Saturday, January 21, 2012

Current Cut to Ship Channel Cay

We started our day listening to Chris Parker's weather. Our winds would be ESE at 14 or less and only one place in 100 might see a rain squall. This was good news for our passage across the shoals and through the coral head area.
We followed Mark on 'Down Island,' an Island Packet 40, through the Current Cut and on the tricky turn to the south. We thank God that we were blessed to have someone well familiar with the area lead us through. Mark then headed for Tarpum Bay and we headed for Ship Channel Cay on the Exuma Bank.
I had been practicing 'reading' the water for days. I still seem to be about two feet off on depth. After today, however, I know I can spot a coral head! They look like black ink has polluted the beautiful azure water. They are just as odd looking as they are scary. Myron secured a spot for me on the bow and I used a handheld to talk through turns or verify that he had a visual on the 'bomber.' We were working through the coral head area pretty well when the winds piped up and we got the one in one hundred rain shower. Looking for coral heads in the shadow of clouds or during rain can be quite stressful. I was still able to pick some out, just with less warning to Myron. There were times I would pray to God that I could not see the hazards and a little hole would open up in the clouds, and the sunshine would light up the coral head. I kid you not. Then we got our second rain shower. We were certainly beating the odds of Chris' weather forecast.
We motored with a full main through the hazards and dropped anchor at Ship Channel Cay after almost seven hours of highly attentive work from the both of us. We were worn out as if we had been sailing for days! We had a substantial lunch that tasted like nap. Now we are a little rested and considering what to explore tomorrow. Only one other sailboat is in the anchorage and they arrived just a short time ago. We never saw them on our leg so they must have come from Nassau.
After many crowded anchorages, this edge of the world contrast is remarkable. I wish we could get our track up, but the position spotter should give you an idea of the solitude. There is no civilization at this cay.
Love to all,
Dena

Posted via Ham radio.
{GMST}24|48.690|N|076|49.725|W|Ship Channel Cay{GEND}

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