Hello everyone,
I am planning a week in Bimini. The crossing is scheduled for November 6th (weather permitting).
Anyone crossing around that time?
Any advice?
Cheers,
Fred
Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
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markh1f
- Engineer
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:15 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
Don't go if the wind is out of the north, with the gulf stream moving north the waves get big and square in a hurry. South wind is best as that will flatten out he gulf stream but anything but north is OK as long as it is not blowing too hard. Where are you crossing from?
Fair Winds,
Mark
Fair Winds,
Mark
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Chinook
- Admiral
- Posts: 1730
- Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 7:20 pm
- Location: LeavenworthWA 2002 26x, Suzuki DF60A
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
Where are you crossing from? We departed from No Name Harbor on Key Biscayne, which worked well. We cleared customs at Alice Town on North Bimini, and stayed at Bimini Blue Water Resort marina while there. We were pleased with their rates and facilities, especially their pool. We had a great dinner at the Big Game Club restaurant. We also recommend picking up a loaf of Bimini bread, which is delicious. Hope the weather cooperates with your planned crossing schedule. It's a fun place to visit.
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GaryMayo
- First Officer
- Posts: 450
- Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 10:29 pm
- Location: Branched Oak YC Sailboat: Clipper Marine 32 fin Aft Cabin Ketch Yanmar 8 Diesel 6 Wheels 4 Hasps
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
It looks like if you blink, you could miss it. An Amelia Earhart and Howe island kind of a deal.
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mrbillfll
- Engineer
- Posts: 104
- Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2011 6:31 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26D
- Location: fort lauderdale, fl
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
will you head to miami 1st, or leave out of port everglades? pls report on gal / hour and fuel used. (do you plan to sail across, or motor?)Fred Rio wrote:Hello everyone,
I am planning a week in Bimini. The crossing is scheduled for November 6th (weather permitting).
Anyone crossing around that time?
Any advice?
Cheers,
Fred
& have a kalik for me!
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Fred Rio
- Deckhand
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Sat Aug 21, 2010 4:59 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Weston, Florida, USA
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
I live in close to Miami so the plan is to leave from No Name Harbor.
I will make sure to report on fuel used etc ... We are going to write a blog for reference for future adventurers.
I will make sure to avoid crossing with North winds, but I only have a week off, so ...
Fred
I will make sure to report on fuel used etc ... We are going to write a blog for reference for future adventurers.
I will make sure to avoid crossing with North winds, but I only have a week off, so ...
Fred
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Benmcgov
- Chief Steward
- Posts: 67
- Joined: Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:22 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: South Carolina 97 Macgregor 26x - Merc 90hp -
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
I can't wait to hear how it went. We are planning a trip late winter early spring!
Cheers,
Ben
Cheers,
Ben
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mrbillfll
- Engineer
- Posts: 104
- Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2011 6:31 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26D
- Location: fort lauderdale, fl
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
things you want to bring back: square bottle of mount gay rum, or vat 19 rum...
if you can find it....
and try some of the clear bottle becks! mmmm!!! or the kalik's
*(you can get the kalik's here but none of the other stuff)
if they have turtle on the menu try that too...
+ ask for the fishing endorsement... free but you need to ask.
GL!
if you can find it....
and try some of the clear bottle becks! mmmm!!! or the kalik's
*(you can get the kalik's here but none of the other stuff)
if they have turtle on the menu try that too...
+ ask for the fishing endorsement... free but you need to ask.
GL!
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DaveB
- Admiral
- Posts: 2543
- Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2008 2:34 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Cape Coral, Florida,1997 Mac. X, 2013 Merc.50hp Big Foot, sold 9/10/15
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
I would wait another 2 weeks as hurricane season ends Nov.30th and we have seen strong formation this time of year.
Homestead has a great launch area and so does Black Point. These are a great area to Launch to get to Bimini.
Another place is South Dade Marina $5 a day to store boat and launch.
http://southdademarina.com/
All others are $15 a day plus.
Dave
Homestead has a great launch area and so does Black Point. These are a great area to Launch to get to Bimini.
Another place is South Dade Marina $5 a day to store boat and launch.
http://southdademarina.com/
All others are $15 a day plus.
Dave
Fred Rio wrote:Hello everyone,
I am planning a week in Bimini. The crossing is scheduled for November 6th (weather permitting).
Anyone crossing around that time?
Any advice?
