Rake 'n Scrape, Sister

X-ing File #5_Antigua to Bahamas (perhaps) continues…

Bahamas: Staniel Cay

Although our Stocking Island anchorage at George Town was pleasant (just a bit choppy), we needed to move on.  That meant moving off the bank through Conch Cay Cut again although conditions had settled somewhat.  We had a great sail up Exuma Sound to our next, and narrow cut, Galliot Cut, arriving a few hours before high slack water.  This on-bank flow would, we hoped help to pull us on to the bank.  (The cuts are no place to be when tide is against wind).  Our Cap’n steered us carefully through the deep channel and onto the shallow Exuma Bank with its stunning turquoise waters; seemingly sailing across an endless expanse of beautiful blue molten glass. 

Galliot Cut.  Others joined us entering the Exuma Bank from this cut

As it was only just after lunch, we decided not to anchor off Galliot Cay but make for Staniel Cay where we knew we had a few “friends” waiting; those wonderful, and now famous, swimming porkers.  We set the autopilot to suit the magenta line (proven navigation lines across the banks) and soon made Big Majors Spot anchorage where we tucked in behind Fowl Cay, ready for a few days of fun – something that had been seriously lacking in our itinerary so far.  Rather than write more, here’s a few photos of our visit.

Things to do:

#1. Dive Thunderball Grotto (Yes, James Bond 007 really was here!)

Thunderball Grotto is extremely popular & diving on low slack tide essential.
We missed our chance this time.

#2. Enjoy Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club

We had conch po'boy & blackened fish.  Yum...
(Rake 'n Scrape is a local musical style)

#3. Feed the Piggies at Big Majors Cay

At Big Majors Cay, the Major and her Majorettes, crack team
of synchronised swimming pigs.  Just having a bad day is all... 

#4. Explore the narrow passage between Big and Little Majors Cays by dinghy; then meet a few friends at the dock

Nurse sharks waiting for the day's offering...  Don't slip getting into the dinghy