Bahamas, Great Exuma Island, George Town – One last blow before we go

We decided to stay anchored in Elizabeth Harbour, Great Exuma Island, for one more day to seek protection as a strong storm front passed through the area.  Winds were predicted to increase to 25-30 knots clocking from SW to W to NW.  The harbor here off George Town offers you very little wind protection, but you do get no more then short choppy waves developing within it.

With the westerly component forecast in the winds to come, many boat lifted anchor and headed to the westerly shores of the harbour to be in the lee (sheltered side) of Great Exuma Island.  Unfortunately this side of the harbour is very shallow and we would not find depths sufficient to give the boat any protection from the SW or NW components of the wind.

We decided that we had excellent sandy holding within the anchorage off Sand Dollar Beach, Stocking Island, and would remain anchored on the eastern side of the harbour and face being exposed to the wind when it started to build from the SW and reach it’s peak when clocking W.  We would hopefully have shelter by evening when the winds turned NW.

The other reason we decided to stay was to avoid the CROWDS.  With the clocking winds we did not fancy bumping into other boats in an over crowded anchorage.

We know our anchor and tackle are in good shape, but what does everyone else have?  We did not fancy having boats dragging and crashing into us.

And it looks like we made the right decision….so far!

The humans got me off the boat and for a walk on the beach early in the morning, and I am glad they did, because the winds built quickly and so did the waves.

With the increase in wind the radio became very busy with vessels calling out in distress.  Some were vessels dragging, others were vessels being dragged upon.  As the winds clocked more and more vessels broke free while others had to lift anchor and as they crashed into their neighbours.  It was total pandemonium.

I think a day like today exemplifies the importance of spending money on good ground tackle and it’s maintenance.   What is the point of spending a fortune on a boat only to let it be seriously damaged or destroyed when the anchor drags.  Let alone the risk you are taking with your own life.

We have been very pleased with our Rocna brand anchor.  Unlike many other types, the Rocna resets it’s self as the boat is pulled in different directions.  We are not saying it is the best on the market, but we sleep soundly.

On a good note!

The good thing about being in a busy anchorage is there are lots of people to lend a hand.  I was very impressed as almost every vessel local to distressed boats sent out their dingies to lend a hand.  As vessels dragged and crashed into each other, props got damaged and engines failed, and lines had to be cut free.  Many hands, and outboard engines combined, to get every vessel clear and some how safe so far today.

Wish us luck for the rest of the day!