Passage to Eleuthera: Spanish Wells

Pandion made the passage from the Berry Islands to Eleuthera with Big Blue, our Code 0 sail.

After several weeks exploring the Berry Islands, S/V Pandion took advantage of west winds to make the passage to Eleuthera, a voyage of about 50 nautical miles.

We had perfect sailing conditions, leaving our anchorage near Devil's Cay on a rising tide early in the morning.

After raising our mainsail and our Code 0, we decided to lower the main and just go with Big Blue (the Code 0 sail). Pandion averaged between 6 and 7 knots for most of the trip, which took about 8 hours.

Minerva Concert, a 700 ft. long oil tanker that we passed along the way.

During the passage, we passed within a few miles of the Minerva Concert, a 740 ft. tanker that was not underway. No crew in sight. Just sitting out in the open ocean in 2,000 ft of water. We decided that would be a good beginning for a bad movie.

Upon arrival in Eleuthera, we found a secure and secluded anchorage near Royal Island, about 7 miles from the settlement of Spanish Wells.

That evening, we watched the sunset and celebrated an easy passage.

Morning rain squalls passing over Spanish Wells.

The next morning, we awoke to the sound of thunder and rain squalls moving through.

Summer has arrived in the Bahamas!

Next up for us, making our way to the inner harbour at Spanish Wells.

Brenda's sister Cathy, her partner Bill, and their grandson Aiden are staying in a rented cottage there.

Time for some family fun!