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April 25, 1998

Both Hiede and Francesca were gnashing at the bit to move on to the Berry Islands. Since we didn't feel that the 75 mile trip was easily done in one day, we spent Saturday morning (Apr. 25) swimming and exploring the outside of Gun Cay. We left Gun at about noon and cruised to Russell Light (not lighted) in the middle of the Banks. Then, anchored about 1½ miles north of the frequented cruising route.

Before dark, caught a small snapper, a 1 foot long squid, and a 3 foot reef shark. The wind picked up during the night, blowing about 15 kt and the current set us side to the waves. It was a night of rocking and rolling punctuated with crashing sounds. In the morning we were glad to get under way.

Leaving Russell Light with the wind still blowing pretty well, we were a little apprehensive about the conditions in the Tongue of the Ocean and the Northwest Passage. As it turned out, the wind dropped to 5 to 10 and it was a very nice cruise to Chub Point at Frazier's Hog Cay. Getting into the anchorage was a bit of a problem because you can't possibly find the range unless you know where it is. Best advice is to stay well off shore (at least a half mile to miss Mama Rhoda submerged rocks) and make the turn toward the Point at a North (0 deg) heading. Then try to get someone on VHF to help or follow in another boat. The channel in isn't difficult, but I'm unsure of what difficulties might arise if you don't do it right.

Had a great nights sleep with gentle rocking from the surge rounding the point. Even able to have some satellite TV. We plan to stay here at Chubb Point only for the morning of Mon. Apr. 27 as the wind is expected to clock around to the south and there will be no protection here. Next stop will either be Alder's Cay or White Cay depending on conditions. Alder's Cay looks good, but one of the books said that the small harbor is shallow and only has room for two boats. White Cay is much better in that regard.

We're starting to look ahead at the trip to the Abacos. 59 miles of open ocean to "Hole in the Wall" (with no protection there from the south) and another 30 unprotected miles up to the first anchorage at Cherokee Point on Great Abaco Island. Will talk to some of the other cruisers at anchor here before leaving.