We had a plan for Christmas to catch up with a number of our cruising friends in the Exuma island chain. Some were already there, some close by at Eleuthera while others were still waiting in the US for a weather window to cross the Gulf Stream. We are close, with an overnight passage we would cross before dawn at Fleeming pass into the Exuma chain and then arrive at the maze of coral heads with enough sun so to navigate. In a steady breeze we set sail before sunset, our course was direct to Fleeming pass without any need to tack. The breeze strengthened slightly so it wasn’t long before we reefed the genoa. Our speed was still too fast so it was furled away. In the early hours of the morning we updated our ETA and calculated that we needed to slow down further so we had sunlight to see the coral heads. We then reefed our main to reduce our speed further to a cracking 3.5 knots (almost drifting). Our timing was perfect however we couldn’t control the clouds. With Tourterelle leading the way we sailed our way through several miles of coral heads. The Explorer Charts were accurate, yet we did have a few hard and fast turns to starboard or port. A seabird attempted to perch on our spreader to enjoy his breakfast catch however our motion and trying to hold onto his catch did not make it possible.

We anchored on the outside of Allen Cay and that afternoon we took the dingy to visit an island inhabited by the endangered Exuma Iguanas. The beach was teeming with Iguanas. The following morning Simon went to shore to take some additional shots and only saw one lonely iguana.

In the flat shallow Exuma waters we casually sailed with just our genoa to Norman Cay. It was low tide and we had to watch our depth as we slowly inched our way over the shallow entrance and we finally found a nice deep patch to anchor. It was another glorious day, we took the paddle board to shore and went for a lovely walk on the beach.

We had intended to stay longer however the wind was light and it was just a few miles to Shroud Cay. We’d been there earlier in the year and I thought the mangroves would be perfect to explore on the paddle board. The following day we again took the lazy approach with just our genoa to glide the 5nm to Shroud Cay. On arrival we were caught up with Derek and Lesley (Ocean Blue). We were pleasantly surprised to discover Takamoana (Expats PNG / Queenslanders, Gary & Louise) who were anchored in the distance. They had arrived from the USA and after an overnight passage from Nassau had dropped the hook in the dark away from the main anchorage. Later that day we were joined by Juffa (Bill & Carolyn) who earlier in the year had saved us from a dragging yacht as Bill used his dingy as a big fender.

Later that afternoon we took the paddleboards to the mangroves but it was a struggle with shallow water and an opposing current. Kim had her first fall when her paddle board came to an abrupt holt running aground and she kept going and got her leg stuck in a crab hole. She was none too impressed when I asked her to do it again so I could video it.

That afternoon we all got together for sundowners on the beach. Derek and Leslie brought there BBQ where they cooked up a treat of smoked tuna, chicken and sausages.

< insert sundowner group beach photos>

The weather forecast indicated that Wednesday and Thursday would be “no wind” days so we took advantage to anchor at Hawksbill Cay. Earlier in the year sailing friends Jerome & Kelly (JiYu) had highly recommended this island. We were not disappointed. The sun made the crystal clear water sparkle as we swam off Aura’s stern.

We went in search of the ruins. This time I did enquire if a GPS position was known however this was not the case. Our good friends Ian and Ann did have a map but we didn’t have it with us…..similar to our search for the Blue Holes in the Abaco. Needless to say, we didn’t find them but not to worry as it is all about the walk and the exercise. We eventually found a track that took us over the hill to the calm waters on the Atlantic Ocean. A great view and good fun but we shall never make explorers.

Walk @ Hawksbill Cay

Hawksbill Cay

The rest of the day was more paddle boarding and sundowners with Louise and Gary.

We departed Hawksbill for Staniel Cay in very light wind. We started with just the genoa but it was either start the engine or un-furl the main. We choose the latter and with the wind at 60 degree we gently made our way to Big Majors via the shallow inside route.

We anchored just north of Big Major (aka Piggy beach).

OK, we are here and ready for Christmas :- )

We shall be sharing the day with cruising friends Tourterelle, Lady Rebel, Ocean Blue, Takamoana and Juffa. Christmas day has been organised with a progressing style meal that will see each of the three courses served on a different boat. It is going to be a lot of food and a lot of fun so stay tuned.