Bahamas in a R-21 Classic

[GA-Midnight Cruise]

I was privileged to witness some of the most beautiful waters God created pass under our keel this week. I've been planning the details of this trip on St Brendan for some time and have others on my bucket list. What I never anticipated in all my preparation is how it felt to arrive my destination. Bimini Island routinely sees some of the most magnificent yachts in the boating world. But the sight of a little R-21 Classic with it's Quarantine flag entering the Bimini Cut interrupted the routine of islanders and yachtsmen alike. It felt a little odd at first, having scores of cell phones and people smiling, recording you when you've just experienced the isolation of the Gulfstream for hours, very much alone yet relieved at a successful crossing. After overcoming the awkwardness and emotion of that transition, I took a minute and revelled in the moment of that achievement. After clearing Customs I had a bottle of wine that helped in the adjustment process! See pics in our Album.

 

[jld]

Congratulations on your crossing!

I wonder if you might be the first R-21 to make this crossing?

The Bahamas are on my bucket list when I retire, although, I confess it will be on a larger and faster boat. I have read that preparation and picking a weather window is the key, something, you obviously have done.

Wondering how long the crossing took and what the waves were like?

Hope you enjoy your stay and have a safe passage home when the time comes.

Jim

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Very impressive and Congratulations! You have accomplished a trip I'm sure many of us have dreamed of doing. Please post some details of travel time, port of departure and arrival and anything else you can think of to give us dreamers some points to ponder. We wish you fair winds and calm seas on your return trip.

Admiring your accomplishment,

Karl and Sara

 

[GA-Midnight Cruise]

Got back 48 hrs ago. I know Rick Huizi made the crossing in a R-21 Classic spring of 2003 on Kentucky Colonel, so I may be the second to cross. The crossing window is important for mitigating risk and rigging the boat for the journey and contingencies. Crossing in winds from the south and early in the day to reduce afternoon exposure. Also crossing the Gulfstream at nearly a right angle while in a slow traveling full displacement craft and projecting your navigational set for current and wind. Departed Baker's Haulover Inlet at 4:30 AM on Monday the 5th. Headed south 8 nm's to the Miami approach bouy, then proceeded on a dead reckoning course with 13.5 nm's of set factored. I wound up needing an additional 3 miles of set. I basically had a course for Cat Cay and wound up 3 miles north of Bimini. Took 7.5 hours total including that initial leg south. Miami-Dade Parks has the Bill Byrd Marina and boat ramps there at Haulover. Had Bimini in my sights when a storm emerged. Was able to don my survival vest on before I had to contend with it. Practiced/rehearsed every conceivable function and planned the refueling in a number of sea state scenarios. Even if you are not a FL resident but are a US Citizen, you can apply for a Local Boaters Option (LBO) with Customs & Border Protection. Once you complete the in person interview and back ground check, you will be assigned an LBO number. This will allow you to file a float plan on the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS) and hopefully clear Customs over the phone upon your return. This is voluntary but will reduce the chances of the Coast Guard boarding as you are likely to be challenged on your return as I was. My wife flew over and met me. Daily flights on Silver Airways out of MIA and FLL.

 

[Two killicks]

This is amazing to hear about your trip! Thank you.