12.2 knots. At which time I reefed the main. As the wind continued to build my speed increased to 12.4 knots, even with the reefed main, so I lowered it and, with the jib reduced to 50%, I sailed the rest of the crossing to North Bimini at 11 kts. The chart for the entrance to North
Bimini showed surf, which reminded me of many bar entrances on the west coast. There are no rivers crossing the narrow entrance but because of the shallow entrance it can still have breaking waves at times, depending on wind, sea and tide conditions. I was happy to have made such a
fast passage and because of my early arrival the entrance to the harbor was no rougher than the sea itself. The only disconcerting thing was the wrecked vessel on the beach north of the entrance to the harbor. Once I entered the harbor I saw
nothing that I thought I would see. The channel in the harbor was very narrow with no water on the southern side. I was expecting to see a large anchorage and saw only one small boat anchored near the northern shore. I had read about a new marina that was
supposed to be here only to discover that construction was stopped and it was not finished. I had read several articles that mentioned Bimini Blue Water marina but did not see anything that looked like a marina to me. Where were the docks? What I saw was a few buildings on the water’s edge with planking attached to fixed pilings that could possibly hold six to eight boats in front of each of the building, one of which looked abandon. I was so sure that this could not
possibly be where I was supposed to be that, against my better judgment, I headed back out to sea in building wind and waves. My lack of sleep may have had some impact on my lack of good judgment. I sailed to South Bimini which then made me certain that I had, in fact been, at the correct place before, even though it was nothing like I envisioned it to be. It was now late afternoon and I
would now have to cross the entrance to North Bimini with breaking surf on the entrance. Crossing the entrance to the harbor reminded me of crossing the Columbia River bar when it is bad. I had breaking waves filling the
cockpit twice before I could get across the entrance and drop the hook glad, to have this ordeal over but still confused about this harbor. While I had been gone on my quest
to find what I thought would be North Bimini, another vessel had arrived in port and was anchored next to the other vessel I had seen earlier. He was putting his dinghy in the water as I dropped my anchor and I was able to get a ride to shore with the skipper of this new vessel and we cleared customs together. I was, indeed in the right place.
The importance on knowing
what to expect when you get to a new cruising destination cannot be over emphasized. Boaters in the Pacific Northwest
are blessed to have 48° North and many cruising guides as resources so they know what a port will look like and what to expect when they arrive such as docking facilities etc. These guides will save you the anxiety and frustration I experienced on my passage and you will be able to answer the question with certainty when they ask, “Are we there yet?”
D e e
M
a r i n
Whether you’re here for a vacation or are looking for permanent moorage in a Pacific Northwest paradise, Deer Harbor Marina should be a key waypoint on your journey. Come enjoy the beauty of Deer Harbor throughout the season.
• Winter Rates at $5.00/ft • Slips to 50’
• Guest side ties up to 150’ • 30 amp power at each slip • Pool, showers & laundry • Fuel dock (gas & diesel) • Fresh water & Pump-out
• Free Wi-Fi • Nearby restaurants
• Apparel, gifts, books, maps & charts • Deli, groceries, beer, wine, ice cream, coffee, prep food, DVD rentals & ATM • Whale watching, kayaks and boat rental tours and charters
TEL: 360.376.3037 FAX: 360.376.6091 EMAIL:
info@BellPortGroup.com ONLINE:
www.BellPortGroup.com VHF 78A
48° NORTH, AUGUST 2011 PAGE 41
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