George Town
PASSEPARTOUT
Christopher & Nirit Slaney
Wed 25 Jan 2012 18:55
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For the past two weeks we have been using George Town's
Elizabeth harbor in the Exuma Islands as a base to explore other
islands in the archipelago. Sailing out of here for around fifty miles to
different destinations, we find deserted island for snorkeling,
fishing and walking. Where we go is decided for us by the changing wind
patterns.
George Town is a big magnet for cruisers and has been
described as the Holly Grail for people sailing the Bahamas; the ultimate
destinations. Most other boats in the anchorage are Canadians and Americans who
sail down here year after year to escape winter weather. They arrive at the
beginning of the season, hang out for a few months and then use the Gulf
Stream carry them back north for the summer.
Every day brings fresh arrivals and we
hear that at peak season there can be as many as 500 yachts in the
harbor.
The anchorage stretches for a few miles between the
settlement of George Town on the 'big island' and the smaller Stocking Island.
There are several popular spots, foremost being 'Volleyball Beach' - crystal
clear waters, white sand, a bar called 'Chat 'n Chill, and three volleyball
courts which get busy after lunch.
The cruising community is very organized (some might say
too organized) and life around Stocking Island takes on the
atmosphere of a summer camp for adults. Each morning at 8 am we
listen to the cruiser's net on VHF and find out the day's schedule.
Activities includes yoga on the beach, painting and drawing, basket weaving,
fishing seminars, poker evening, church services on Sunday morning, astronomy
lectures and of course more volley ball. You can also hook up with
other sailors wanting to share taxis to the airport , ask for expert
help with electrical or mechanical problems and find out who is new in
the neighborhood.
We plan to be here another 10 days. Our friends Steve
and Betty will fly down here for a week. Betty will bring her hoola hoops and
will probably organize a group for even more fun on the beach. Once Steve and Betty leave, our plan is to carry on south and
east to Puerto Rico. This is not an easy sail as we have
contrary trade winds to consider as well as the usual weather worries.
More on this later.
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