure nice to go where you want, when you want, without reliance on taxies and jitneys.
Miami dodged the bullet of direct hits from four storms so far this season, but they did get a fair amount of wind as evidenced by the two sunken sailboats I see near to where I usually anchor.
Yesterday was the first day in a month and a half that the tropics were quite; no waves or depressions all the way back to Africa, how nice.
Mark

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West Palm Beach

I have been at anchor here for a few days, visiting with my friends Mike and Sandi. Today is the first day that the winds from Ike have subsided, I'm very glad not to be anywhere near the Gulf of Mexico.

This is a note of interest for the "gonnabe" live aboard's. Since installing a new refrigerator and sperate freezer a while back I have been thinking of ways to use the space left vacant by the removal of the old, so called "holdover" freezer space. It's a fairly big space that I had thought to install a drop in 12 vdc refrigerator system for about $1,200, when all said and done.
The problem with boat refrigerator systems are, they are very expensive, require a lot of installation and reconstruction and whatever food product touches the evaporator plate freezes. Added to that they consume about 6 amps DC per hour.
Capt. Mike told me of a system, that in appearance looks like a Coleman cooler, but has a self contained cooling system that is powered through a 12 vdc cigar lighter plug. The system employs a small amount of ammonia and two small cooling fans. On start up it uses about 3 amps, then drops down a little after it has run awhile.
This system is not a refrigerator so there is no evaporator to freeze product, there's just cool air going in the box. It will only take the inside air down to 40 f below ambient, so if the air temperature in the galley is 80 f then the temperature in the box will be about 41 f, perfect for produce or juce. The price is really good at $100.
I have spent 4 days in reconstruction and installation, (I'm not a technician) I installed the cooler box in one piece and guess what; it works.
Mark

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West Palm Beach

Ike's track sure changed dramatically yesterday with the midday forecast. The day started with me sailing north up the southeast coast of Florida to a better location, knowing that time had run out for sailing to a completely safe location. Settling for a location still well within the danger zone was not a comfort but I was determined to work with what I was given.
The storm track was pushed more south and west by the persistent, semi permanent Bermuda high that directs the prevailing winds in these parts. The high was believed to slightly retreat to the north or diminish somewhat thus allowing Ike to track to the north west. The danger zone included all of the state Of Florida. The latest has the high holding fast, in fact it is extending west to the golf of Mexico all the way to the coast of Texas pushing or holding Ike to a west southwest tract. There is the possibility that the high will split in two, leaving a pathway for Ike to travel up the west coast of Florida and build in intensity.
The good news for me is that my location is on the extreme eastern edge of the danger cone, the bad news is that upper right quadrant of a hurricane is known as the dangerous semi circle or what is commonly referred to as the dirty side. The dirty side usually has the highest winds, the most rain, and tornados. If the track remains as forecast my location will be spared from the worst.
The above conversation is what we sailors talk about 24/7 during times like this, to a point of information overload, and mental shut down. You get calls; did you hear the latest's, if this happens, then; and so it goes.
I feel much better about things today, but of course I'll stay on the information overload highway till the storm is long past this area.
Mark

