Reviews from Tom Allison (57)

Anchorage Review for Halifax Bay

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Dec 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

A great place to hang for a day or two. There are two very small beaches you can dinghy to. No services or amenities. One drawback is the local dump burns trash a mile or so away and if the wind is just so you get the enjoy the aroma.

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Anchorage Review for Elizabeth Harbor, Bequia

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Dec 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

One of our favorite stops. This is a big harbor on a small island. It may take a couple of tries to get the anchor to bite. We have not tried a mooring ball here. There are plenty of restaurants, beaches, a nice marine chandlery, and most services are available. Shore access is via a public dock or several private docks (have a drink there and you can stay all day). The downtown area is lively and there always seems to be something going on. Its a small island so expect limited selection in the groceries and being a remote island, prices may seem high, but are reasonable.

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Marina Review for Rodney Bay Marina - St. Lucia (IGY)

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Dec 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

This is an excellent full-service marina sans boat yard. Docks are in very good condition. Staff is friendly and helpful. Amenities are sufficient for most cruisers needs. Fun beaches and shopping are a short taxi ride away.

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Marina Review for Marigot Bay Yacht Haven

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

This is one of the prettiest places I have stayed with a great atmosphere. Contact the marina on Channel 12 Int. They will guide you to and help tie to a mooring ball in the inner harbor. You can opt to anchor outside the inner harbor alongside the well-marked channel. The marina provides showers and garbage service. For an additional fee you can get a day pass to the resort that includes access to the pool, and you can eat food and drink. There are also several other eating options around the bay

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Marina Review for Sandy Lane Yacht Club

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Renamed Sandy Lane Yacht Club this marina has been developed for mega yachts, but welcomes all cruisers. Facilities are excellent and the grounds very well maintained. You have access to multiple restaurants and a pool. The one downside is Canouan does not offer much outside the marina.

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Anchorage Review for Grand Anse

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Sep 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We have been staying here off and on over the last two months. The moorings are good but have been blown around a bit by hurricane Beryl, thus only four starts. Anchoring outside the field is hit and miss. It can get windy and even easterlies can kick up some chop yet most of the time its calm with some mild swell. It's a busy anchorage just outside the main port with plenty of dinghy and small craft traffic. Grand Anse beach is a short ride away with plenty of places to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Port Louis is also close and puts you right next to the heart of St. Georges. Groceries, supplies, boat services and medical services are readily available on shore. This is a city moorage without security, so use common sense, lock your boat and don't leave anything on deck you don't want to lose. Overall, we have felt very safe here.

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Anchorage Review for Ronde Island Grenada

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Sep 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

A great place to get away from the crowds. It might take a few tries to get the anchor to bite. It's best to moor here in east winds and mild seas. There is a small beach with plenty of biting bugs at night. Birds turtles and fish are plentiful. Clear waters make for good snorkeling. We enjoyed three night under favorable conditions

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Marina Review for Grenada Yacht Club

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Jul 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

We visited the club via dinghy today. There is no guest moorage, and membership does not guarantee a slip. The restaurant is open to the public and there is a small dinghy tie up. They also offer diesel and gas and are probably the most convenient source. You do need to contact them in advance by phone at +1 473-440-6826, or VHF channel 16 or 68.

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Anchorage Review for Egmont Harbor

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Jul 4, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We ducked in this pretty little bay last minute to ride out hurricane Beryl. We anchored 50 feet from shore with two anchors and four lines to shore. We held well. During the storm a couple of boats dragged anchor (winds 35 to 40 knots sustained with gusts to 60). After the storm we relocated to the middle and held well on one anchor in 20 feet of water, five to one scope, winds 10-20 knots. Consistent E-SE winds keep your boat pointed in that direction with minimal swing. No significant current or tides.

The few docks are private and discourage dinghies. There are a few gaps in the mangrove that you can use to get to shore. The nearest services are a 15-minute walk away at Le Phare Bleu. There is an excellent small grocery "Meet and Meat", a coffee shop and the restaurant Island Fever. Staff there are friendly and very helpful.

