Time to head home

We wanted to stay in The Bahamas until mid May, hoping conditions in the US would improve by then. On April 14th, The Bahamian government published its Protocols for Foreign Boats Moored in Bahamian Waters. Further restrictions have been placed on us and at this time, we believe we’re better off in the US. Plus, the protocols state: “FOREIGN BOATS ARE ENCOURAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DEPART THE BAHAMAS”. All caps and bold. The other statement in the protocols that is bold and in caps is there are no medical facilities on shore to treat foreign boaters. Arrangements will have to be made for treatment outside of the Bahamas.

In addition to not being able to go to shore, the Protocols required us to register with the government, which I did the next morning. We are not allowed to move the boat except to leave the country. And, it must be direct and nonstop. There is a procedure to request a variance. We prefer to anchor at night instead of going nonstop, especially when we’re crossing shallow banks with uncharted coral heads. So, I also requested approval to anchor along our route.

It’s been over 24 hours now and I still haven’t gotten an acknowledgement for either the reporting or the variance request. I don’t know how long it will take for either, but we’re not going to wait to find out.

We have a great weather window this weekend and have decided to take advantage of it. Saturday morning we’re going to way anchor and sail / motor nonstop to either Palm Beach or Fort Pierce Florida. If all goes well, we should arrive Monday morning.

The reason for the two targets is I can’t guarantee speed on a sail boat. If conditions are good we should be able to make it to Fort Pierce. If we’re slowed or the approaching front is early, we’ll drop into Palm Beach.

Friday will be our last day in The Bahamas, and it’s in our favorite town of Rock Sound. I only wish I could go to shore and walk around one last time. Well, there’s always next ????