Marsh Harbor, Abacos

From Great Guana we sailed south to Marsh Harbor, the largest town in the Abacos. They actually have a supermarket that rivals stateside (except for the prices). We are anchored off of the Marsh Harbor Marina and Jibroom Restaurant/Bar (photo on left), a local sailor's hangout. We had a great baby back ribs meal there Weds. night with new and old boating friends. We actually ran into Chuck and Bonnie Morrell on StarGazer, a Hunter 41 from Sturgeon Bay!! Small world.......


Met a couple from Florida that have been sailing their Catana 401 for the last 7 years. Larry and Bonnie included us in a cocktail gathering on their boat one evening. Nice boat... They're taking off for the BVI's non-stop in the next day or so.

Marsh Harbor is the charter hub for the Abacos. Sunsail and The Moorings both maintain a fleet of boats here. The fleets are larger than I expected.
A big cold front is about to pass through so we are hunkered down with the 22# Delta and Fortress 23 deployed. Hoping to head to the other side of the bay to check out Snappas Grill and Chill tonight..

Great Guana Cay

We sailed from Manjack, through the "Whale" to Great Guana Cay. The "Whale" is a local passage through shallows from the ocean that can create a "rage" with the wind and tides that one doesn't want to mess with. It is named after Whale Cay, located there. In fact, just south of the Whale, Disney Corp dredged out a channel to Great Guana for small cruise ships to land. The beginnings of an amusement park were built on the northern end of Great Guana, but it was soon discovered that even the cruise ships couldn't navigate the "Whale". Disney abandoned the development, but never fear, now another developer is working on a golf course resort and private development with lots starting at $4 Million.... Another story.

We spent three nights on Great Guana anchored off the beach in front of "Grabbers" Bar/restaurant. We had the great privilege of witnessing the annual Barefoot Man Concert at Nippers Bar on the ocean side. See http://www.nippersbar.com/ Basically, the Barefoot Man party is like spring break, only for mostly old farts.... I estimate about 200 boats came to the Cay for the concert. We left before the rum took over the crowd.

The beach in front of Nippers...

I have signed up for a month of way to expensive wifi but it is extremely slow and I am having issues with uploading photos. Every now and then I am able to upload some from the boat but when I get to shore I will add more...

Manjack Cay

We spent a night on Manjack, after an invite from some other boaters to join them for a beach bonfire. After this photo was taken, they showed up with some steak and lobster they grilled on the fire. Freshest lobster we've ever eaten!!

Manjack is a private Island that the owners, being former cruisers allow the boaters access. Great beaches with reefs for snorkeling just offshore. We'll be sure to stop back here when we start to head back...