A Rage

The cuts between the cays can get rather “sporty” if conditions are right.  When the tidal current is flowing in or out and the wind is blowing against it, you get a condition called a rage.  Note the catamaran in the photo below.  Normally you do not see much roll, but this cat’s mast was all over the place.  

Of course, following the charts is a good idea, but occasionally the charts have a “VPR” notation on certain routes.  VPR stands for “visual piloting required,” e.g., Pollie on the bow giving me hand signals.  After awhile you get used to eyeball navigation and reading the water.

"Water that's blue is deep and true;

As it shades to green, the water gets lean;

White or yellow will ground a fellow;

If the water is brown, you'll run hard aground;

If the water is black, you'd better tack."