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Hanna-Ike

Hanna:
I sailed from the Bahamas four days ago to avoid Hanna, this morning I'm sailing north to Palm Beach on her remaining winds. I'm three miles off Miami cut in 25 kts from the west, hugging the coast to be in the lee of the main land. I was going to go out in the Golf Stream to take advantage of it's 3 kt northerly flow but it looks pretty ruff out there.
It's amazing to think that Hanna is probably 600 miles away from Miami and I'm sailing 8/9 kts on her wind.
Ike:
The computer tracks for Ike yesterday morning had me feeling almost comfortable running south and west, to Key West and perhaps beyond. While sailing down the bay towards Key Largo, I received the latest weather up date in which, the NHC expanded the danger cone to include the entire state of Florida, the Bahamas and most of Cuba. No place to run was my first thought, a thought that was hard to adjust to given my history of sailing away from the danger zone. No place to run, is to me, a chilling concept.
I stopped the boat and anchored near Elliot Key, I checked every weather source available, one forecaster after another. Weather bloggers, even the not so great weather channel, NHC and many more. I was kidding myself, I was looking for a forecaster that would give me what I wanted, an escape route, a way out, a place to sail to that was safe from the powerful wind that's surely on it's way; there is no way out.
Ten or so hours later, I accepted the concept of no where to run, I started to think thoughts like; the media always show boats mangled in marinas, it wouldn't be very interesting to show boats and marinas that did well in storms. In fact most boats that are properly made ready, do make it through. Anyway, I had to work on my attitude, get some positive thoughts going, go through the drill in my head, the long check list of items to make Stray Cat as safe as I can before I leave her to go to a place of personal safety.
Captain Mike ward and I have been talking about this storm for days, going over plans, his and mine. Mike drives very large luxury motor yachts, he knows I run from storms, he also knows exactly how to tie up a boat for a storm. Mike has a private dock on a inland cannel available to him, that I may use. Mike also has spare large dock lines, fenders and a big ass anchor I can use. So with Mike's help and Sandi his first mate, chef, and overall admiral, I'll enjoy expert knowledge, help, friendship and the very best food.
More later,
Mark

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Hanna

I didn't write yesterday, I slept the day away. When I made it to Bimini the wind and sea state of the Gulf Stream were so favorable I sailed right through to Miami. I arrived after midnight having sailed 135 miles from Chub in 16 hours; just a bit better then 8 kts.
Hanna is due to; forecasted to, guessed to, blow through here Thursday/Friday with lots of rain, the wind maybe 35 kts with guest. If all that holds true I'll be happy I sailed here. If the track wobbles a bit to the west, conditions will worsen; I'll run for the Keys.
Ike is projected to be here in the south east Florida area the Friday after next, if the projection holds true, I guess I'll sail north.
I had a problem with receiving emails for a day and a half, that caused a lot of concern for all the people who are keeping up with my adventures, not to mention my inability to get- up to date weather. Some sailing friends down in Nassau where I had just sailed from, called the Chub Cay dock master to see if I arrived safely, they wouldn't have known that I didn't check in, I just anchored in the cove for some sleep and sailed on for Bimini.
First step was to trouble shoot the HF radio, the automatic tuner, the Pactor III modem, power source and antenna system. After several hours of one eye on sailing, the other on the radio systems; I was sure there was nothing wrong with the onboard systems, I didn't know what to do next.
Labor day morning I was trying to recall when I signed up for the sail mail system that makes everything work. My guess was almost one year to the day when I was sailing in Panama. Sail mail is a wonderful program and worth the $250 per year; seems if you don't pay the fee the systems program automatically shuts off your in box (no mail) but you can send. I took a shot at sending an email to operations with credit card info. Three hours later, on labor day, I was turned back on, stress relief.
When the system came back up I had a huge number of emails, I have been working on them, just a few more to go.
The hurricane season is really building in number of named storms; I have already run from three and there are at least three more headed this way. Historically the season peaks on September tenth; Yeah well, they are lined up like freight trains, from the west coast of Africa to Miami. I don't see how it can get worse, so it has to get better, right?
Mark

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Hanna

This morning I discovered that I'm not receiving emails,I know this since when I requests weather reports I get no reply, also I normally get about ten emails each day. I seem to be able to send so I thought, Id get a log entry out to let people know I'm alright and I'm not ignoring them.
I made it to Chub Cay uneventfully, anchored there for a peaceful night in 20 kts from the north. This morning I watched Sat TV for Hanna news, which they are still not covering very well. I did see the cone of confusion, the track, such as it is, and decided to take off again, this time heading west for Gun Cay/Bimini and maybe even Miami.
This 85 mile passage is so far, really good, with 20-25 kts from the north while I'm sailing west. I have been averaging 9 kts, with a top speed of 11.9 kts. I'll make Gun Cay by 17:00 today, if the Gulf Stream looks ok I'll sail for Miami probably arriving around 24:00. If the stream looks bad (most likely) I'll stay in the Bimini chain for the passage of Hanna.
I will post another entry tonight and hope it gets out.
Mark