In summary, a good place to ride out a storm or spend a few nights if you don't need shore services.

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Marina Review for Clarkes Court Boatyard & Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Jun 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

We have visited this facility via our dinghy. The docks are in good shape. Onsite there is a plethora of services available. It is also one of the bigger haul out yards for putting boats on the hard during hurricane season. Rates for storage and dockage are competitive. Unfortunately, the restaurant was a disappointment twice. Service was slow and unattentive even by Grenada standards, many menu items not available and overall quality less than many of the other places we have tried.

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Marina Review for Le Phare Bleu Marina & Boutique Hotel

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on May 31, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

This is one of the nicer facilities we have stayed at. The staff is very helpful. Typically, you will med tie. Protection from the south is limited. Also, there is some wave surge. Docks are in decent shape. Watch the electrical, we have experience spikes to 130 volts multiple times. During the summer water may be limited due to shortage. Last, the "Lightship" offers showers and restrooms, but its a bit rough and needs work. On shore the amenities are excellent. A great little grocery, good restaurant, pool, spa and coffee shop are worth the visit. Laundry is expensive as is the boutique. Overall a great place to spend a weekend or a month.

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Marina Review for John P. Rousakis Riverfront Plaza (East)

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on May 31, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

What a fantastic location to visit Savannah. The floating dock is right in the heart of the downtown waterfront. Walk to a plethora of dining, shopping, museums, tours and other entertainment.

Pro's, good floating docks, good cleats and free.
Con's, river traffic, pedestrian traffic no fuel or services.

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Marina Review for Prickly Bay Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Apr 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

There is a small dock with a few slips and at the end are the fuel pumps. Just north is a decent dinghy dock. The marina manages over 40 mooring balls at $20 per night, or $125 per week. Price includes shower facilities on shore. Coin operated laundry is available. The staff was very helpful. Customs and Immigration have offices are prompt, professional and helpful. File your arrival online via Sail Clear. There is a small grocery on site. Other supplies are available nearby. Note, since we left from the USA and are not required to clear when departing, we did not have any documentation of our leaving the US. This baffled our Customs officer. That said, she eagerly made a phone call to confirm we typically wouldn't have any paperwork for US departure. Cruising permits are required and issued for a month at a time. However, if you are pulling the boat out and storing it in a yard, a permit is not required. Visitor visas issued upon arrival for US citizens are for three months and may be extended.

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Marina Review for The Yacht Club Marina at Palmas Del Mar

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Apr 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

This is a very nice marina. Easy well marked entry. Be prepared for fixed concrete docks designed for large yachts. The service and facility are excellent and very convenient. The breakwater provided excellent protection and there was minimal wave surge in the harbor. Most services and conveniences are within walking distances or you can rent either a golf cart or car. Rates were half of what marinas in Fajardo were asking.

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Anchorage Review for Abrahams Bay-Low Point Pass (West End)

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Mar 25, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We stopped here intending to spend the night with a very early departure for the following morning. Be careful entering and exiting as some of the coral heads get close to the surface. Best to enter and exit in daylight. We did drag a bit before the anchor caught. Waves are knocked down by coral, but you still move on the anchor. Ideally you might use this anchorage when winds are from west to north. We cut the stay short as a weather window allowed us to leave at dusk and head straight to the DR.

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Marina Review for Ocean World Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Mar 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

What a great place to pull into. The approach is easy and well-marked. Docks are concrete and fixed. With a two-foot tidal exchange expect to use a lot of lines and fenders. The staff is excellent. Customs and Immigration have offices there. They are friendly and professional. The Marina provides good service. Fuel is readily available. There are restaurants on site and more only ten minutes away. If you are heading south out of the Bahamas this is a great first stop.

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Anchorage Review for Pirates Well-Mayaguana

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Mar 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We have anchored here for the evening, located about halfway between the marker on the chart and the government mail dock. The bottom is sandy and the anchor bit well. We are in the lee of the wind, but there is plenty of roll from swells wrapping around the island. Its a good stop for the night to get some rest, but that's about it.

