Heading to Bimini

[Bobby P.]

Heading to Bimini!

Anyone want to join us?

Maybe you have followed my post, "Heading to the Keys and Bahamas - viewtopic.php?f=4&t=16697#p109198".

This is our third trip down to the Keys to wait for a weather window to cross to the Bahamas.
It looks like this Tuesday, May 25, will be the "window" we've be waiting for.

We will leave Key Largo on Sunday and take an easy ride up through Biscayne Bay. Our plan is to anchor in No Name Harbor and leave on Tuesday morning, around 10am, from Biscayne Channel and cross to Bimini (about 52 miles).

COVID regulations have eased a bit. If you are vaccinated, you no longer need to get tested.

We will be sure to post about the adventure.

Best,
Bobby and May

 

[Jrando305]

I would check the COVID restrictions again, they just put great harbor in the berry island chain on total lockdown starting tonight and lasting 2 weeks. If you go to andros you must have a nev test, I would advise you to be very careful, keep a full tank of fuel at all times, you never know when you might have to leave because of the ever changing situation.

 

[serpa4]

I'll be heading to Bahamas in a couple weeks. Hope to visit for about 8 days.
Getting in is reported as no testing required if you are vaccinated. I hope so.
I'll in process immigrations/customs in either Bimini or North Cat Cay.
Then jump to Nassau to Exumas.
I'll fuel in Bimini, Fuel in Nassau, fuel in Staniel Cay and head back home. All this is VERY weather dependent.
But, at least I can run in the C30 if something is projected to move in. It will cruise at about 18kts all day.
For fuel range, I can do Nassau to Staniel Cay and back to Nassau on a single tank, but plan to fuel along the route anyways for safety.

I need to call for their hours and restrictions when I get a little closer to departure.
I hope to have a crossing window, but at 16kts-18kts, should be fairly quick getting there to Bimini at least.

 

[Bobby P.]

We made it!

The weather window opened up yesterday and we jumped through. Seas were forecasted for 2 feet at 11 seconds with east winds at 9-11 knots. Well... Seas were 3-4 feet at about 3 seconds. In the first 45 minutes we came down from the flybridge and piloted from inside for the rest of the trip.

We left No Name harbor at 9:40 and arrived at Bimini at 1:45. The wind and waves held back our speed to about 12.5 knots. The boat handled it well. We were a bit bounced around, though!

We took a slip at Bimini Blue Water Resort (no frills) and after clearing customs we anchored out on the west side of the island. BEAUTIFUL clear blue water hardly describes. We plan to go out exploring the next few days. First stop will be a place called "Honeymoon Harbor". Evidently you can swim with the sea rays and sharks!

I'll keep a detailed accounting of our trip and post when we return.

Best to all!
Bobby and May

 

[Someday*]

Excellent!
Please keep us posted with trip details.

 

[BB marine]

We hope to be out there next winter! Keep a good log and share please!!!