SV-AVATAR: Georgetown 21-25 April

GREAT EXUMAS - BAHAMAS - Georgetown 21 to 25 April '13

The Bahamas has been our favourite group of islands so far. It offers beautiful clear water for snorkelling, amazing fishing and you have a choice of being with civilisation at a marina or secluded on a deserted beach.

There are more than 700 islands, cays and islets to explore. However, the looming hurricane season and Mark having committed to a work contract, dictated we only see a few places this time 'round.

Like backpacking overseas, cruising is similar in the fact that you rely on other peoples experiences, good or bad, to guide you on your next adventure. We crammed in most of the sights that our friends, on Alleycat and Windchasers, had recommended.

We were supposed to check-in on the island of Mayaguanas, but the weather was so bad that the one day sail turned into a 4 day, nail biting affair. We decided to sail with the weather behind us, on to Georgetown, Great Exuma. The waves were huge and our grib file was already out of date (we would've got an updated one from Mayaguanas)

Anyway, we arrived in Grand Exuma at 0500, after slowing the boat down overnight. We didn't want to enter the cut (narrow, shallow channel, with tidal current and coral heads) in the dark.

Eventually anchoring off Stocking Island in a tiny bay, we decided to chill, go ashore and check in with customs etc the following day, Monday.

To our surprise, St Francis Resort and Marina, is located on Stocking Island and is run by a South African couple. We got our internet fix and had a great lunch there too.

I tried the Cracked Conch (pic), similar to deep fried, battered perlemoen. (wow a slice of fresh tomato!!!!!!!!)

How do you like the pics above? The bar is called the Chat n Chill. The pilot landed landed and proceeded to thread his way through anchored boats and beached! They had some beers and two hours later they took off, super cool!

The next day we motored over to Georgetown, anchored off, went ashore, checked in and bought a sim card for internet (which happens to be well priced and covers the whole of the Bahamas!). Of course the fresh veggies and beers were replenished too.

The town was abuzz with activity and vendors were building their snack bars, conch/lobster salad huts, tiki bars etc. They were all getting ready for the festivities of the FAMILY ISLAND SAILING REGATTA.

Boats were being offloaded from ships from all over the Bahamas to take part in this prestigious regatta.

After provisioning and getting the huge washing load done, we motored back to the tranquility of Stocking Island to watch the racing. The party music in Georgetown was quite loud and went on 'till 3 in the morning!

Yes, in the words of Barney Simon(SA DJ), "If it's too loud, you're too old!"

There are more than 20 Bermudian Sloops entered, and there are two classes. The regatta is held over 3 days.