DAY 3, MONDAY MAY 4, 2009
0645 -The Suncoast Grady White Club from Cannons Marina loosened the lines and headed to the inlet. The sun was peeking over the trees lining the Manatee Pocket. We followed several large sport fishermen through the pass and out into the broad Atlantic for the 67 nautical mile trip to West End, Bahamas.
The seas were forecast at 2 to 4 feet. I think we were on the high side of that forecast and maybe higher. It was a rough crossing, but the Gradys’ never faltered.
As we crossed the Gulf Stream, the wind seemed to pick up and the ocean got choppier. It took us five and a half hours to make the 67 nautical miles, but we kept plugging along, bows trimmed down, at about 17 knots.
The consensus of the crews was “Glad we had the Gradys.” The only hiccup in the crossing was Griffin’s inability to read his GPS correctly, so Pharmasea who was following Recess, got to practice some heavy weather seamanship. Seery finally convinced Griffin that he needed to reset his GPS. That fixed the problem, but Griffin was heard to grumble that it wasn’t his fault if the dumb autopilot couldn’t follow a course [sounds like an excuse?]!
We sailed into the marina at Old Bahama Bay at West Inn. The green clear water made the trip worthwhile. We moored the boats without incident and cleared customs.
The custom officers were cordial and quick to get us cleared. Lunch on the veranda overlooking the boat basin included Conch fritters and other great seafoods.
Pina Colladas were consumed as enegy giving drinks and Captain Bob Lyons and his crew headed into the village after cleaning up the boat. Captain Al Neuman and his crew rented bicycles and rode up the coast Captain Terry Griffin and his crew (The Lovely, Jean) took naps, as did Mike and John.
Dinner on the veranda overlooking the basin was pleasant until it started raining.
The roof leaked a bit, so we moved into the bar for a little fellowship. It was a quiet evening among friends.
It don’t get no better than that.
by Florida Author, Terry Griffin and Photos by Mike Seery
Article by LucyLu
I was born a commercial fisherman's daughter in Cortez, an old fishing village off the west coast of Florida where you can still experience "Old Florida" and get a really good grouper sandwich. I went to school and became an anesthetist, after privileged years of practice, I jumped ship to work in the family business - Cannons Marina. I love my job and the view. I am crazy about my dog. Being out on the water is magical. I still get giddy every time I see a dolphin. Often I brag that I had the opportunity to swim alongside a humpback whale - it was freaky and pretty amazing. Fishing for tarpon and marlin make me happy. My life is no doubt boating, but I also love paddle-boarding cooking and travel.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks like you are having a great time and Seery is doing a commendable job on the photos!
Wow. I so wish I could’ve gone. We really hope ya’ll have a fantastic time so we can enjoy it vicariously.
I just checked the weather.com for Freeport and it says 5 to 10 mph southerly winds and highs in low 80′s for the next 4-5 days. The latter part of next week the winds might pick up to 10 to 15 and might have to dodge a shower or 2. Those winds are a little bouncy, but nothing the Grady’s can’t easily handle, especially after GradyFest ’09.
Hey Bahama guys, if you read this, lift a toast to those of us back here and know we’re with you in heart and spirit.