****New Poll****West End / Gathering?

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by jnamowitz

What is the distance for the crossing? I might be interested. I would just trailer up from key west. I would also be in for a key largo meet up

West End is 60 nm from Palm Beach/Lake Worth Inlet, bearing ~90 degrees true, although you'll have to head about 95 deg (at 20 kts) to compensate for 2.5-3 kt Gulf Stream current. If you launch further south and use Boynton or Boca Raton inlets, you won't have to fight the current, although those can be much trickier inlets if wind is opposing the current!

There is a nice reef in about 80' off West End (with lot's of current - float dive only!) and a cement ship wreck in about 120' off Lucaya; visibility is typically 50'+. There is also a DC-4 drug runner plane wreck in about 20' north of Great Sale Cay . . . loaded with yellowtail but also lots of big 'Cuda's, so good luck getting a yellowtail to the boat intact! Can't use any spear guns in Bahamas, although you can use slings or pole spears if free diving. NO spearfishing of any kind allowed if tank diving. I believe a fishing license is included with the Cruising Permit. The customs/immigration paperwork is interesting . . . it dates from the 18th century and they'll want a crew manifest, and also want to know what your cargo is, if anyone has any diseases or if anyone died during the voyage!

[NoBones]

Originally Posted by Bushwacker

it dates from the 18th century and they'll want a crew manifest, and also want to know what your cargo is, if anyone has any diseases or if anyone died during the voyage!

That means GFS is all yours Denny !

He usually travels with his own body bag..

[Bushwacker]

[QUOTE=NoBones;241100. . . He usually travels with his own body bag.. [/QUOTE]

That should pacify the customs guys!

[DonV]

Yeah Ken, I noticed his "sleeping bag" at Long Point a couple of years ago was rather strange. I guess when your sleeping on a picnic table out in the weather a water proof bag is a good idea.

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by NoBones

That means GFS is all yours Denny !

He usually travels with his own body bag..

I can sleep behind my live well.

The picnic table was the only dry body bag.

I believe I saw the Wood family floating by just before sunrise...

[Snookerd]

Originally Posted by gofastsandman

I believe I saw the Wood family floating by just before sunrise...

I resemble that comment!

I totally agree about the need for an open weather window when crossing over to the Bahamas. I started sailing there with my family in 1974. We got caught in a tropical storm off of West End. We turned around and went back. We ended up flying home a few days later. I think everyone that understands the crossing knows the drill. Those who do not understand the crossing at the very least have a lesson in front of them.