West End, Bahamas

We tried Sailfish for lunch on Sunday and loved it.  My fave [US] brew was on tap (Sweetwater 420)

We watched the forecast closely and I subscribed to Buoyforecast for more local readings. Today was the first possibility to cross.  Tomorrow would have been better.  We tried today and it was fine.  Two to five foot waves but with a very long 10 second period.  The view of the US as we left:

The autopilot had a hard time of it but we compensated and adjusted for the Gulf Stream as we entered and exited its 2.5 knot current.  Apart from a short run on plane at 21 mph we did the whole thing at about 9.5 mph.  65 miles from 0800 in Riviera Beach to 1515 at West End Bahamas.  Here's the view of the Bahamas as we approached:

Check in was easy but with loads of forms to fill out. $300 for cruising permit.  Cat is imported and we're good to go.

Nice spot here.  Idyllic even!  But we'll move on tomorrow to places even more idyllic!

Here's a live pic of Spooky and me updating the blog:

TTFN