We have a flotilla of small sailboats organized that will cruise West End, Freeport/Lucaya, and Bimini from June 21 - June 30 (10 days). We are inviting anyone to join. Our website is http://hcgiles.home.mindspring.com/macflotilla.htm . If you are interested, check it out.
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Some helpful info
I checked your website and it looks like most of the boats are trailerables. If you haven't found a jumping off point as yet, may I suggest Jupiter Inlet, Florida. There is an excellent ramp at Burt Reynolds Park (no kidding!) on US 1 that is less than half a mile from the open Atlantic. This is the closest inlet in Florida to West End. There are two docks, the ramp is deep (I've seen them pull a 35 ft powerboat there) and parking is excellent. If you're interested let me know and I can e-mail you pictures. Peter H23 "Raven"
I checked your website and it looks like most of the boats are trailerables. If you haven't found a jumping off point as yet, may I suggest Jupiter Inlet, Florida. There is an excellent ramp at Burt Reynolds Park (no kidding!) on US 1 that is less than half a mile from the open Atlantic. This is the closest inlet in Florida to West End. There are two docks, the ramp is deep (I've seen them pull a 35 ft powerboat there) and parking is excellent. If you're interested let me know and I can e-mail you pictures. Peter H23 "Raven"
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Chip Giles
What about the gulf stream?
I appreciate your suggestions. If we put in there, will we be sailing at a ninty-degree angle to the gulf stream? We are planning on putting in at Deerfield Beach to make maximum use of the stream flow. I have not sailed to West End, only Bimini. Where do most sailboaters put in to sail to West End?
I appreciate your suggestions. If we put in there, will we be sailing at a ninty-degree angle to the gulf stream? We are planning on putting in at Deerfield Beach to make maximum use of the stream flow. I have not sailed to West End, only Bimini. Where do most sailboaters put in to sail to West End?
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Brent Headberg
Better than Jupiter Inlet
Jupiter Inlet and Burt Reynolds Park is not one of the best inlets for trailer sailors to put in, especially if you're planning a trip to West End. Lake Worth Inlet is much safer and Phil Foster Park provides a much better boat ramp just minutes from the inlet. I have several charts and aerial photos on my website for anyone interested in the Lake Worth Inlet area. Just click on OUR LOCATION button on the left side of our HOME PAGE. We are also planning a cruise to the Abacos in the late Spring 2003 and I have provided various charts and GPS waypoints for our route to Green Turtle Cay and back. Fair Winds and Smooth sailing, Capn' Brent S/V Elena Lua 1990 Hunter 33.5 http://www.elenalua.homestead.com
Jupiter Inlet and Burt Reynolds Park is not one of the best inlets for trailer sailors to put in, especially if you're planning a trip to West End. Lake Worth Inlet is much safer and Phil Foster Park provides a much better boat ramp just minutes from the inlet. I have several charts and aerial photos on my website for anyone interested in the Lake Worth Inlet area. Just click on OUR LOCATION button on the left side of our HOME PAGE. We are also planning a cruise to the Abacos in the late Spring 2003 and I have provided various charts and GPS waypoints for our route to Green Turtle Cay and back. Fair Winds and Smooth sailing, Capn' Brent S/V Elena Lua 1990 Hunter 33.5 http://www.elenalua.homestead.com
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Peter
Lake Worth Inlet
Lake Worth Inlet is also an excellent choice, especially since the aids to navigation there are reported to be much better than Jupiter. That's because it's the access for a commercial port (I've never used the inlet but I've seen the ramp). In poor weather it would probably be my first choice. My concern at Lake Worth would be commercial ship traffic, but that doesn't seem to bother the sailors that use Lake Worth, so go for it. Peter H23 "Raven"
Lake Worth Inlet is also an excellent choice, especially since the aids to navigation there are reported to be much better than Jupiter. That's because it's the access for a commercial port (I've never used the inlet but I've seen the ramp). In poor weather it would probably be my first choice. My concern at Lake Worth would be commercial ship traffic, but that doesn't seem to bother the sailors that use Lake Worth, so go for it. Peter H23 "Raven"
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Dennis
Maybe next time!
I am planning a run at the Bahamas in the future, but this coming year wont be it, as my vessel just will not be ready! Maybe if you get your group together again the following year, that would possible! Say what are the fees like in the Bahamas?
