Sandy Point

The M/V Capt. Gurth Dean, docked at Sandy Point settlement. This island freighter delivers supplies weekly. 

The settlement of Sandy Point is located on the southern tip of Great Abaco. A community of about 200 people live here, with a view that looks out over the Bight of Abaco. In the distance, about 7 miles away, lies Gorda Cay, renamed Castaway Cay when it was purchased by Disney to be used for their cruise ships.

Gorda Cay's history is an interesting one, beginning with tales of sunken Spanish treasure ships carrying millions in gold and silver (we didn't find it), and culminating in more recent stories of drug smuggling in the 1970's and early 80's. The CIA, DEA and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas cleared this out by 1983, and today the island serves as a resort getaway for Disney cruise guests. Sandy Point has benefited from the investment; a number of local residents work on Castaway Cay and depart daily via small ferry boats.

Our timing at Sandy Point was good. Pandion arrived at the anchorage, in advance of the weekly delivery of goods and supplies from the island freighter M/V Capt. Gurth Dean. When we arrived the next morning at the town dock, the freighter was busy offloading everything from propane tanks to office equipment.

When we stopped by E & E's grocery in the settlement, we were  happy to find fresh fruit and vegetables, and frozen beef and chicken, just delivered from the boat. Most of the settlements in the islands depend on the weekly delivery of goods via island freighters like the Capt. Gurth Dean.

Freshly resupplied, Pandion's crew is looking south to Cross Harbor Bight, a remote and pristine location that has been identified by local environmentalists as a potential national park.

Offloading supplies to Sandy Point settlement with a crane.

Bahamian Marine Enforcement vessel trailered at Sandy Point. This is the first one we have seen on our journey.