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Hanna

Still don't know for sure where or who will get the worst of this Tropical storm. I know the Bahamas will suffer from this storm, which it is believed will be a Cat, I to II in the next two days.
Because no one knows the track for sure, I can't do my usual hurricane plan, which is to sail away to a safe area.
I have been in the Nassau area for about two weeks and watching this storm for all that time, I didn't know where to go during those two weeks; here we are two days before I get run over by it and there is still nowhere to run to.
I checked all the usual places in Nassau to hole up, but either I didn't like one place or another or a few I would have liked were closed to me. Many boat owners here pay for rights in the best Marinas, for storm slips. They pay weather or not they actually have to use them for a hurricane or not. So the Marinas I would have preferred were sold out.
Without knowing which islands may be spared or which will have a better go of it, as of today, decision day, it doesn't matter. I have decided to sail for Chub Cay 40 miles to the northwest. The Marina there is new, located in the interior of the island offering a bit of wind protection and complete wave and surge protection. The marina was designed for mega yachts so the equipment, pilings, and docks should be very strong and in good repair. I checked yesterday and found that there were only ten boats there; I think they have about one hundred slips.
Such as it is, that's my plan. I'm about 15 miles from land fall at Chub Cay which is located at the southern tip of the Berry Islands. If Hanna does not develop from a tropical storm to a Cat I, I'll stay onboard; if it does develop I'll find shelter for myself on land.
More to follow as things progress.
Mark

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T D # 8

This hurricane season is starting to wear me out. I dodged the bullets of Fay and Gustav by a few hundred miles. Today I find an upgraded tropical wave, now to be known as TD # 8.
This one is about five days from me, as I'm located in Nassau Bahamas. TD #8 might change status again today to tropical storm Hanna as it continues it's development.
The tacking models show a path that is to wide for me to safely say I can stay here and hope it passes to the north, while it, maybe, tracts to the north east making for the area around Bermuda. I hope the weather guru's have more definitive track forecast later today. I may have to start sailing for Miami or Cuba tomorrow if things don't become more favorable.
Other news, good and not so good. Not so good a moment of inattention while maneuvering through a five mile coral/rock area in ten/twelve foot of water I hit something with my starboard prop. The three blades of the prop where all bent, how nice. I won't put you to sleep explaining all the details, but the good news is that after three days of effort I will dive down today and install the repaired prop.
I have been having a lot of fun with sailing (live aboard) families and friends. Last night was a home made sushi dinner at Jan N Wes Catamaran, Dances with Dolphins. We were eight adults and one very cute 3 year old girl, all from four boats. She only speaks Spanish since she, her mom and dad are from Argentina but she stole the show.
Been snorkeling every day and have bagged a few lobster and grouper, umm.
Tonight we will all get together for a joint birthday party, we will celebrate Jan, Carla's and mine; no one is talking about ages for some reason.
Mark

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Bimini-Nassau

Finally under way, 12 miles east of Bimini in bright sun and 25 kts out of the SW. The sea in these shallow waters of the Bahama Banks are three foot, short duration, so very bumpy.
Both engines on at low power with the jib out making 8.5 kts. The wind chafed a starboard side lazy jack through, so I can't use the main sail till I get to Nassau and make the repair. It's about 95 miles down to Nassau. All the other systems on board are in the green.
It's a great day and I'm having fun.
Mark

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Stuck in Bimini

I'm still here, the wind and waves will keep me here till tomorrow when I will sail for Nassau. The weather has been clear to partly horrible. Very high wind gusts and periods of heavy rain followed by bright sun.
watching the weather channel, I can see the bands from the storm that are still reaching out past me all the way to the central Bahamas. Ok, I'm tired of this storm but safe here in Alice town. It's still to windy to put the dink down and go to town, I'll try later today, there may be a meal and drink ashore in my future.
Mark

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Day Light

Things always look better in the morning, this morning looks fine. The feeder bands with their high wind and blinding rain have stopped for the moment. The wind is out of the south at 30 with gust to forty so I'm still pinned down here at Alice town. I'm getting cabin fever, I'd like to put the dink down and go to town but it's just to windy for that.
Bimini is about two hundred miles from the center of the low yet the bands are reaching out beyond Bimini all the way to Nassau, about three hundred miles from the center.