Cheers,
Fred
-
Fred Rio
- Deckhand
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Sat Aug 21, 2010 4:59 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Weston, Florida, USA
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
Hello everyone,
We made it to Bimini and back safe and sound. It was a fantastic trip!
The crossing on the way out was quite extreme as we had a VERY strong NE wind. As soon as we got on the open water and saw the size of the waves and the strength of the wind we decided that we would keep on going as long as we could see the Miami skyline and then we would take a decision ... endure on or spend the week in Key Largo. Well, by the time the skyline started to fade we were 23 Nmiles out, which is the half way, so we just figured we'd keep going. Needless to say it was the longest 8 hrs of my life, but we made it safe and sound.
We had four fantastic days in and sailing around Bimini. The crossing back was one of the best sailing experiences in my life.
A few comments/tips/lessons learned.
1) fuel consumption: the plan always was to motorsail.
On the way out we hoisted a reefed main and kept the engine at 2400 rpm. The wind was 24 miles per hour with gusts to 45 and we were closed hauled. This gave us an average speed of 6knots on the GPS. (4.5 climbing the waves, 7.5 surfing down the back side). It took us 7.5 hrs from the last bouy on Key Biscane to the Bimini harbor. The wind would often calm down a bit and we'd have 20 minutes of "peace", but then it was followed by 20 minutes of pure hull. We used 12 gallons of fuel with 60 Hp E-tech.
On the way back we had 18 knots of NW wind. The wind was very constant and the waves were round. We had a reefed main, the jib and engine at 2200 rpm and averaged 7.5 knots. The sun was shining, we surfed the waves the whole time and it was a total blast. The boat was stable, it was warm and less than 4 hrs into the trip we started seeing the Miami skyline. We used 8 gallons of fuel.
With 36 gallons on board I had plenty of fuel for the whole trip. Fuel in Bimini was 6.05$/G
2) the Mac: the Mac may be a total compromise and we can all sit here and make a long list of things that could be better but ... it is one hull of a seaworthy vessel. With the reefed main, 1.5 ft of daggerboard and the engine running the boat was very very easy to steer even in the middle of the choppy, foamy, crossed mega waves of the Gulf Stream with a strong NE wind. When the sets of big waves would come I would easily steer the boat into the waves and ride right up. At the very top I would quickly rotate the boat towards the East so that the hull would not slam when we would start falling on the back side. Because the engine turns with the rudders you get a lot of thrust steering. The main gave the boat a lot of stability so it didn't rock too much. We had enough daggerboard to keep the boat going forward, but not too much that we would cause excessive drag or strain. When we would get a large wave that would break the foam would cover the deck and cockpit but it evacuated really quickly. At no time I felt that the boat was close to a limit.
This crossing with any similar size sailboat that didn't have a centrally mounted engine, or retractable daggerboard could not have been done. Period.
I now feel very confident with what the Mac can put up with.
On the way back we had to surf the waves that were coming from behind at ap45 degs. When the sails were set properly the boat had a tendency to broach as we surfed down the waves. I over trimmed the jib and would let out the main. By doing this the boat would keep on going straight without any need to steer it.
3) the human factor: if you are going to make a crossing in rough conditions don't underestimate the amount of fatigue that you are going to go through. I never felt in danger, but by the end of the trip I was exhausted. First of all, once you start, you are going to be in the same position for 8 hours! I had my legs on each side of the wheel support, a cushion below me and one behind me. I was steering with my right hand and had the main sheet in the left. I was quite comfortable, but after 8 hours I was beat. My right arm and fingers were killing me because of the constant steering, my face was scorched by the sun, my eyes burning from taking so much spray and I had ingested enough saltwater to kill a dolphin. When we finally saw Bimini I was so relieved. I could not stand the howling of the wind through the shrouds.
For those of you that are thinking of using an autopilot ... BE AWARE! There is an INSANE amount of naval traffic and if you dose off you have a very good chance of hitting a freighter or cruise ship.
4) the E-Tech: I have nothng but praises for this little 60 Hp hero. Not a sputter, not a cough, not a hic-up. I was pleased with the fuel consumption, the torque going up the waves and rev control when it would come out of the water (at the top of each large wave).