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Anchorage Review for Crooked Island-Landrail Point

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Mar 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We just spent two nights north of the marker on the map halfway to Pitts Town. About a dozen boats were anchored in the area. The approach is easy, and we anchored about 200 yards offshore in 13 feet of water. We were protected from winds and waves out of the east, but a swell from the southwest gently rocked the boat constantly. This is an exposed anchorage. We did not go to shore, visit either town or the marina. Other boats had no problems beaching dinghies to get to shore. The water was amazingly clear with over 100 feet of visibility, but there is not much to see in the water.

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Anchorage Review for George Town - The Fish Fry

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Mar 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We moved the boat over for the day. The charts are hit and miss on the soundings. Go slow and if possible, have a lookout on the bow. The bottom is mostly sand so if you bump it shouldn't be catastrophic. During a westerly blow, the area becomes crowded with boats. Access to shore is by beaching a dinghy. You can get a meal at the fish fry, which booth is open what yours is random. Just north around the point is Splash, a bar with good salads and sandwiches. Supplies are a bit of a dinghy ride south at George Town. Stocking island across the harbor has a selection of resorts with restaurants and two beach bars.

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Anchorage Review for The Monument/Hamburger Beach

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Mar 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We dropped our anchor at this location during our stay here. The challenge when crowded is not to anchor in the shipping channel. Watch your charts and depth sounder as you approach. There are some "deep" holes at around 11 feet that are ideal for anchoring. Since it is often crowded, plan to use as short a scope as practical for the situation. Shopping is across the harbor and often a bit wet due to fetch. There is good beach access from the Queen's dock.

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Marina Review for St. Francis Resort

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Feb 27, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

St. Francis has some of the nicest docks we have utilized in the Bahamas and stayed six nights. We had four guests join us and rented a houseboat as well to accomodate everyone. Power and water are available. The harbor is well protected from all directions except SW winds. The approach is tricky and shallow, and I would recommend arriving and departing at high tide if you draft more than 3.5 feet. One night at a low positive tide we did bottom out. The restaurant features typical Bahamian options and quality somewhat better than average.
Service was hit and miss depending on who was taking care of you. The two guests in the houseboat received free breakfast, but the four staying on the boat did not. We were paying more for the moorage so that raised our eyebrows. Resort toys and facilities are included and there is excellent access to the Atlantic side of the island. Overall we enjoyed our stay. Kendal (spelling) on the dock was very helpful.

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Anchorage Review for George Town - Crab Cay

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Feb 6, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We are currently riding out some high winds, 30+ knot gusts. The bay is deep when compared to many anchorages in the Bahamas with an easy approach from the east. So far holding is good and wind protection excellent from all directions but east. The anchorage can hold about 15 boats. George Town is a bit of a dinghy ride away, but no more so than from Stocking Island.

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Anchorage Review for Old Bight

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Feb 6, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

This anchorage offers good protection from easterly winds. Holding is in hard sand. The approach is shallow but easy, pay attention to your charts and depth sounder. Shore access is via the beach. Rollezz Beach Villas welcomes cruisers and lets you use their facilities and toys. The proprietors are great. Also, a short walk away is one of the best pizzas we have enjoyed in the Bahamas. Overall, a very relaxing place to spend a few days.

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Anchorage Review for New Bight

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Jan 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

This anchorage is wide open and an easy approach. The bight is shallow so deep er draft vessels should anchor further offshore. Pay attention to your depth sounder when approaching. There are some small uncharted coral heads to watch out for. Holding is good in sand. Limited wind protection from the north and east. We rode out 20 knot winds from the NE. Going ashore is easy if you don't mind beaching your dinghy. There are a number of small places to get a bite to eat. Hiking to the Hermitage is worth the effort.

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Anchorage Review for Conception Island-West Bay

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Jan 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Conception Island is part of the Bahamian National Trust and thus everything is protected. That means there is plenty of wildlife to see. Entering the bay is easy enough in daylight and our Navionics, Aquamaps, Garmin Charts, TX97 charts and C-Map were all accurate enough. At night there are some shallow coral heads to be careful of, but if you pay close attention to the charts you should be okay. Anchoring was easy with good sand and deep water close to the beachThe salt pond is spectacular. You can get a dinghy in at or near high tide. Sea turtles and rays are abundant as well as bird life. The beach is long with soft sand and remarkably clean. Best, however is the snorkeling and diving with plenty of coral and animal life. There are no services or amenities.

