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The Bahamas Cruising guide

by Mathew Wilson

Bareboating Bahamas, with breathtaking scenery, variety, and tranquility within a single national coastal boundary, The Islands Of The Bahamas attract over 100,000 boaters each year. Marine facilities range from state-of-the-art ports on the main islands to good and safe anchorages on the remote areas of the Out Islands. There are a minimum of 63 active marinas with some 3,000 slips, 12 boat repair yards, several bareboat charter companies, and 34 ports of entry. Here’s what you need to know before you reach port.

The best of Bahamas sailing is just 100 miles from Florida’s mainland. Once the home of swashbuckling privateers, one of the world’s great cruising areas is found in the clear, reef-protected waters of the spectacular Abacos. Relaxed, smooth sailing is virtually assured here, making this a favorite sailing spot for families, couples and sailors of all skill levels.

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What are the requirements when bareboating in Bahamas

Each charter company require evidence that the skipper has previous experience on a boat of a similar size. Operating a yacht generally needs at least a skipper and one competent crew member
Bareboat Sailing Certificates are useful but not mandatory. Each charter company has a sailing résumé form for you to fill out indicating your experience. If you are a first time bareboat charterer, we recommend that you gain approval by the charter company before any money is paid.

Weather conditions and forecasts for the Bahamas

The Bahamas has a marine tropical climate, characterised by persistent easterly trade winds, with warm wet summers and cool dry winters. The islands have a near perfect climate. Only rarely dos the summertime temperature rise as high as 90°F, or winter temperatures fall below 60°F. To the millions of tourists who visit the islands annually the Bahamas, with its 70°F average year round temperature, is simply Paradise. The lowest recorded temperature is 44,1°F and the highest recorded temperature is 94,4°F.

Humidity is fairly high, especially during the summer months, but there is a constant breeze over the islands which lessens the humid effect. Winds are predominantly easterly throughout the year but north to northeast winds may occur during the winter months. The average wind speed is below 10 knots but north-easterly winds of up to 25 knots could occur in winter. The islands can be affected by hurricanes and tropical storms between the months of June and November. Based on a 90-year period of statistics parts of The Bahamas may expect to experience tropical storm conditions on average every nine years with hurricane conditions far less frequently. An efficient warning system gives ample notice for necessary precautions to be taken.

Click on image to view the weather in Bahamas (Nassau airport) now, as well as, a prediction for the next 7 days.

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Where you can sail in Bahamas

Marsh Harbour and Hope Town (the Abacos): Known among yachties for their many anchorages, sheltered coves, and plentiful marine facilities, the Abacos are considered one of the most perfect sailing areas in the world. You can charter boats of all shapes and sizes for a week or longer, with or without a crew.

The Exumas: Yachties flock to these beautiful sailing waters to see some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in The Bahamas. The Family Island Regatta, the most popular boating spectacle in The Bahamas, is held here annually. Most of the recreational boating is in the government-protected Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park, an area of splendid sea gardens and rainbow-hued coral reefs that stretches south from Wax Cay to Conch Cay.

New Providence Island: Although sailing in the waters off New Providence Island isn't the equal of those yachting favorites, the Exumas and the Abacos, boaters can still find much to delight in. More organized boating excursions are offered in New Providence than anywhere else in The Bahamas.

The most popular -- and the most scenic -- trip is sailing to tranquil Rose Island, which lies 8 nm east of the center of Nassau and is reached after sailing past several small, uninhabited cays. In addition, Blue Lagoon Island, 4(3 nmi northeast of Paradise Island, is a magnet for boaters in that it offers seven white sandy beaches along with seaside hammocks. The drawback to this island, however, is that cruise-ship passengers flock here and many beach buffs like to come over on day trips.

What to bring with you

No matter where your holiday destination may be, they have a number of things in common: the sun, the sea and the fact that you will need to live for the duration on a yacht. There are a few items you should not forget to take with you, as they will make your life on board easier and safer... more

If you like me to assist you with your Bahamas sailing choice, please send me an e-mail with your questions and enquiries. I will be glad to reply and assist you, wherever I possibly can.