Well – today was one to remember, and learn
from! We had spent four days resting up in Staniel Cay, as Jeff recuperated
from a bout of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Yesterday, I rented a rickety bike, and
toured the Island on my own, and then bought fresh grouper from the returning
fishermen for our dinner.
Today, Jeff was feeling well enough that he
suggested we sail north to Black Point – only about five miles away. The wind
was on our nose, so we tacked, close-hauled (for non-sailors, zigzagging back
and forth to keep the wind in our sails) in about 15 knots of wind – a
wonderful 2.5 hour trip!
Wonderful, that is, until we entered the
“cut” that takes us from the Exuma Sound on the Atlantic side, where we were,
to the shallow Bahama Bank, where we wanted to anchor.
Bad idea! Before we knew it, we were in
what felt like a washing machine of 10-15 foot waves, churning in all
directions, splashing water over the side of the boat into the cockpit, and
scaring both of us to death L.
My captain held the boat steady through it
all, while I held on to the boat – both of us terrified. We made it through,
but agreed that in 25 years of sailing together, this had been the scariest
experience we’ve had. And we also agreed that we need to learn much more about
navigating these cuts safely – a good wake-up call. The pic below of the inside
of the boat shows the devastation created by all the rolling around we did.
I spent the rest of the afternoon calming
down in the laundry, while Jeff rested. Another day in Paradise.
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