Crossing the Gulf Stream - Ft Lauderdale to West End and Powell Cay

The trip from Ft Lauderdale to West End Grand Bahama Island is approximately 70 miles. The route crosses the Gulf Stream at an angle that allows us to ride with the current, thus gaining speed and saving time. However, the weather is an important factor since northerly winds or strong winds from any direction can kick up large waves which would make the trip uncomfortable at best and even dangerous.

We determined that Feb 20 would be a good weather window to cross and agreed to "buddy boat" with Don and Scatia Linder on "Ka Le". The plan was to leave at 4 AM, arriving at West End in early afternoon.

All started according to plan. However, when we dropped the mooring at 0400 I discovered that I had no steering! Using the engines to maneuver the boat, we avoided the other moored boats and went out into the river where we anchored to determine the problem which turned out to be that we were out of steering fluid. I put in what we had which corrected the problem and then we had breakfast and waited until 6:30 when one of the marinas opened and we could buy some more. We bought most of their supply, most of which I'm glad to report we still have!

We then set out from Ft lauderdale, getting underway at 0700 instead of 0400. Other than dodging a large ship, the crossing was otherwise uneventful and we arrived at West End, Old Bahama Bay Marina about 1700, too late to check into customs but otherwise fine. We did get in a nice swim in the pool, however.

At West End Marina

Sunset at Mangrove Cay

The next day we checked in through customs, washed the boats and headed for Mangrove Cay where we anchored for the night. There is nothing at Mangrove Cay but it is a good anchorage about 25 miles into Little Bahama Bank.

The next day, we went set out for the Double Breated Cays but the wind came up strong and we opted instead to go into Grand Cay. The settlement was more run down than the other Bahamian settlements we've visited but everyone was very friendly and we were able to buy some fresh Bahamian bread which is always a treat.

Waterfront at Grand Cay

Beach at Powell Cay

The next day we set out east again, stopping at Crabby Cay for the night and then going on to Powell Cay. Powell is not inhabited but has great beaches and nice walking and we enjoyed an afternoon and evening there immensely. The next day we headed for Green Turtle Cay .

Our posts after this will be based on the periodic updates which we send out more or

On the beach at Powell Cay

less once a week.