Safe & snug in Georgetown harbour
After listening to the weather forecast that was predicting wind strengths to increase over the next week (15 knots rising to 30 knots) followed by a strong norther (cold front) coming through, we decided we had better get down to Georgetown in order that we would be there to meet our son and daughter before their arrival on January 19. Although the winds were forecast to be 15-20 knots they were going to be "right on the nose". We sailed from Black Point Settlement on Great Guana island to Cave Island where we staged for going onto the Exuma Sound (ocean side) the next day to get to Georgetown. We were being joined by Cliff aboard his boat, Navigator. Three other boats joined us in the lee of Cave Island that evening and we discussed our departure the next morning. The difficulty is going between the islands where the outgoing ebb current off of the Exuma Banks is in opposition to the southeast wind. It sets up huge standing waves. We departed at 7:30 a.m., but unfortunately, the current and wind were already in stiff opposition. It was a "little" hairy going out. The only thing that kept us going was 3 other boats had made it through safely ahead of us! Once we were through, it settled down to 5- foot seas that we could motor sail against. Our five boats motorsailed side-by-side down to Georgetown. I'm not sure what our boat looked like, but taking pictures of the two boats on either side of us....it didn't look too reassuring. As the winds increased later in the afternoon to 20 knots, we turned into the safety of Georgetown harbour and anchored in the lee of Stocking island. It felt great to put the hook down.
Georgetown has a cruiser's network-it's a boater that comes on the VHF radio every morning to tell us the weather, welcome new boats to the anchorage and share news, exchange gear, charts, seek help or advice, etc. Ashore in Georgetown there are hardware stores, restaurants, and internet cafe, and a supermarket that is well-stocked compared to the out islands. It's a great spot to meet other cruisers. We are surprised at the number of boats that Walter & I have met since we began our voyage and are meeting up with again.
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