The Crossing

After motoring out of Biscayne Bay through Biscayne Channel at first light:

We headed east adding about 20 degrees to compensate for the Gulf Stream.  We ended up with winds out of the south southeast clocking to the south at about 12 to 15 knots by afternoon.  The seas started out very benign, but became rather rollicking in the center of the Gulf Stream and continued rather agitated as we approached North Bimini. 

Waves Breaking on the Inlet Sand Bar

As we approached the inlet there was a lot of chatter on the VHF radio.  Seems several of the other captains did not have current charts and all were worried about the depths over a sand bar guarding the inlet at low tide.  As we approached the inlet, all eyes were on us and we were asked to report the depth after we were through.  I saw 5'7" once and Pollie says she saw 5'3".  After our report, several of the boats with 7' drafts decided to wait for the tide to come in.  We love our 4'2" draft.

Previous Attempts

The "coconut telegraph" rumored that the customs officials in Bimini were only giving 30 day cruising permits, and if you wanted to stay longer, you had to request an extension in Nassau or at another port.  We found this not to be true.  Our permit expires on June 5, 2011.  I was very prepared, very friendly, and we are not carrying weapons; that seemed to help.