George Town, Great Exuma

Shortly after noon, we arrived in Elizabeth Harbour, Georgetown. Once again, it was another early departure to capitalize on tides and wind. The ride south was pretty benign with a moderate swell from the east and wind on our stern from the north east. Our original plan was to stop at Emerald Bay Marina for breakfast and update facility for Waterway Guide. Once we made the turn into their channel, we had wind broad side and rage with wind against tide, making for an unpleasant ride into the marina basin. Upon arrival, we learned that the only restaurant was a healthy walk to the resort. The dock assigned to tie up for a couple of hours was untenable, so we aborted the visit and headed toward Georgetown. It was the start of Regatta week and we expected a very busy harbor, but learned that there were somewhere between 250 – 300 boats at anchor, a far cry from 600 boats just a few years prior.

After anchoring just west of Monument and Hamburger Beach, we launched the dink and headed to “Chat-N-Chill for a burger and beer. Following lunch, we went across to Lake Victoria and Exuma Market for some supplies. The produce supply boat comes into port on Thursday and the dairy/grocery ship arrives from Nassau on Monday.

Next day, we checked out “Club Peace and Plenty”, a charming historic landmark and hotel, where we had lunch and met a couple of Canadian sailors from Manitoba. They were aboard the catamaran “Midori” and had recently retired from Winnipeg to a small southern rural community, close to the US border. Lunch was delicious and the view from the pool patio, out across the harbor to the Monument and our anchorage picturesque.

We decided that we would meet John and Alison here for lunch when they arrived from Canada.

After our trip to town, we decided a walk and some exercise was in order and headed to the beach to try the trail up to the monument. It was a lovely easy climb with a brisk east wind to keep us cool as we ascended. The last segment was a little more challenging as we climbed the last few steps, cut out of the rock, but still well within our capabilities.

The view from the top was exhilarating.

We could see all the anchorages around the harbor.

Alison and John arrived the following blustery afternoon, and were blown away, (no pun intended) by the stunning turquoise waters. We enjoyed a poolside lunch, before making the wet trek across the harbor, back to the boat.

Regatta was in full swing now, and today was the “in harbour race”. It was warm and sunny, with plenty of sail boat fuel. There were about 30 boats competing in various classes, and we would have a good vantage point as the course took them through the harbor and anchorages. The dinghy and kayak were both in the water, leaving the deck empty enough for four lawn chairs and a patio table.

Listening to the commentary on the VHF radio, we enjoyed lunch up on the roof, watching the races. It was a fun afternoon and certainly something different for us. Later in the afternoon, we joined the revelers for the “sundowner” reception at St. Francis Resort, where we met many racers and spectators. All in all, a great day!