5) customs anyone? Upon our return I had planned on packing the boat on the trailer and then calling customs to report our arrival. BIG MISTAKE! The customs officers had noticed our car and trailer in the parking lot during the week and so they kept an eye out for our arrival. As soon as we pulled the boat out of the water two Suburbans pulled up and out of the blue we had 6 agents rummaging through the boat, the car and our luggage and provisions. Luckily my BB was not working properly so I was able to explain why we hadn't called customs yet. They waited for me to pull the battery from the phone, restart it and report to customs. In end they saw that were just a couple that wanted to have a nice romantic week in Bimini so they quickly became friendly and started chatting with us. They wanted to know how many boat with American flags we had encountered etc ... Moral of the story? Report your arrival before you hit the doc!
6) when in Bimini: when we arrived in Bmini the waves at the harbor entrance were massive tubes. I knew we were in high tide so I decided that we would come in through the shallows on the East side ... With the Mac at high tide, it was no problem!
Make sure that you go to Honeymoon harbor and Victory Shoals ... They are breathtaking!
Sailing around to discover the local wonders, snorkeling and fishing will easily fill up 5 days. The town it's self isn't much, but it is definitely worth spend a day walking around.
Best times to go are March through August.
If anyone wants any more info feel free to give me a call.
Anyone up for a trip next year? We'll be going back for sure.
Fred
We made it to Bimini and back safe and sound. It was a fantastic trip!
The crossing on the way out was quite extreme as we had a VERY strong NE wind. As soon as we got on the open water and saw the size of the waves and the strength of the wind we decided that we would keep on going as long as we could see the Miami skyline and then we would take a decision ... endure on or spend the week in Key Largo. Well, by the time the skyline started to fade we were 23 Nmiles out, which is the half way, so we just figured we'd keep going. Needless to say it was the longest 8 hrs of my life, but we made it safe and sound.
We had four fantastic days in and sailing around Bimini. The crossing back was one of the best sailing experiences in my life.
A few comments/tips/lessons learned.
1) fuel consumption: the plan always was to motorsail.
On the way out we hoisted a reefed main and kept the engine at 2400 rpm. The wind was 24 miles per hour with gusts to 45 and we were closed hauled. This gave us an average speed of 6knots on the GPS. (4.5 climbing the waves, 7.5 surfing down the back side). It took us 7.5 hrs from the last bouy on Key Biscane to the Bimini harbor. The wind would often calm down a bit and we'd have 20 minutes of "peace", but then it was followed by 20 minutes of pure hull. We used 12 gallons of fuel with 60 Hp E-tech.
On the way back we had 18 knots of NW wind. The wind was very constant and the waves were round. We had a reefed main, the jib and engine at 2200 rpm and averaged 7.5 knots. The sun was shining, we surfed the waves the whole time and it was a total blast. The boat was stable, it was warm and less than 4 hrs into the trip we started seeing the Miami skyline. We used 8 gallons of fuel.
With 36 gallons on board I had plenty of fuel for the whole trip. Fuel in Bimini was 6.05$/G
2) the Mac: the Mac may be a total compromise and we can all sit here and make a long list of things that could be better but ... it is one hull of a seaworthy vessel. With the reefed main, 1.5 ft of daggerboard and the engine running the boat was very very easy to steer even in the middle of the choppy, foamy, crossed mega waves of the Gulf Stream with a strong NE wind. When the sets of big waves would come I would easily steer the boat into the waves and ride right up. At the very top I would quickly rotate the boat towards the East so that the hull would not slam when we would start falling on the back side. Because the engine turns with the rudders you get a lot of thrust steering. The main gave the boat a lot of stability so it didn't rock too much. We had enough daggerboard to keep the boat going forward, but not too much that we would cause excessive drag or strain. When we would get a large wave that would break the foam would cover the deck and cockpit but it evacuated really quickly. At no time I felt that the boat was close to a limit.
This crossing with any similar size sailboat that didn't have a centrally mounted engine, or retractable daggerboard could not have been done. Period.
I now feel very confident with what the Mac can put up with.
On the way back we had to surf the waves that were coming from behind at ap45 degs. When the sails were set properly the boat had a tendency to broach as we surfed down the waves. I over trimmed the jib and would let out the main. By doing this the boat would keep on going straight without any need to steer it.
