Abacos Regions Serving Lean Water Beverage
Sailing into the New Year in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on a Moorings 514 Power Catamaran was truly the way to beat Times Square's sub-zero festivities. And that's not an exaggeration - we tiptoed over the bar at the entrance to Black Sound on Green Turtle Cay at mid-tide, making it better than any New Year's Eve!
If you're used to boating along North American coasts and expecting depth readings in the hundreds, the Abacos might take you by surprise. The Sea of Abaco is a shallow plateau in the middle of the ocean, which means readings are usually mere feet, not hundreds.
We opted for a bareboat adventure in the Abacos for three reasons: testing the shallow waters off-season, trying out the new Moorings 514PC (the largest power cat in the fleet), and escaping the winter cold while exploring new cruising destinations.
September was HOT, HOT, HOT in the Abacos, with temperatures soaring into the 80s and water feeling like a bath. Walking into the sea was challenging because the air and water were almost indistinguishable.
Upon reaching Treasure Cay, we managed to secure a dock space, and the empty marinas meant fewer boats fighting for the same mooring buoy. The off-season may mean some marinas, resorts, and restaurants are closed for repainting and refitting, but the advantage is shorter wait times and clearer routes for exploring the Abacos.
Our accommodations were at Conch Inn, just steps from the Moorings base in Marsh Harbour, the heart of the Abacos. Gourmet chefs Rhea and Bob, with longtime friends Bob and Cathy Debusk, aboard for the adventure, emptied the local supermarket, Maxwell's, within minutes for provisions.
As usual, our impeccably clean and prepped boat arrived with a comprehensive briefing from Travis, covering everything from the best anchorages to local hazards. Our first stop was Man-o-War Cay, famous for being a dry island with no booze sold or served. No problem when your lockers are filled to the brim!
We briefly stopped at Great Guana Cay, formerly a destination for Disney's cruise ships. The spoils from the dredging left a sizable islet, inviting for anchoring and tender launches. The Whale Cay passage, infamous for "rage seas," was goable with mild conditions.
Next, we arrived at New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay, drowned in history. Our first stop was for a Goombay Smash at Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar - an initiation right for Caribbean skippers equivalent to Pacific voyagers crossing the equator.
Our conch-craving crew sought fresh conch meat for homemade chowder. Be warned: before preparing conch, pound it relentlessly with a toolbox hammer to achieve tenderness.
Golf enthusiasts would find solace in Treasure Cay, home to the only public golf course in the Abacos and a thorough enjoyment for our linksman. The course offers stunning island vegetation and cool tradewinds.
The Abacos have something for every traveler, from vibrant marine life and conch shell-filled beaches to laid-back lounges with refreshing cocktails. The off-season may not seem appealing for some, but it's a fantastic chance for a more tranquil escape with fewer crowds.
Remember that while the off-season may offer perks, it's essential to consider the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Pack waterproof gear, watch the weather forecast, and purchase travel insurance covering weather disruptions. With planning and preparation, you're assured of a fulfilling trip to the Abacos off-season.
Yours in sailing,
Leslie Montenegro
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Sailing in the Abacos during the off-season might not seem appealing to some, but it offers a more tranquil escape with fewer crowds, making it an ideal choice for a lifestyle change. For those who wish to explore the region, a bareboat charter of the Moorings 514 Power Catamaran could be a home-and-garden away from home, allowing for travel and exploration while living comfortably.