There was a small, about 22 foot, run about moored a few hundred feet behind me, close enough to walk ashore that sank sometime in the night. Looking around town I see people moving about on foot and golf carts. I don't see any wind or water damage on land from here. There is one sport fishing boat, about fifty foot, that is tied up in the marina next to where I'm anchored, it has damage to it's freeboard and rub rail on the port side.
I saw on CNN that there is a significant wave off the African cost. The wifi is down here so I can't get on weather underground to see what is being said about it; if anyone reading this has some info on that wave please let me know.
If conditions out here improve overnight I will sail for Nassau in the morning.
Mark

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Hiding out at Bimini

It's starting to look and feel like a strong tropical storm here at Bimini. It's strange to visit Bimini and be one of only two boats, normally about fifty or so during the week and more then a hundred on the week ends. I'm very close to the shore and the main street of Alice Town but have only seen a few people today.
The wind is about 25 kts with occasional gusts over 40 kts. The rain is none stop by and large, a soaking rain, steady but not hard but with periods of extremely hard rain. I think the wind and rain will grow in intensity through the night.
The wind is predicted to go south in the morning at about 20-30 kts, if that holds I'll sail for Nassau. The storms forward motion has slowed which may allow it to gain strength, so I'm not sure about tomorrows forecast but time will tell.
I decided to anchor rather then to take a dock since the potential damage from wind and waves battering the boat against the dock is great. anchoring at this little basin presents a few challenges; I can't put out the 300 foot of ground tackle I have available but only 125. I'm anchored in five to six feet over white sand which is good but if there is a large tide the boat will no doubt touch the bottom or be grounded. If the boat breaks anchor it will just run aground in white sand.
I have changed the batteries in my underwater flash lights, laid out life safety gear, removed or tied down sails, fishing gear, BBQ's or anything that presents a windage profile. I tested my emergency satellite locator, both VHF radios and the UHF SSB radio
I have just been goofing off the last few hours reading and watching the tube when the rain is light enough to allow the Sat signal through.
For all the good folks who are concerned about me, I feel safe and prepared for this storm and will up date this log in the morning, thanks for all your emails.
Mark

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Fay Continued

At 14:00 Saturday the latest track moved the storms path west with no part of the cone touching the Bahamas; looks like a new plan.
Food, fuel, water, systems checks and I'm on my way to the Bahamas.
Hectic, to busy to be scared, I made the sea buoy by 16:30. The wind was on the nose at 10 kts, of course it was. Just before encountering the Gulf Stream, still in the shallows the port engine died, of course it died. Anchor down in 22 foot of water over white sand, that part is good. Now the discovery phase, down in the hot as heck engine room I discover a fouled fuel filter and raw water skimmer. Three hours later all is good but I'm too tiered to face a night time passage of the Gulf Stream.
I woke at 05:00 after a bumpy night. While making coffee I click on the Sat TV for the latest up date. The usual, a local TV personality doing a man in the street interview with a local from Key West who said "what storm", ya really couldn't say he was going out for an early walk, or just coming home, when he spoke you could tell he was still out.
The track continues to look good for me to go to Bimini so anchor up and off we go for yet another Gulf Stream crossing in light north east air with three foot waves also on the nose, this proves to be an uneventful crossing as I approach Bimini at 14:00 Sunday.
More to follow,
Mark