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Anchorage Review for Big Galliot Cay

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Jan 5, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We stayed here last night for the first time. Only two boats passed by and there was little or no wind.

Approaching was fine with no concerns. It took two tries to get the anchor to bite. I expect if the winds had picked up we might have dragged a little. Mud from the anchor indicates soft shell filled mud almost a slurry like consistency.

There are no amenities. Shore access via dinghy to a nice beach.

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Anchorage Review for Hatchet Bay

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Dec 14, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We are back after a few weeks and came to ride out four days of predicted winds in the high twenties with gusts in the low to mid-thirties. Twice we have had to reset the anchor as the bottom has given way. Significant muck balls have come up with the anchor. Clearing the anchor and resetting in these conditions is unpleasant at best. Now unfortunately we are anchored over what is probably an old mooring anchor and every time we swing over it the depth alarm is activated. This all said five other boats seem to be holding well.

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Anchorage Review for Governors Harbour

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

After reading the reviews we decided to spend a couple of days here. It took two tries to set the anchor well. Selecting to anchor in 13 feet of water 500 feet off Cupids Cay we did drag in less than 15 knot winds out of the NE, and still had a pretty lively ride. Getting to shore is easy if you don't mind beaching your dinghy. There is no dinghy dock. The community is excellent to explore of foot. Prices were a little higher than we experienced elsewhere in the Bahamas. A good lunch for two at the Buccaneer Club was over $100 and the tip was pre included in the bill. Not able to trust the anchorage and high prices, we cut the stay short and left after the second night.

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Anchorage Review for Hatchet Bay

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 27, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

The deep entry to Hatched Bay is narrow, right around 100 feet wide, so dropped our sails before entering. November is off season, and we were the only transient boat, thus plenty of room to anchor. We decided to anchor north of the entrance. It took a bit to get the anchor to bite in 12 feet of water, but once it did, we held firm. The weather was mild.

Going to shore we used the public dock adjacent to Boater's Haven Bar and Grill in Alice Town. Emmit, the owner graciously welcomed us. Dinner at Twin Brothers was relaxed and very good. Drinks on shore were a touch on the spendy side compared to other places we have visited. According to the locals, there are 12 liquor stores and seven churches. Alice town has many small shops and businesses that may or may not be open. Overall, a fun place to walk around.

We were not able to rent a car. Hatchet Bay Cave and Seahorse National Park were a far enough distance we didn't feel comfortable walking. The Queens Highway can be a bit scary as a pedestrian.

One last note. Sound does carry across the bay. The Catholic church in town was having an event the night we arrived, and we heard everything. Sunday night was most peaceful.

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Anchorage Review for Annie Bight

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We ducked in here on a calm night. Easy to access. You need to get close to the shore to find good sand for anchoring. A bit tentative our first try was too far out, and we did drag a bit, so we went for it again. Much better. There is little protection from winds south to west. A few boats went by, but it was not busy. Land is a short dinghy ride south to Gregory. Along the north wall and outside the bay is excellent snorkeling in fairly clear water. In calm weather it's a nice cove to spend some relaxing time.

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Anchorage Review for Gaulding Point/Twin Sisters Beach

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 24, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

A great anchorage in calm weather and easterly winds. Sandy bottom holds very well. The clear water made it easy to verify the anchor set well.

We landed the dinghy at the beach across the road from the Queens Bath, then made the easy walk to it. Then we walked to the Glass Window. Be careful walking along the road. On the way the Bull and the Cow were interesting. Unable to locate the natural gyser, we continued to El Karaka for a bit of refreshment (cash only). The food looked good, but we only had a drink. Great setting and view.

