Gulf Stream Crossing, Part 2

At 3:30am I had to put the motor on. Where did the wind go?!

Up until then we were doing pretty well, averaging about 5 knots. We even hit 10.3 knots at one point!

But we needed to be at Chinese Harbor when it opened at 9am so we could clear customs.

So, motor sail it was for the last 5 hours. At 8am, we were tied up on the pier wall. By 10am we were cleared and could lower our yellow quarantine flag and raise the Bahamaian courtesy flag!

Woohoo!

We motored over to Andrew's Bluff where we knew another kid boat was anchored.

We had been in communication with SV Wild Child, Drew Skelton and Jessica Tallman Skelton and their daughter Marleigh, for a while now and knew they had been helping with the rebuilding efforts in Green Turtle Cay for a few weeks already.

It took us several tries to get the anchor to dig in but finally on the fourth try it worked and we could put our anchor alarm on and RELAX.

We made it. This point of our journey really feels like a milestone.

We have decided that we don't want to be rushed anymore and will just take our time to explore the many Bahamaian islands.

If we want to stay in one anchorage for several weeks, them so be it. Our journey has been non-stop and pretty relentless. We just want to slow it waaaay down and be on island time.

Of course one of the first things I did once we anchored was jump overboard into the beautiful clear water. It was as amazing as I predicted. I could see my own toes, the water was SO clear.

We had SV Wild Child over for dinner and learned about the Islanders, how rebuilding efforts are taking shape and just generally the lay of the land.

We can't wait to get stuck in and help in whatever way we can.

But first we needed a proper night's sleep. By 8pm, Matt and the kids were fast asleep.

I took our dinner dishes up on deck. It's back to salt water washing up again. With no water maker on board and with limited water filling facilities here, we need to conserve as much fresh water as possible.

With absolutely zero light pollution, the stars were incredible.

What a peaceful new year's eve night. 

Couldn't be happier to be where I was to welcome 2020.

Good morning Bahamas!

Tai making his Lego space shuttle.

Hah, finally got one of Captain Matt asleep!

Deck check

Tied up in Chinese harbour in Cooperstown - we made it!

Kids filling in their own Bahamas customs form.

Lowering our yellow quarantine flag. Actually we couldn't find one so we 
bought a yellow t-shirt at the dollar store. It does the job!

Raising the Bahamian flag, along with our KB (Kid Boat) flag which is looking a bit worn out. Kid boats look out for other KB flags in anchorages/marinas so we all know who to connect with!

On our way to Andrew's Bluff anchorage in Green Turtle Cay.

Marleigh from SV Wild Child. They came over for dinner soon after we anchored.
Yay for kid boats!

Happy & relieved, bring on 2020!

We were all in various states of undress today. So hot. So sticky. So great.

Our complete route from Florida.

First sunset in the Bahamas!