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Fay

I have been watching this storm since it was just off the African cost, now I'm more involved as it bears down on Cuba and threatens The Florida Keys, generally the Florida peninsula, and me.
I canceled a trip last week for the first time in these many years; we were to go to the Cay Sol Banks which I believed would put us in the direct path of Fay, I wasn't far off, I feel good about the decision even though my guests would have made many plans such as time off, coverage, house or pet sitting, flights, you know the drill.
Some sailors get prepared for storms by going to what they think of as a "hurricane hole", a place that offers good holding, wind blocks like mangroves or hills and trees. I think of hurricane holes as a place where to many boats are stuffed into one place, when one boat breaks loose it usually takes a lot of others to a watery end with it.
My hurricane plan is simply don't be there. Last year I sailed to Panama where storms don't occur but no storms threatened Florida last year, go figure; oh well I had a great time anyway.
Three thousand miles east of here, a week and a half ago, Fay didn't have a name, it was an area of disturbed weather, and then a tropical wave identified as 92 invest.
If you're a sailor with little confidence in "holes" then what's your plan? I try to sail off ninety degrees from the storms path-that's the "rub". The best educated, the best equipped do what I think is a very good job but there are so many things that can affect the intensity and track of a storm, prediction is akin to a black art.
92 was approaching Porto Rico and the Dominican Republic a few days back when the experts pointed out that it was surrounded by dry African air which would no doubt impede it's development, it did. It was also believed that the mountains of those two island countries would knock the storm apart or at least hinder further development, that's what happened, Fay is still a small storm.
Three days ago I was in Miami wondering, consulting with other sailors; some called me for my thoughts. Two computer models had the track headed to the Bahamas, Two went towards Key West, and believe it or not one had the storm at Cat III sitting of the outer banks of the Carolinas.
Lets see can't go to the Bahamas, can't go south or west to Mexico. I called my friend Captain Mike Ward up in Palm Beach he suggested that I sail up there and tie up at the dock, inland in a back yard, near the Waterway, a local watering hole. Of the alternatives this was the best, so I'm set, I have a plan. As of 12:00 EST Saturday.

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Miami to Bimini to Grand Bahama Island

Angie Wyche - Age 43 - From Tallahassee, FL

Today is Thursday or so they tell me - - I'm so mesmerized by the beauty of the water around me I've lost all track of time.
We left Miami Sunday headed for Bimini - We spent Sunday night sleeping under the stars, it was AMAZING!!!!! Last night we slept in Bimini. We rented a gold cart and toured the island. We had a fantastic dinner @ Casa Lyon in Bimini Bay. We're off to Lucaya now. TTYL

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Cat Cay

I was on my way to Miami and decided to stop in at Cat Cay for a land based meal and ran into some sailors I know, that was the end of my schedule. I stared at about 04:00 this morning; I'll make Miami at noon today.
Here at mid Gulf Stream, I was just radio challenged by a large Cost Guard vessel. I answered all their questions and was told to standby, after a short time they said thank you for your cooperation and wished me a good and safe sail. Homeland Defense!
Yesterday I said I'd answer some questions that I'm frequently asked, so here goes.
The term singlehanding is a good place to start; the description will address most of the questions. The term generally means sailing alone without assistance but I think it more refers to a woman or man who makes long ocean passages alone. A short or long passage -alone - is the key word.
They have to deal with all the same things fully crewed skippers deal with like: weather, navigation, partially submerged containers, sleeping whales, malfunctions, ships who may not see your vessel, anxiety, fear and the like, but there are differences.
The big one is sleep, followed by the law.
Many singelhanders cross the Atlantic on 25 foot sailboats without engines, wow. You know they need to sleep; it can take 20 days or more. Ya can't anchor in 3000' of water so they break the law.
The law, rule 5 of the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, COLREGS for short requires every vessel; shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by site and hearing and it goes on from there.
They begin with self-confidence, experience, a lot of knowledge, (hopefully) fear, anxiety, knowing that no insurance company will cover them in what might be there home. Here's what they do.
Collision with a ship is the big one so they may buy a fuzz buster at Radio Shack that detects a radar sweep from other vessels. They may also set up their radar to alert for new targets. I met a singelhander, an Englishman at Gibraltar who painted his boat the brightest yellow I've every seen, to be seen, he said. They sleep in fifteen minute to half hour increments with one or more obnoxious alarm clocks to wake them and hope for the best.
I often single hand but it's done in legs of about 100 miles where I know I can safely anchor or go into a port and dock, get some sleep then start the next leg.
I enjoyed a video of a young Australian girl name Kay Cotty who broke a singlehand world record; she went around the world alone. During her preparations she was advised to visit with a Ship's Doctor to learn how to deal with loneliness'. He said a lot but the fun part was to tell her she would hear human voices and that it was perfectly ok to talk to them but- never invite them aboard!
I'm getting into a heavy shipping lane so I need to go post a proper watch, if I missed something your interested in send me an email.
Mark