I am planning a run at the Bahamas in the future, but this coming year wont be it, as my vessel just will not be ready! Maybe if you get your group together again the following year, that would possible! Say what are the fees like in the Bahamas?
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Clyde
It was $100
A 12 month cruising and fishing permit was a flat $100 "CASH ONLY FEE" in the Bahamas. I don't know if it has changed. If your sailboat is 30 ft or longer, you will need a "User Fee Decal" from the US Customs which was $25 a year. When you re-enter the US you must clear Customs and the INS. You can call Customs on their 1-800 number. You can check out the US Customs web site. http://www.customs.gov/travel/travel.htm I think channel 83 is the channel that the medical clinic in Treasure Cay stands by on and is also monitored by BASRA (Bahamas Air Sea Rescue) which is a voluntary organization that is the closest they have to the rescue functions of the US Coast Guard. It covers most of the usual cruising waters. I think Channel 68 is the Cruiser's Net channel, the Abacos Cruise Net where every morning at 8:15 AM they broadcast local cruisers news. The strongest signals of the net is in the marsh Harbor area. The Cruisers Net provides information on weather, local events, boat departures to the states, wanted items and important e-mail. The Gulf Stream or "River" is about 40 miles wide. The velocity of the "River" can varies from 5 knots in the center to less than one knot on the outer edges. The stream’s speed will also increase with a strong south wind. The "Rule of Thumb" is don't cross the Gulf Stream at night and don’t cross the Gulf Stream with an N in the wind component. Crossing the "River" in anything less that a 30 footer sounds like rock climbing with only your hands and feet and without ropes. I guess if you have the 50 Hp outboard and enough gas on the MacGregor 26X, it doesn't sound so bad. Good luck! Clyde
A 12 month cruising and fishing permit was a flat $100 "CASH ONLY FEE" in the Bahamas. I don't know if it has changed. If your sailboat is 30 ft or longer, you will need a "User Fee Decal" from the US Customs which was $25 a year. When you re-enter the US you must clear Customs and the INS. You can call Customs on their 1-800 number. You can check out the US Customs web site. http://www.customs.gov/travel/travel.htm I think channel 83 is the channel that the medical clinic in Treasure Cay stands by on and is also monitored by BASRA (Bahamas Air Sea Rescue) which is a voluntary organization that is the closest they have to the rescue functions of the US Coast Guard. It covers most of the usual cruising waters. I think Channel 68 is the Cruiser's Net channel, the Abacos Cruise Net where every morning at 8:15 AM they broadcast local cruisers news. The strongest signals of the net is in the marsh Harbor area. The Cruisers Net provides information on weather, local events, boat departures to the states, wanted items and important e-mail. The Gulf Stream or "River" is about 40 miles wide. The velocity of the "River" can varies from 5 knots in the center to less than one knot on the outer edges. The stream’s speed will also increase with a strong south wind. The "Rule of Thumb" is don't cross the Gulf Stream at night and don’t cross the Gulf Stream with an N in the wind component. Crossing the "River" in anything less that a 30 footer sounds like rock climbing with only your hands and feet and without ropes. I guess if you have the 50 Hp outboard and enough gas on the MacGregor 26X, it doesn't sound so bad. Good luck! Clyde
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Brian
Good web site for crossing info
Check out this link to get good Bahamas info.... Brian s/v CREW REST
Check out this link to get good Bahamas info.... Brian s/v CREW REST
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Sanders LaMont
Lake Worth to West End
I made the trip from Lake Worth to West End (25 years ago) in a 32 Islander. We started at about 2 a.m. and were in West End (no wind or waves most of the way) early afternoon. Biggest issue is avoiding the traffic just outside the entrance, and judging the Gulf Stream drift properly. A good trip for frequent location checks. We did it with an RDF. GPS should make it a breeze. The Gulf Stream can get rolley, so,allow enough time. Fair winds, Sanders s/v Good News
I made the trip from Lake Worth to West End (25 years ago) in a 32 Islander. We started at about 2 a.m. and were in West End (no wind or waves most of the way) early afternoon. Biggest issue is avoiding the traffic just outside the entrance, and judging the Gulf Stream drift properly. A good trip for frequent location checks. We did it with an RDF. GPS should make it a breeze. The Gulf Stream can get rolley, so,allow enough time. Fair winds, Sanders s/v Good News
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