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Anchorage Review for Lookout Bight

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We spent over a week here in July 2023. Although there are a lot of day boaters, and the national park, think of it as anchoring out without services. That said, there is excellent wave protection and very good holding. A beautiful place for an extended stay with great beaches to walk and lots to explore with a dinghy. It is busy, especially on the weekends. Our charts were accurate, and we had no issues with depth.

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Marina Review for Sawmill Point Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

We spent two months here May thru June in 2023. The focus is full time moorage, not transient. Good docks and plenty deep. Current can be strong. The gang at Off the Hook who run the docks are great. They receive packages, helped me transport 300 feet of anchor chain and more. Prices were very reasonable.

The adjacent apartments which are supposed to supply showers, trash and other amenities does the bare minimum. I don't think management understand what they are responsible to provide. Trash had to be deposited in city trash cans on the boardwalk rather than onsite dumpsters. The one shower and head was never dirty, but never really clean. We had a serious issue with the power pedestal and had to replace two 50ft 30-amp shore power cords. Overall, a good place to stay, but be prepared to be self-sufficient. A good place if you need to hole up for a few months

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Anchorage Review for Bakers Rock/Tahiti Beach

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We moved here from just north for a night. Although there was grass on the bottom the anchor bit hard. The water is deeper than other anchorages on the west side of Elbow Cay, but you will need to be cautious approaching. Good protection from east and west winds, but you will move on the fetch.
Tahiti Beach is a great place to spend time in the sun and water. You can anchor or beach your dinghy. We were lucky and the Thirsty Cuda was there serving very good conch bites.

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Marina Review for Firefly Sunset Resort

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We anchored off the shore here for one night and took the dinghy in. Dinner in the restaurant was better than most we have experienced in the Bahamas. Service was Bahamian casual and friendly. The waters are shallow, so if you draft more than five feet be careful as you would for all the west side of Elbow Cay.

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Anchorage Review for Lighthouse Bay - Hopetown (Outside)

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

A pretty spot to anchor with decent holding. A lot of boats zip by so you will get wakes. Access to Hopetown is a short dinghy ride and there are plenty of docks. Depending on the wind direction it may be a bit lively on the anchor.

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Marina Review for Harbour View Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

We spent two nights here in March 2023. The depth was sufficient and approach very easy. Docks are fixed and in decent condition. Be prepared to set fenders for pilings. Assistance arriving and departing was excellent.

The new office is very elegantly appointed. A nice pool area with individual showering rooms doubles as the bathing facilities and may be used for an additional charge. Laundry was adequate.

Excellent access to shops, restaurants and services in Marsh Harbor. We like to walk, but taxis are readily available.

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Anchorage Review for Great Guana Cay - Orchid Bay

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 5, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Don't bother. We tried to anchor in the harbor, but it was shallow, tight and the moorings seemed insufficient. Thus, one star for anchoring in the harbor. This said smaller boats may fare quite well.

Instead we are anchored just outside the harbor in front of Orchid Bay. It took two tries to get the anchor to hold. The weather is calm with light winds out of the northeast. Our biggest problem has been the passenger ferry to Marsh Harbor passing close by and leaving wakes large enough to dislodge secured and cause minor damage to gear. Next time I will anchor just outside of Fisher Bay.

Dinghy access is excellent and Dive Guana has been great. We rented a golf cart, but really didn't need it. Dining options are limited and so far, underwhelming.

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Anchorage Review for New Plymouth Settlement-Green Turtle Cay

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 5, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We have anchored here twice in 2023. Both times it took two tries to get the anchor to bite. Once it did, we held well, and we felt comfortable leaving the boat to go to shore. Winds were out of the northeast, so we were in the lee with very clam water. There is little or no current.

New Plymouth has a nice dinghy dock and plenty of place to grab a bite to eat, shop and get some provisions.

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Marina Review for Donny's Boat Rentals and Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 5, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Donnie's is a great place to stay on a mooring. He and his crew are very helpful. There is plenty of room at the dinghy dock for going to shore and New Plymouth is a short walk away. We waited out three days and nights of 30 knot winds on a mooring most comfortably.

Our draft is 5 feet, so we entered and exited at high tide. The entrance to Black Sound is shallow and we cleared with less than 12 inches under the keels. Follow the markers, reference your chart and you should be okay. Once in, the bay, the water was plenty deep.

