Bimini to Chub Cay Help

[shawnbush12]

First Corssing to Chub From South Bimini and if I AVG 7 knots this looks like 12 hours.

1. What are thoughts on Sailing/motoring at night across the Bank?

2. There is no protection that I see on the direct route across, if I get tired or make slow time do I just anchor on the Bank in open water?

Thanks for your input,

Shawn

[Vasco]

We usually sail all night on the bank now. Years ago before gps and explorer charts this was seldom done. If you get tired just go south a mile or so to get off the main track and anchor for the night. Try and get a sandy spot.

[s/v Moondancer]

The two important things, at night, are that you stay on the chart passage lines while sailing so that you do not run into a coral head and get off them when you anchor or you might get run down by a power boat on auto pilot. I used to get 800 yds off the lines and drop the hook.

Phil

[nautical62]

I've also done that a few times at night (Actually to Cat I.). Even though there is no shelter, the bank helps moderate the seas. The times I've anchored out on the bank, the problem has been not so much sea state, but tidal currents swinging the boat somewhat sideways to the prevailing wind and waves, making things a bit rolly. This of course will change as the tides change and depend on the sea state.

My experience about a lane of traffic and getting out of it to anchor echos those stated in above posts.

[Cheechako]

Done it at night no problem, anchored once, it was a little uncomfortable but doable. If you drag there's a lot of open space to drag to!

[shawnbush12]

Thanks to everyone for the posts -- Greatly Appreciated! We are looking at heading out later in the week as the winds turn.

[RonRicco]

Assuming you aren't beating straight into the wind, it is doable in a day without anchoring on the bank. We have had several awful nights anchored on the bank, so we try and get a really early start and motor/sail to make sure we can have the hook down before nightfall. Obviously staging the boat off of Cat or Gun instead of Bimini prior to the crossing will save you a few hours of daylight.

[shawnbush12]

Thanks everyone. Great trip. anchored just outside Northwest Channel and went through in the morning.

Caught a 45 pound dolphin in front of Chub and had 1-2 foot seas all the way to Nassau.

Leaving for Eleuthera on Tuesday then to Abaco...life is Good.

Thanks Again...