Turks and Caicos

[SAMPATICO]

Sailing up from Luperon, would like suggestions on where in the Turks and Caicos is best to pull in and anchor in daylight.

[nautical62]

I did a solo trip through there last summer. I left Luperon at first light, knowing I could duck behind Sandy Cay (Great Sand) at night if necessary. It's very straight forward. (though I made it prior to sunset) From there I cut across the banks rather than south of them, with the intent of not stopping at all, but Provo Radar picked me up and "requested" I stop to clear in and out (at the same time: They want their money) While I was 10 miles out at the time, it was clear I'd have to pass within 3 miles of land eventually before leaving the banks. I anchored off Provo that night, clearing in and out the next morning, and then day sailing to Mayaguana

I know other cruisers who instead did an over night sail to French Cay, arriving with plenty of light the next day, staying south of the banks. I heard Provo Radar hailing them as well, but when those boats did not reply, they seemed to take no further action.

Happy to share any other details from there back to Florida if you wish.


(Luperon custom's let me clear out the night before departure - that took a while to sort out, mostly due to my lack of Spanish.)


If you are in Luperon and see John from Bright Eyes, please say hello. He and I buddy boated from Puerto Rico to Luperon.

[Canibul]

If you decide to hang around and need any help or advice, give us a shout. We live here in the Turks and Caicos on the island of Providenciales.

[SAMPATICO]

Thanks for reply. What does/did your boat draw?
captaingbv@gmail.com

[nautical62]

5 feet.

[SAMPATICO]

Are you familiar with any anchorages inside around Sopodilla Bay. Will be on my way west.

[nautical62]

I anchored in Sapodilla Bay and stayed there for the night. It's a relatively short dinghy to the beach, and a short walk to the Custom's office, though they may drive to the beach to do check in there. I checked in and out in the custom's official's car. If you are checking in there, I imagine you'll be able to hail them on the VHF long before you get there. They were hailing every boat they could pick up on radar when I was going through.

There's a little headland, which I could only sort of get behind due to my 5-foot draft and other boats there, but still it was a pleasant night.

The Turks and Caicos banks has the same shallow water you'll find in the Bahamas, which can take some getting used to for those used to the deeper water's of the Caribbean islands. Personally, I like being on the banks. Can toss over an anchor anywhere and it keeps the sea state down which kept my little autopilot happy.

Big Sand was the only other place I anchored in T&C.