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There
are four major cruising areas in the Bahamas:
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are the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco that is found in the northern Bahamas and occupy the Little Bahama Bank.
The Abacos have become the yacht chartering center of the Bahamas and houses most of the major charter companies,
with more than one hundred power and sailing yachts available for charter. Marsh Harbour, Abaco, is the center
of this thriving industry. There is no doubt because of the off shore islands offer not only a paradise of "gunk
holing" opportunities, but also an inland sea of protected water with good trade winds and minimal heavy weather.
The endless barrier reef offers the epitome to the diver, but no threat to the protected sailor. This combination
is hard to find any place else in the world. |
larger view
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The
second cruising area is made up of Bimini, Cat Cay, the Berries, Nassau, and Andros. The Berry Islands while somewhat
primitive and undeveloped offers the cruising yacht owner an unforgettable experience amongst deserted islands
and cays.
The
third area is the central Bahamas, consisting of Eleuthera, the Exumas - a seemingly endless string of islands
and cays, and Cat Island, where prosperous plantations once flourished, but is now rather poor with only an occasional
yacht stopping to visit.
The
southeastern Bahamas, made up of Long Island, Crooked, and Acklins Islands, Hogsty Reef and Great Inagua, Rum Cay
and Conception Island, San Salvador, Samana Cay and Mayaguana Islands, makes up the last major cruising areas.
San Salvador, famous as a landfall of Columbus, is often used as a departure point for yachts heading south to
the Caribbean, after the hurricane season in the fall.
Yachtsmen
are encouraged to obtain a copy of the "Yachtsman's Guide to the Bahamas" prior to attempting to cruise
these waters. The book will prove to be an invaluable asset.
Flying
and sailing offer many of the same satisfactions to those seeking a peaceful getaway experience. The Bahamas are
a fantastic place to get your feet wet. It really is "Better in the Bahamas"!
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