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Great Bahama Banks

04:30, Cat and Gun Cay,s of the Bimini chain are 40 miles West of my current position, that's where the transition from the shallow waters of the Great Bahamas Banks, (80 miles of 10 to 20 foot depths) to the Golf Stream waters occurs. The Stream separates the Bahamas and Florida with deep waters of about 2,500 feet that start and end abruptly. The stream is 50 miles wide in this location, flowing North between 1.0 and 3.5 kts. Today's conditions are the same as yesterday with the exception that there is no wind yet, but the forecast has it east at 15 kts.
I anchored up at about 19:00 last night in 15 feet of water on a white sand bottom, had dinner, a shower and watched an HBO movie for thirty seconds I guess, since I don't remember it. The wind picked up at about 02:00 so I got up for a look around, satisfied that all was well, I enjoyed the stars for awhile then went back to sleep. I'm well rested and will make Miami at 17:00.
Mark

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Nassau to Miami

I set sail at 09:30, 11 miles east of Nassau at Rose Island where I spent the night at anchor and had a very nice dinner in the good company of Jan and Wes aboard their 42 foot Norseman Catamaran, Dances with Dolphins.
I went out there, the opposite direction from Miami, to exchange my Dink and outboard for cash. Carla J is an American girl I have known several years, she's a Chef Mate and charter broker, her real thing though is diving. Added to that she and her significant other Peter house sit a charming island cottage with a beautiful view and white beach with a great stand of coral a few hundred feet off the beach; tuff life. Anyway, they have a dock on the south side of the island and beach on the north so Carla wanted a boat she could leave on the beach side. I had planned to purchase a new dink when I get back to Miami so timing is everything.
I'm single handing this 175 mile passage, I did have a few friends that would have liked to come along but I was not sure of departure dates/ times and they are normal people, you know like - they have real jobs with real bosses kinda thing, so timing is everything.

It's 14:00, Rose Island is now 70 miles behind me, the sea is running 2 feet on my stern, the wind is 10 kts also on the stern, the air temp is 85 and the sea surface is 82, the viability is unlimited, as close to perfect as I can hope for. I have the mainsail up with two diesels running at 2000 rpm. Not using much fuel but making about 8 kts.
People often ask me how I can single hand, is it scary, do I worry about pirates and what do I do about sleep? Do I just leave the boat on auto pilot and sleep while the boat moves on through the night? These questions have been asked so often I think it's time to answer them, I'll do it in tomorrow's log.
Mark

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Six Shillings Cays

Today I'm sailing from High Borne Cay where we spent the night in a beautiful cove with white beaches and lots of coral to explore, to Green Cay north of Rose Island.
Today has been picture perfect with a south east wind at 15 we have been sailing at 7 to 9 knots.
Earl hooked and lost, at the last moment, a Cero Mackerel, my favorite. We have both lines out now and are hoping for the best. Three days ago Earl landed a blue fin tuna which we all enjoyed at dinner follow by fish taco's the next day, really good.
Two days ago while sailing through Pipe Creek we were surrounded by thunderstorms but not really in any down pours, just on the fringes. The lightening and thunder were spectacular to see and hear off in the not to far distance.
Just as I was navigating a very deice channel with coral on both sides Earl, who had been helping to read the water, pointed his finger to direct me and seemingly a lightening bolt shot out from his finger tip. Booom! I could hear the electrical crackle, and then I felt the concussion in my chest and extremely loud thunder, wow that was close, about a quarter of a mile. Ok Earl, watch where you point that finger.
Later in the day I noticed that the music had stopped, that's when I discovered the lightening strike had ruined the audio system and the satellite radio receiver. As expensive as all that will be to replace it could have destroyed the radar, sailing instruments, auto pilot and chart plotter, computers, plus the TV's. I'm also thankful that my two new IPODS were not connected.
I'll be starting my approach to Green Cay in a few minutes so I better get back to the helm.
Mark

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More fun

Well we caught our dinner on Tuesday night. A 22 pound Mahi dolphin fish. The fish fed all nine of us easily and there was a little left over as well. Nobody has gone hungry on this trip.

