Hopetown

We had a good time sailing in the Abacos. To the east, you have several cays which protect you from the swells, waves and the long fetch of the Atlantic Ocean. It can get a bit squirrelly in between the cays, but no big deal. To the west you have Great Abaco and Little Abaco to keep the waters from that direction quiet. So for the most part, it's like sailing on a big lake with the benefit of the wind and protection from the waves.

To get from the Central Abacos to the Southern Abacos (no great distance involved) you have to go outside into the Atlantic, get around Whale Cay, and then reenter just north of Great Guana Cay. Everyone freaks out about this section. Basically, the very deep Atlantic suddenly becomes relatively shallow near Whale Cay. When the waves and swells hit this shelf big rollers develop. Even if the wind is calm locally, this area can become untenable (the locals call it a rage). With the very long fetch, this area can suffer the affects of storms from a couple thousand miles away. We passed through this area in nice weather 3 or 4 times with no problems, but it was always a bit sloppy.


A fuel barge at Orchid Bay Marina on Great Guana Cay.

The Queens Highway in Hopetown.


My queen on The Queens Highway on Man of War Cay.


Back at Hope Town, Lisa nearing the intersection of Lady Di Blvd and Prince Phillip Ave.


The famous Hopetown Lighthouse.