Crossing the Gulf Stream

Our last night in Marathon - Lazy Days Restaurant

Thursday, April 19, 2018 - Day 8

It is a beautiful morning and we are all anxious to get going and get across the gulf stream.   It was a fantastic ride.  We could not have asked for a better day.  It was sunny, warm but not hot and the seas were for the most part flat.  Marlin Striker and Moon Shadow lead the way and the others followed right along.

With Bimini Sands in sight we began calling the marina.  After several minutes of no answer we cruised on in and too any available slip - that is because with the exception of Alibi (the Magers) all of the slips were available.  I found out later that the marina had just cleared out after several fishing tournaments and that from April 29th through September they are completely full for the summer.

Upon arrival at Bimini Sands Marina we immediately went to check in at the marina office.  The less than ambitious staff told us they could not check us in until we cleared customs which was a cab ride ($5/person) over to the airport.  Sandy and I got the cab and proceeded to the airport to clear customs.  No problems there, it was very quick, although we were lucky because the remainder of our group found out that if a flight comes in, the flight has priority.

With everyone through customs, we decided to do a pot luck dinner on Mary Alice.  The restaurant at Bimini Sands was closed and it was a ferry ride over to Big Game Club.  We did learn from Patrick Magers, who spent the last week at Big Game Club that it has been rebuilt and is now very nice with a good restaurant.  The last time Marlin Striker was there it was very run down.  It is good to know that Big Game is a viable option in the future.  Especially since customs is only a walk away.

Departure Time:  7:00 AM
Arrival Time: 12:43 PM
Travel Time: 5 hours 44 minutes

Trip Distance: 122.3 NM
Winds: S-SE around 5 kts.
Seas - Slight roll to start out but go flat in the gulf stream
Average Speed - 21.3 kts
Max. Speed - 28.6 kts.

Mike always has a story!

Friday, April 20, 2018 - Day 9

It was very quiet at Bimini Sands. 

Marlin Striker

Given the storms and high seas moving in we opted to move on to Chub Cay a day earlier than our reservations.

L' Sum'n Sum'n headed to Chub Cay

With the exception that Aquanaut who had some overheating issues, which seemed to be fine at slower speeds (10 knots), but he could not get up to speed and hold it without getting an alarm.  Everyone arrived at Chub Cay Marina by early afternoon, got lunch at the gorgeous new Clubhouse and then enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in the pool.

Departure Time:  7:36 AM
Arrival Time: 11:45 AM
Travel Time: 4 hours 6 minutes
Trip Distance: 87.3 NM
Winds: Around 5 kts  
Seas - S-SE 1-2 feet
Average Speed - 21.2 kts
Max. Speed - 28.1 kts

Sneaky Sandy 

Happy Birthday Jerry

Young at heart. 












Saturday, April 21, 2018 - Day 10

Today is very blustery and a little cool for the cool pool so the gents spent the afternoon trouble-shooting the over heating problem on Argonaut while the ladies played a game of Mexican Train Domino's on Mary Alice.  

A BIG THANK YOU to MIKE SPILLER for a great night of fabulous music and laughter.  Mike got out his keyboard and played and sang for all of us and everyone around us.  What a great night!

Now who stepped in?

Sing along now

Sunday, April 22, 2018 - Day 11

The thunderstorms have rolled in so this is a laid back morning to catch up on my blog and enjoy a good breakfast.

If the weather clears and the seas calm down (now 5-7 feet) we hope to make the journey to Hurricane Hole Marina, Paradise Island, Nassau on Tuesday.