Exumas planning itinerary

[novice sailor]

I am bareboating a 45' Cat with Moorings from Nassau (Palm Cay Marina) on Dec. 26th. First night anchorage is planned for Rose Island as I won't be able to depart until early afternoon on the 26th. Second day plan to sail to Highborne Cay (12/27). I am sailing with my wife and kids in the their 20's. My crew really wants to be somewhere fun for New Years Eve and we have penciled in being at Staniel Cay for this. The boat is needing to be back in Nassau on Jan. 2nd in the morning.

My questions are 1) Is it realistic to be able to sail from Staniel Cay to Nassau in one day 2) After Highborne Cay, I can either sail down to Great Guana Cay or would it be better to skip that and make stops at Waderick Wells and Shroud Cay. 3) Any other spots I should consider to be at for New Years Eve

While I have bareboated six previous times (BVI 2X and Abacos 4X) I am pretty rusty.

thank you for your advice.

[capn_billl]

Keep in touch, I'll be sailing a 44ft Cat from Florida to Long Key in December.

[cr180]

All depends on what you are looking for. The Land and Sea Park is absolutely enchanting. If you are into natural wonder vs land based amenities, would be a shame to pass up Shroud and Warderick Wells!

[cr180]

Oh and should mention, need bright sun light to traverse Yellow Bank. Coral heads present.

[cofc]

1 - It’s about 75 miles from Staniel to Nassau. So it just depends on your speed and how long you want to sail in a day. But you have no idea what the wind will be doing on the 1st, so it could be great or terrible depending on that.

2 - Wardrick and Shroud are typical charter stops for good reason. The parks are very pretty and there’s a good bit of stuff to do. Unless you want to fish of course.

3 - No idea about what’s fun for NYE. I’ve been in Wardrick for Christmas and they did a big potluck that was a lot of fun. Don’t remember if they were doing anything like that for NYE. If you’re looking for a party, I’d guess Staniel will be the biggest in the area.

[ohdrinkboy]

Sounds like a fun trip. The wild card on where to be will be the weather. Hope you have fair winds!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, novice'.