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Vintage Too - Abacos or Bust

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Doug C.
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USA
146 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/01/2008 : 12:12:06

In an earlier thread I mentioned our upcoming trip to the Abacos and thought I would start a new one to keep those interested up to date.

After lots of prep planning on all the work to be done on the boat and trailer it all went downhill quickly as one local supplier after another let me down.

Suppliers that came through for us: Freedom Axle Distribution (had to order axles from Alabama after local promises went from 1 week to 3), Catalina Direct (gobs of stuff, including snagging the sale on the rub rail), Defender, Sailrite, and Lewis Hitch in Chandler (the only local source that performed).

So we've done what we can to prepare, trailer and boat will be functional but not as pretty as we wanted. We are in crunch mode now on prep work with a planned departure from Chandler on Friday the 2nd. We plan to arrive in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday.
We will rig, launch and be ready to take the first crossing window on Monday the 5th. Hopefully the weather gods will cooperate and provide good conditions out in the Gulf Stream, other wise we will get to visit the keys.

Plan is to move down to the Hillsboro Inlet (3 boats in our group)and await a window for crossing to West End. Once checked in at West End we will cay hop our way with stops at Great Sale Cay, Green Turtle, Marsh Harbour, and numerous others. Basically at Marsh Harbour we will start working our way back to West End hitting the cays we missed and those we want to re-visit. Plan is to jump back across to Lake Worth around the 24th.

I will try to log in and post updates for those that are interested.

Doug & Mo Cavin
1990 C25 TR/WK #6010
"Valkyrie"

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gop711
1st Mate

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Armenia
83 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2008 : 12:56:53

Doug,

I am going to be joining your floatilla in Freeport just before your return trip. I will be sailing back with Jack. I am looking forward to meeting you and seeing your boat. I have a 1990 C25 TR/WK, sail number 6001.

Good luck
Greg

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2008 : 15:19:23

I did a variation of that trip about 10 years or so. Be sure to get up early and either hitch or bike into town while at West end. (also pack some good breading and olive oil) negotiate your price per fresh conch down to about a buck fifty and take it back and fry it up....

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2008 : 17:59:32

Doug, do you have a 'spot' ???

Our trip to Bimini is coming together, not as grand as your long trip.
Hope that you get to post info when you can.

Paul

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Doug C.
Navigator

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USA
146 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2008 : 10:55:44

Greg,
Small world isn't it! It will be great to meet another forum member and last of the run C25 owner.

We'll keep you updated on progress when we can. I have an email address for you and we should be able to get wifi periodically. We will also have two sat phones and one of those has data capability but it is very slow accessing the internet across dial up.

.....

We'll be letting the locals cook our conch for us, but thanks for the hint on getting fresh stuff.

.....

We're leaving today, I only need 2 more weeks to get ready...

Edited by - Doug C. on 05/02/2008 10:56:13

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2008 : 22:59:48

I look forward to reading all the details and seeing your pictures. We hope to sail Marsh Harbour area in December.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4312 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2008 : 10:02:20

If either of you guys make it to Treasure Cay I'd appreciate it if you could take a few pictures. I spent 10 days their in 1987 and have always wanted to go back. Just curious how it looks now.

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Doug C.
Navigator

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USA
146 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2008 : 18:21:33

For those who are interested, Vintage II, Valkyrie, and Martini are in Marsh Harbor, Abacos.

Key = Cay

We made the crossing from Lake Worth Inlet to West End on Monday night the 5th, we were able to sail all the way across but it was little rough.
Tuesday we spent in West End at the Marina and some of us went snorkling on the beach there.
Wednesday morning we departed for Mangrove Key / Great Sale Key. The trip to Mangrove was unenventful with plenty of time to relax and watch the sea floor. After Mangrove the wind and weather kicked in with 8-10 water spots sighted. We anchored in Great Sale key anchorage and spent the night in anchor watch mode.
Thursday dawned with a departure to the South to Allen/Pennsacola Key All arrived under sail but Valkyrie fouled thier furler halyard enroute and Vintage scouted the entrance to the anchorage with thier keel, needless to say the bottom didn't move and Vintage went aground, briefly.
Friday found the group leaving for Spanish Key, another great sail as we were favored with good winds. Spanish Key is a bit rough with a good bit of wave action passing the breakwater. We docked somewhat less than graceful but docked none the less. Good times were had with ping pong and rocking chairs rating very high.
Departure from Spanish was ugly with winds pushing the boats around. Vintage and Martini sustained damage but nothing that could not be overcome.(Jerry's rub rail got put backon with some 5200)
The sail South to Treasure key was spirited with all glad to be in a new harbor.
Three days in Treasure Key left all fat, relaxed and happy. Boats were repaired (Martini had a busted shift cable).
The run from Treasure to Marsh Harbor was great with Vitage leading the way until Valkyrie decided to sail (we have video to prove it!). Currently in Marsh Harbour. Detailed report to follow...

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2008 : 08:56:57

Doug,
I brought up Google Earth and followed your route, what an awesome cruise!! The kind of stuff I dream about. I hope you'll be posting lots of photos and videos, thanks for sharing.

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