3) the human factor: if you are going to make a crossing in rough conditions don't underestimate the amount of fatigue that you are going to go through. I never felt in danger, but by the end of the trip I was exhausted. First of all, once you start, you are going to be in the same position for 8 hours! I had my legs on each side of the wheel support, a cushion below me and one behind me. I was steering with my right hand and had the main sheet in the left. I was quite comfortable, but after 8 hours I was beat. My right arm and fingers were killing me because of the constant steering, my face was scorched by the sun, my eyes burning from taking so much spray and I had ingested enough saltwater to kill a dolphin. When we finally saw Bimini I was so relieved. I could not stand the howling of the wind through the shrouds.
For those of you that are thinking of using an autopilot ... BE AWARE! There is an INSANE amount of naval traffic and if you dose off you have a very good chance of hitting a freighter or cruise ship.
4) the E-Tech: I have nothng but praises for this little 60 Hp hero. Not a sputter, not a cough, not a hic-up. I was pleased with the fuel consumption, the torque going up the waves and rev control when it would come out of the water (at the top of each large wave).
5) customs anyone? Upon our return I had planned on packing the boat on the trailer and then calling customs to report our arrival. BIG MISTAKE! The customs officers had noticed our car and trailer in the parking lot during the week and so they kept an eye out for our arrival. As soon as we pulled the boat out of the water two Suburbans pulled up and out of the blue we had 6 agents rummaging through the boat, the car and our luggage and provisions. Luckily my BB was not working properly so I was able to explain why we hadn't called customs yet. They waited for me to pull the battery from the phone, restart it and report to customs. In end they saw that were just a couple that wanted to have a nice romantic week in Bimini so they quickly became friendly and started chatting with us. They wanted to know how many boat with American flags we had encountered etc ... Moral of the story? Report your arrival before you hit the doc!
6) when in Bimini: when we arrived in Bmini the waves at the harbor entrance were massive tubes. I knew we were in high tide so I decided that we would come in through the shallows on the East side ... With the Mac at high tide, it was no problem!
Make sure that you go to Honeymoon harbor and Victory Shoals ... They are breathtaking!
Sailing around to discover the local wonders, snorkeling and fishing will easily fill up 5 days. The town it's self isn't much, but it is definitely worth spend a day walking around.
Best times to go are March through August.
If anyone wants any more info feel free to give me a call.
Anyone up for a trip next year? We'll be going back for sure.
Fred
-
Sumner
- Admiral
- Posts: 2375
- Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 3:20 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
- Location: SE Utah
- Contact:
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
Great trip report Fred and you are braver than I amFred Rio wrote:Hello everyone, We made it to Bimini and back safe and sound. It was a fantastic trip!. Fred
,Sum
Our Endeavour 37
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Our MacGregor S Pages
Mac-Venture Links
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Fred Rio
- Deckhand
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Sat Aug 21, 2010 4:59 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Weston, Florida, USA
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
There is a very fine line between bravery and stupidity ... but I have to say I am very proud of how I handled the ordeal. Most proud though, I am of Andrea, who braved the crossing with her signature smile. She's a keeper!!!
Fred
Fred
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Chinook
- Admiral
- Posts: 1730
- Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 7:20 pm
- Location: LeavenworthWA 2002 26x, Suzuki DF60A
Re: Crossing to Bimini on November 6th
Hi Fred,
Regarding Customs, next time you go, check into the Small Boat Reporting System ahead of time. This program allows you to register with Customs before you leave. They schedule a meeting with you before you depart, and I presume run a standard background check. They issue you and your crew members identification cards, which you use when clearing back in the US. You electronically file a float plan before taking off, and then clearing in simply involves making a cell phone call to Customs. You give them your names, boat name, and SBRS numbers, and you're in. We did this for our Bahamas cruise and it worked great. We returned via the St. Lucie Inlet. I phoned Customs while anchored at Manatee Pocket and they gave us our clearance number over the phone. We never had to go anywhere to report.
Regarding Customs, next time you go, check into the Small Boat Reporting System ahead of time. This program allows you to register with Customs before you leave. They schedule a meeting with you before you depart, and I presume run a standard background check. They issue you and your crew members identification cards, which you use when clearing back in the US. You electronically file a float plan before taking off, and then clearing in simply involves making a cell phone call to Customs. You give them your names, boat name, and SBRS numbers, and you're in. We did this for our Bahamas cruise and it worked great. We returned via the St. Lucie Inlet. I phoned Customs while anchored at Manatee Pocket and they gave us our clearance number over the phone. We never had to go anywhere to report.