January 2, 2006
CHRISTMAS IN THE BAHAMAS
Alan and I flew over to Marsh Harbor on Wednesday, December 21. We spent the afternoon and following morning stocking the boat for our Christmas vacation. On Thursday just when Alan and I were getting ready to get a taxi to the airport to meet Emma, Matt, William and Sydney, we were pleasantly surprised when they showed up at the dock. They were able to get an earlier flight and arrived an hour ahead of schedule. We spent the afternoon exploring Marsh Harbor and doing more Christmas shopping. On Friday Morning we set sail for Hope Town on Elbow Cay. Our plans were to spent Christmas at Hope Town. We raised sail just outside of Harsh Harbor. Winds were around 10 knots which were perfect for trying out the boat. We were sailing 40 degrees into the wind and were able to make 6 knots. It was great to have Matt on board to help us get acquainted with sailing a catamaran. We spent Saturday snorkeling off the Atlantic beach on Elbow Cay. William took to snorkeling like a fish. The reef was easy to swim to and we saw lots of fish. A front came through and it rained on Christmas morning. In the afternoon we explored the lighthouse and Island. On Monday (Boxer Day) we tested "Island Girl" in heavy winds (25+ knots). Under reefed main and jib we were able to make 9.3 knots - exceeding hull speed! The boat sailed flat and handled the choppy conditions of the Sea of Abaco very comfortably for all on board. On Tuesday we sailed to Great Guana Cay, had lunch at famous Nipper's Beach Bar - the kids swam some more and built sand castles. Wednesday we anchored off Spoil Cay and did some shelling and more swimming before sailing back to Marsh Harbor. Thursday morning we were off the boat and packed to head home savoring memories of the one of the best family holidays ever!
We'd like to share some of our memories with you in a little slide/video we've put together. Just click on this link Christmas in the Bahamas (This may take a while depending on your internet provider speed) - hope you enjoy it as much as we do. If you'd like to hear an interview with Sydney conducted by Matt just click on Interview with Sydney .