(This entry was written but never posted before Hurricane Dorian unexpectedly hit the Abacos. We had such an unbelievably great time! The islands were full of beautiful people, fun restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutiques; all are now gone. Our love goes out to all we met on these islands and we wish them all well as they recover. BahamasStrong!)
We finally left Florida, the dock and set sail for Abacos, and although we were supposed to have been in fair winds and good weather, we hit a squall or two that added to the excitement to the brand-new crew for Raven. Besides going out with Captain Jeff and having Ravens sails up for a few minutes, this was all new to us and Raven. We sailed through the night with squalls, and lightning. Where we made it to the anchorage as planned by morning. The water was so rough when we arrived, we were uncertain if deploying Dragonfly was such a great idea, however we wanted to clear customs as soon as we could so we went for it. Captain David had a rough but safe ride in and had a most positive experience with the custom agent.
We were now in the Bahamas! We settled into the safe harbor of Marsh Harbor where we awaited our first sailing guests aboard Raven. Jessica and Lauren came to visit us for a week. They were wonderful guests while we worked out the kinks of living off the dock, at anchorage, moving day to day to different islands. Generally learning to take life a little slower, and working out how to be a better team and crew to Raven. There were a couple of days where we just explored shops and islands. Splashed around in the water. (Jessica kept up some great training doing laps under Raven). Beautiful sunsets were to be had. We enjoyed good meals on and off Raven. Zoomed around one day on a golf cart exploring the island and found a little local spot to enjoy Pirate cocktails! In the Bahamas everything is Rum! And just like that; like the beautiful setting sunsets our guests were gone and we were back in Marsh Harbor.
There in Marsh Harbor were the arrival of many friends that would be new to us and many that we were acquainted with at the Suntex Marina as everyone was arriving for the Catamaran Guru Rendezvous! Lots of Hooligan Juice (more of that deadly Rum, put in something fruity and enticing) music, dinner and parties. Before ferrying over for games and all things fun fueled by Hooligan Juice, we got the lay of the land (or the sea) for the next days “Abacos Guru” race.
Well, team Raven could not throw coconuts or eat Watermelon fast enough, but we participated and we tried. The next day we all lined up for the “race”. Some professionally, some anxiously and what seemed to some of us less experienced; mayhem. For most of us, our boats were new or new to us. Our new shiny babies and we not particularly wanting to see anyone run into us or do us any harm. Many of us had not ever raced before, so let’s just say there seemed to be a bit of chaos running through the ranks. And then the 9:00 sounded and the sailors and racers were off. Ravens crew were actually paying attention the day before when the information was handed out and we set our course, kept tight to the wind. Thanks much to Captain David we took the lead! Just when we thought that we were going to keep it we rounded a corner and the second lead boat was gaining on us, and then first mate Eileen became overly excited (also could be said made a critical error) and we were overtaken. Since there was a handicap…(they were bigger) we were a very close second. Very Exciting! But all was not lost, next day we were able to beat them on our giant flamingo Harold in the Rumbrella race! The night of the “big race” was dancing, costumes and awards! Raven took second place for looking so festive! All in all, Raven and crew raked in lots of awards! Good times!!!
The Rumbrella race was done; we thought we were going to relax, watch the sunset and drink cocktails on the back of Harold. Our plan was to leave the Abacos in a couple of days with a group of 9 other boats. Then we learned that Captain Jeff was sailing away with Wind Ensemble and had pulled anchor to get a head start on the weather. Before we knew it, we decided to do the same. Now we were undecorating from the week festivities as we pulled anchor and sailed away into the sunset ourselves. And just like that it was over and we had a seven-day sail and were headed to the Chesapeake to ride out the hurricane season.
Our Adventures Around the World-Leopard 45
