Bahamas Sailing
The Islands of the Bahamas could be that tropical paradise one can ever dream of—superb adventure and seclusion. Crooked Island, Conception Island, Big Farmer’s Cay, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Exuma and Great Sayle Cay are some of the uniquely named islands in this area. But more so, the 100, 000-square mile archipelago, which launches 50 miles from the Florida coast and its islands spreading close to 700 miles, nearly reaching Haiti, is famous for the outstanding feel of first-rate Sailing experience.
The Bahamas offers exceptionally delightful Sailing adventure—its 700 islands provide stunning waters and ostensibly never-ending range of deserted cays unreachable by any way apart from swimming. Dropping anchor at some distant stretches surrounding the popular Bahamas islands is permitted, allowing the unlimited enjoyment of the sunny, soundless swimming and snorkeling far-off the shore.
A number of noncompetitive Sailing events could also be observed in the Bahamas, hence, boat aficionados and even those simply interested ones laze around in the spirit of amity. Likewise, Sailing in the Bahamas might not be done personally. One may ask someone else to sail as he cruises in a glass-bottom boat through the day or dances on a dinner cruise under the brightness of the stars. Chartering a fully crewed boat for a number of days is also an option.
Apart from the leisure Sailing that the Bahamas presents, it is also known for the competitive Sailing events that it hosts. A regatta is an excellent and challenging activity, whether taking on the passive-watcher side or as a participant. Usually during late summer, every major island of Bahamas launches its regular regatta and the finest noted are those to be found in Long Island, Freeport or Lucaya, Exuma and the Nassau or the Paradise Island. The Annual Grand Bahamas Sailing Regatta is held every June and is one of the most popular events for boating enthusiasts.
When sailing in the Bahamas, one must note that hundreds of square miles of the waters are shallow except off the east coasts of the island strings, which deepens rapidly and even reaches hundreds and even thousands of feet. It should also be remembered that tides rarely exceed three feet. However, yachts drawing more than five feet may only be able to sail a few of the shallowest channels close to high tide.
To achieve a smooth Sailing adventure, the direction of the wind should also be considered. The Easterly winds are the customary winds in the island and the consistency of the wind is interrupted only by sporadic North winds, which extend down from the United States during the winter months as well as the summer months’ tropical depressions. Entering shallower harbors like Exumas and Abacos, coming from deep water, may really get complicated and risky especially on outgoing tide and the Easterly winds exceeding 15 knots.
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