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Anchorage Review for Great Sale Cay - Northwest Harbor

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Oct 24, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We are currently anchored in Northwest Harbor waiting out three days of strong NE winds. Great Sale Cay is flat, and our anemometer is showing steady winds at 20 knots. In the lee of the cay waves are under one foot. The anchor is holding firm.

We made the very easy approach using charts, and never had water under seven feet deep. Although we are the only boat here, there is ample room for countless more.

Access to the shore can be made inside the bay at a couple of small pebble beaches but be careful as there are plenty of rocks. We found and used the "rock" pier mentioned on our charts. At best it's a marginal shore access. Again, be careful of the rocks. The trail to the ruins is very overgrown and we gave up after about 300 yards. We did find them from the beach on the west shore of the cay.

Despite the wind, this will be a great place to spend a couple of days.

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Anchorage Review for Cumberland Island

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Aug 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Great anchorage. It's off the intracoastal so not too many boats zip by. Light tidal currents. Wind from the South and north can make for some uncomfortable fetch. Easy access to Cumberland Island via park docks. Pay attention to your charts and you should be fine.

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Free Dock Review for St. Marys Day Dock

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Aug 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

A fun place for a couple of hours and a meal. Great dinghy dock, free for six hours. Unfortunately no immediate services such as fuel, groceries or transient moorage. Overall worth the stop

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Marina Review for Port of Friday Harbor

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Jun 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Right in the heart of the community with all the services you would need. Docks are nice and very long. Boat wakes make it past floating breakwater

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Marina Review for Roche Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Jun 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent facility well protected. Shops, groceries, fuel and restaurants. Staff abundant and helpful. Beautiful location

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Marina Review for La Conner Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Jun 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We visited as guests on another boat.

Accessed via the Swinomish Channel it can be tricky especially at low tide. Mooring can be a challenge as there is often strong current and/or wind. You may or may not have help with lines from the dock.

The docks are good and stable. Facilities are limited to bathrooms and showers that are spartan but clean.

LaConner is a great place to spend a day or two shopping many fine stores and eating in above average restaurants.

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Anchorage Review for Meeks Patch

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Apr 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We spent two nights on the east side, one night on the west side and two more nights on the east side to avoid wind fetch. Both spots held well, plenty of room and excellent beach access. Its a wonderful place for swimming and water activities with decent snorkeling on the SE reefs. There is a swimming pig concession towards the south on the west beach with nice facilities. Spanish Wells is only a few minutes away via dinghy and you will feel wakes from all the traffic in and out of there. Fortunately, they are pretty mellow by the time they reach you.

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Anchorage Review for Man-O-War Cay & Dickies Cay

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Apr 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We ducked behind Dickies Cay for a four day stretch of 25 knots winds out of the NE and held very well. There were multiple dinghy tie ups, we used the public dock. Our day on shore was Easter and nothing was open. Went back two days later. The coffee shop had some nice pastries, and the grocery store was better stocked than many we have been to. A good place for a one or two night stop.

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Anchorage Review for Lighthouse Bay - Hopetown (Outside)

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Apr 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We stopped here for three nights when strong east winds were blowing. The actual harbor is packed with tight moorings, so don't expect to anchor in the harbor. Some boat wakes, during the day and calm at night. It took two tries to find a spot of sand that would hold, but here are plenty here.

This is one of the most cruiser friendly places we have been in the Bahamas. In the harbor, there are several places to moor a dinghy free. We enjoyed two meals in local restaurants and drinks in many more. In the morning you may take trash to the government dock on scheduled days. The light house is worth the trip. I expect with a little more time and exploring there is much more to do. Note, we tried to rent a golf cart, but could not due to they have to be reserved a week in advance.

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Marina Review for Spanish Wells Marine and Hardware

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Mar 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Stopped to fuel dinghy. Friendly service. They add 4% to the bill to pay with credit card.

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Anchorage Review for Shroud Cay North

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Mar 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We recently spent three nights north of the mooring field on the other side of the peninsula riding out a strong SE wind. The anchor held well.

