To Staniel Cay
Amberisle2
Valt & Sandy
Thu 14 Feb 2013 14:42
Feb. 9, 2013
At mid-tide we retraced our route through the shallows to exit Cambridge Cay. Fishing outside in the Sound was the plan, but the winds switched earlier than forecast and would make for a lumpy 8 miles to Staniel Cay. It was a short run, and we arrived in 1 3/4 hours. The anchorage is off Big Majors Spot and we were surprised to see 50 boats there. Also surprised that half were big power boats. Sailing vessels are the norm here. We picked our "hole" and dropped anchor in 20' of water. Soon after we were settled, we heard a VHF radio call from S/V "Teddy 1". He needed some gasket adhesive. Valt's Hardware Store answered the call, and it turned out he was the boat nearest us. When he came to get it, Valt switched to his mechanical consultant's hat. Listening patiently to the man's problem, they were soon looking through washers and other fittings. Here in these remote areas, everyone helps one another.
Big Majors Spot is a gathering spot for many big motor yachts. At night the harbor is aglow with underwater lights, decorative streaming lights and cabin lights. A rare sight among power conscious boaters. Peals of laughter rang out from dinner parties and other festivities. On Pirate Beach, cruisers set up tables, chairs, awnings, a fire pit with benches and more. Someone even left a gas grill complete with propane. There is a party there every afternoon.
Staniel Cay is a good size settlement complete with 3 grocery stores, a school, clinic, a couple restaurants, several resorts, a dive shop, a yacht club, and an tiny airport. The yacht club is owned by WaterMakers Inc, in Ft. Lauderdale. They provide daily air flights for passengers and cargo.
In contrast, Big Majors Spot is uninhibited except for goats, chickens, iguanas, pigs, and feral cats. People take food scraps to the pigs each day, and the pigs swim out to meet dinghies, even trying to climb board.
We met many nice folks, fellow cruisers. Actually life here is very social with beach gatherings and dinghy visits.
We would spend several days here.