Back in Nassau again

It's been a couple of years and the place hasn't changed a bit. As we pull into Nassau Harbor Club, there's Peter the Greek standing on the dock. With his long bushy hair flying in the breeze, he starts barking his usual orders, telling us how we are supposed to dock, even though we have docked here many times before. He is a bit of a wildman. The Crazy Greek. Behind his back is Frenchy the boatwasher who is laughing at Peter's rants and offering to help us tie up before he washes our boat. Some things never change.

Then stepping around the corner is our old German friend Thorsten who along with his old pal Dieter are aboard Sandpiper, a Nordhavn 40. Thorsten has a warm welcoming smile and is very happy to see us though disappointed that they are leaving the next day. After we check in with customs Thorsten comes back for a warm beer as Crew Istaboa enjoys the traditional celebratory bottle of Champagne that marks the end of another successful crossing. Almost 24 hours exactly from Palm Beach to Nassau.

The sun rising in the east as we sail pass the Berry Islands to the west.

The run: It started out perfect with calm seas and light winds. Istaboa was performing as usual and all was good... even Radar seemed to be tolerating the conditions.

As the sun set not much changed, we were still enjoying pretty much the same. 

Pulling the Albury against the grain of the Gulf Stream had kept our speed down pretty slow, but by now we had crossed the Stream and were in the Atlantic Ocean proper. We had dinner and I went to bed early leaving Will to take the first shift. All was good until about 3AM when out of nowhere we found a stiff breeze pushing against the current that was working in our favor and giving a bit of speed. When this happens the seas stack up into sharp zagged hills that can be very annoying. This pounding of the hull woke me and I went up to the pilot house to check on things. There's really nothing you can do in that situation except slow down a bit. We did and things became less irksome. Radar didn't agree and rode out most night in my lap at the helm. As the night slowly turned to day the seas laid down and life returned to enjoyable conditions.

That afternoon we finally saw Atlantis in the background and soon this leg of our journey ended.

The plan after entering Nassau harbor was to detach the Albury and Will and Mel take it into the marina first.

 Radar patiently waiting for the Marina and dry land in his Thundershirt.

 Our friends Thorsten and Dieter aboard Sandpiper.

Sadly, they left today. We always have such great conversations, but we never have enough time to finish them. Maybe next year.

So this is our trip so far... So far, so good.

Adios,

Istaboa