Its a beautiful location. Exploring the water channel into and through the cay was interesting and filled with wildlife. Check out the "Washing Machine" and Camp Driftwood.

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Anchorage Review for Highbourne Cay West

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Feb 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We stopped here for our first stop ever in the Exumas. There is no real protection. We had a gentle SSW wind under ten knots and it was a bit lively on the anchor. That said it was much more stable than where we anchored in Nassau. With winds out of the east it should be excellent. There is plenty of room so even though there were a lot of boats, it was not crowded.

We did not take advantage of any on shore services or such like.

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Anchorage Review for Nassau Harbour Eastern Anchorage

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Feb 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We are currently anchored here. And it is overflowing with boats. Essentially two rows one closer to shore and the outer row encroaching on the sea channel. As such local boats come through constantly and there is no wake restriction.

Approach cautiously, soundings on the chart are mostly accurate, but we did have a few moments of concern. Recommend using a recent trackline if you can.

We couldn't find a dinghy dock, but some of the marinas will let you tie up for a fee. Fuel is readily available with a wide range of pricing. There is a decent marine supply and very good grocery store within walking distance. Restaurants are plentiful. Downtown is about a 30 minute walk. There are some really interesting shops mixed in with the typical cruise port tourist stores. You can see it all in a day

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Marina Review for Federal Point Yacht Club Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Feb 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We spent a week there in September. An absolutely fantastic experience. Great facilities and wonderful staff. Other reviews cover the plethora of places to eat, services, supplies and things to do.

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Anchorage Review for Fort Pierce Channel

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Feb 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We recently spent an extended time in Ft. Pierce for repairs. We found the entrance channel to be wide and deep, and for us easy to navigate.

Prior to haul out, mid December, we anchored on the south side of the channel in front of the beach. Initially we held very well. But after several days of conflicting currents and wind the boat spun itself out and drifted. February, after repairs, we launched and again anchored waiting for a weather window to head south. Strong winds and conflicting currents spun the boat and broke us free three times during our nine day wait. We tried locations both north and south of the channel. At times of light wind and/or slack tide we felt comfortable enough to leave the boat. During night when the wind was strong we kept an anchor watch.

That said, Ft. Pierce has a lot to offer and is worth the visit. There are many good restaurants, marine services and the city marina has a great location at downtown with a good dinghy dock.

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Anchorage Review for South Lake

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Feb 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We spent two weeks anchored here. It is well protected and was not too crowded. There are no dinghy docks nearby and thus egress from the boat required creativity. We used a boat ramp in North Lake for drop off and pick up. You cannot leave a dinghy there unattended. During a strong westerly wind, we did drag some, and observed other vessels dragging as well. On calm days we were comfortable leaving the boat.

The approach is a bit tricky as there is a shallow bar from the north shore along the intercoastal waterway. Follow the soundings marked on the charts that line up with the south shore of the "keyhole" and you should be okay. Go slow if you draft more than 4 feet.

The anchorage is visited by day boaters who come to party, especially on the weekends. This section of the intracoastal and the lake allows boats to travel fast, so wakes are frequent and sometimes large. Small boats and personal watercraft use the lake as a play area, so expect noise and more wakes as they weave through the anchored boats.

North along the intracoastal there are some nice restaurants you can tie up to for a meal off boat.

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Anchorage Review for Frazer's Hog Cay (East)

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Feb 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We have been in the anchorage two nights 900 feet from shore. It's very peaceful and we have only experienced moderate winds. It took two tries to get the anchor to set, but once it did, we were solid. Getting to shore is a quick dinghy hop. The beach was littered with debris. Live conch was easily found if not actually abundant. There are some abandoned ruins and little else to see. Use bug repellent. Mosquitos and no-seeums were fierce even out on the boat. Each morning our boat was blanketed with insects.

We draft five feet and arrived at near low tide. As you enter the channel on the east side of Chub Cay heading NNE passing Texaco Point it is shallow and you should proceed slowly with caution. Recommend arriving at or near high tide if possible.

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