This part of the Gulf Stream is within the Bermuda Triangle. As you cruise east from Florida the water drops from 20 feet on the reef to 200, and then to over 2000 feet in the Gulf Stream. The stream moves northward at between 2 and 3 knots, and is a predominate factor in the weather of the eastern seaboard of the US. The crossing becomes intimidating as you can see no sight of land 360 degs. around you.(the ocean seems very large). If the winds have a north component the waves can be huge (10 feet or more). We waited in Florida for a weather window that would make our crossing safe. We left on Tuesday at 8:00 am from Coconut Grove, Miami and had only 2 to 4 foot waves directly on our bow, in other words a smooth crossing.
We arrived in Cat Cay (near Bimini) early Tuesday afternoon January 2, 2007. Cat Cay is a private island, but cruisers can clear customs at the marina. We were able to get a mooring and have been enjoying this beautiful island. We received some Wahoo steaks from a friendly Bahamian who was cleaning fish on our pier. Fish scraps attract large rays and the occasional shark. The clearest and most beautiful waters we have seen thus far.
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