Tuesday night, we tied off on a mooring ball off of Exuma Land & Sea Park. We took the dingy over to the island and hiked to Barefoot Beach where we swam for an hour or two. There were three or four beaches on the island, each more beautiful than the next. The white sand felt like baby powder on your feet and the water was a deep aqua blue and crystal clear. If you've ever seen a Corona commercial with someone sitting on a beach and thought, "Wow, I wish I was there!"…well that's where we were.

The next morning we sailed south to Compass Cay and entered Pipe Creek. The waters were very shallow through the Creek, which Captain Mark had to navigate manually. It was well worth it though because the scenery was awesome. We then headed south to Sampson Cay Yacht Club where we bought provisions. While we were there we saw several nurse sharks and a sting ray swimming around the dock. We then sailed past Big Majors to Staniel Cay where we anchored for the night. There we snorkeled around and into Thunder Ball cave, where the James Bond 007 movie was filmed. This was some of the best snorkeling we've done yet; a lot of different fish and some great coral. That night we had dinner for the first time off the boat since leaving Nassau at the Staniel Cay Yacht club. Great food and great atmosphere, much like a place you would read about in a Hemingway story.

Back at sea again, will keep you
posted….

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Nassau to Norman Cay

We sailed for most of the day yesterday and arrived at Norman's Cay about 7:30 last night. Norman's Cay is about 50 miles South East off the coast of Nassau and was once run by Pablo Escobar, a huge drug lord back in the 70's. They used this island as a distribution center and would fly cocaine from here right into the States. The runway they used is still operable today. Today the island is very primitive, home to a few private families, however plans are in the works to turn the island into a private resort.

We had another great meal last night. Grilled pork chops with a mint sauce, potatoes, broccoli, and salad. I think we've drank about 12 bottles of wine in the past two days, not to mention a lot of rum.

The sky was beautiful last night, untainted by the light of the city, it felt as if you were on the moon and could reach up and touch a one of the million stars above. Lying out on the trampoline looking up at the sky, I felt so small in comparison yet at the same time a part of something much bigger.

Today we are going to do some deep sea fishing. Hoping to catch a huge tuna fish to cook up for dinner, you cant' get any fresher than that!! Will keep you posted…..

Brad

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Nassau New Guests

Schadler Pirates of the Caribbean

Hello everyone. Here is your first of several updates from our trip in the Bahamas. I boarded the Stray Cat around 3:00 yesterday. Captain Mark had just arrived an hour prior running on 5 ½ hours of sleep in two days, after sailing 12 hours a day or more to meet us here on time. I helped the captain with a few repairs on the boat…well I mostly watched but I helped a little. I met my first white Bahamian, Captain Tony, a native of the Island. As we waited for the rest of the pirates to arrive, we drank rum and cokes and I listened to Tony and Mark tell stories of life on the island and past charter trips.

David, Peggy, Jared, Ben and Zach arrived around 8:30 and we had dinner at the Poop Deck, an open air restaurant at the Marina. I had the Conch Critters, Conch soup and a Kalik beer, the official beer of the Bahamas. After dinner, we all headed back to the Stray Cat…everyone was pretty tired from traveling so we all fell asleep pretty early.

After buying groceries this morning we sailed out to Rose Island, a small uninhabited island just a couple miles off the coast of Nassau. On our way there we passed the real Gilligan's Island (also called Sandy Cay) that they showed in the opening credits of every show. Unfortunately, it's privately owned so we couldn't actually go on the island. After anchoring at Rose Island, we did a little snorkeling and swam to the island to do a little exploring. After a couple hours of snorkeling and swimming, we then sailed to Athol Island. On our way there we passed where they filmed the movie The Blue Lagoon. We will be anchoring here tonight and then heading back to Nassau tomorrow to pick up Wendy and Michael who are friends of Peggy's from Santa Barbara.

Having a great time so far. We are grilling up some ribs and vegetables for dinner tonight and then relaxing on the boat with some rum and wine. Speaking of that, the ice in my drink is melting so I'm signing off. Til next time….

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