Highborne Cay, Exumas

 

Mahi Mahi, almost 4 feet long and about 40lbs!

– (c) Copyright 2008 –  Mahi Mahi, almost 4 feet long, about 30lbs! Caught south of Highborne Cay on the Ocean side about 2 miles offshore.-

2highbornecay

Notice the sign, $5 per bag of garbage, over 2 bags $25 each. – (c) Copyright 2008

December 28th, 29th and 30th, 2008

After a couple days of anchoring and with the winds picking up to over 25 knots, we just wanted to relax in a marina at a slip. We found ourselves at this beautiful little island called, “Highborne Cay” The population of the island is just 14 people, most of who work at the marina. The grounds are beautiful, just like a resort but more natural. We explored 3 or 4 beaches the island had to offer. The whole island is accessible by walking, there are a couple of roads for the golf carts which are the main mode of transportation.

Highborne Cay Marina

Highborne Cay Marina – (c) Copyright 2008

Looking down from the dock, this little beach is at the end of our slip.

Looking down from the dock, this little beach is at the end of our slip. – (c) Copyright 2008

This little arrangement is made from all the fishing debris that washes ashore.

This little arrangement is made from all the fishermen’s debris that washes ashore. – (c) Copyright 2008

Just below this fish cleaning station, you'll find 4-5 sand sharks waiting for a meal.

Just below this fish cleaning station, you’ll find 4-5 sand sharks waiting for a meal. – (c) Copyright 2008

A wonderful view from the beach right at the marina.

A wonderful view from the beach right at the marina. – (c) Copyright 2008

Relaxing in the hammocks.

Relaxing in the hammocks. – (c) Copyright 2008

Local homes on the island.

Local homes on the island. – (c) Copyright 2008

While we were at the marina I washed down the boat from the salt. I try to do this every time we pull into a marina. Water is expensive in the Exumas, 50 cents USD per gallon. The 3 days we spent at Highborne cost us over $250 in water, more than we spent on the slip fees. My fault however, I soon learned not to wash the boat with the hose, but rather use a bucket with a wash cloth, much more efficient!

Thomas doing summersaults at the beach.

Thomas doing summersaults at the beach. – (c) Copyright 2008

Notice the waves on the windward side of the island.

Notice the waves on the windward side of the island. – (c) Copyright 2008

Thomas has become a real Micheal Jackson fan.

Thomas has become a real Michael Jackson fan. – (c) Copyright 2008

Just taking a break.

Just taking a break. – (c) Copyright 2008

One of the beaches as the tide goes out, turns into a sand dune.

One of the beaches as the tide goes out, turns into a sand dune. – (c) Copyright 2008

The sun goes down, and the tides go out, what a view.

The sun goes down, and the tides go out, what a view. – (c) Copyright 2008

We met many interesting people at this marina. One evening we hung out with a few other boaters. We met a nice family from Montreal, on their boat, “Private Island” a 59 foot power yacht, and another couple of guys who were delivering a boat to the Turks and Caicos. We got a tour of each others boats, and exchanged notes on our travels. “Private Island” spent $12,000 on fuel for his trip down from New York to Florida. He laughed when I told him that we spent about $100 on the same trip.

Stop signs in the Bahamas.

Stop signs in the Bahamas. – (c) Copyright 2008

It's hard to get a speed ticket without a car or a police officer to give you one.

It’s hard to get a speed ticket without a car or a police officer to give you one. – (c) Copyright 2008

Alexander got pretty good at collecting conch himself.

Alexander got pretty good at collecting baby conch. – (c) Copyright 2008

Thomas and Alexander also met a boy named Byron, who lives on island. We went to the beach and snorkeled with Byron, found a soldier crab and some more conch.  Snorkeling in this area you will find a variety of marina life on the reefs; coral, tropical fish, conch, lobster, sting rays, barracuda and the occasional shark. Thomas also met a few other boys from other boats, and they quickly became good friends. Watching movies on each others boats, and chatting it up like old pals. They were all sad when we had to push on to our next port.

Some friends Thomas met and hung out with.

Some friends Thomas met and hung out with. – (c) Copyright 2008

Byron and the boys snorkeling.

Byron and the boys snorkeling. – (c) Copyright 2008

Soldier Crab we found, he invades a shell and takes it over.

Soldier Crab we found, he invades a shell and takes it over. – (c) Copyright 2008

Walking back after a long day at the beach.

Walking back after a long day at the beach. – (c) Copyright 2008

Highborne Cay was all decorated for Christmas, and Black Diamond's Blue lights spreader lights fit right in.

Highborne Cay was all decorated for Christmas, and Black Diamond’s Blue spreader lights fit right in. – (c) Copyright 2008

Notice the two little heads just floating in the water beside the boat. These are two delivery Captains we met. They decided to go for a swim with the sand sharks of the Marina in the middle of the night. Apparently the sand sharks are harmless, but you won’t see me trying this real soon.

These are the two nuts, swimming with the sharks at night.

These are the two nuts, swimming with the sand sharks at night. – (c) Copyright 2008

s/v Black Diamond

With almost 30,000 Nautical miles of experience and 1,800+ sea days and nights on the water. (1,800 sea days is like 5 years on the water, 365 days a year!) I am an RYA Skipper and ICC International Competent Captain, currently working on my RYA Yacht Master with a Commercial endorsement for a 200 ton vessel. My qualifications include; MED A2 Emergency Safety at Sea, Helicopter Rescue, Life raft deployment and use, Offshore Rescue and Fire Fighting at Sea, etc, STCW Code A-VI/1-3, Canadian Equivalent Marine First Aid and CPR/AED. I am an Open Water Certified diver and completed various CYA & Canadian Power and Sail Squadron certifications which include Power/Sailboat handling, Seamanship Sail, Piloting/charting, CYA Coastal Navigation, GPS Navigation, Extended Offshore Cruising, VHF Radio operation license and a Toronto Harbour License. I am now providing skippered charters and yacht deliveries globally, including crew positions for offshore passages. However, my specialities are the Bahamas, US East Coast, The Great Lakes, Welland Canal, Erie Canal and the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, looking to add Greece. Feel free to contact me at [email protected]

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4 Responses

  1. Ethel and Bob Thayer says:

    Hi Radonic Family,

    Thanks for all the updates and great photos. We love reading about all your adventures and hope to see you before you return to Black Diamond for the March Break. If that is not possible, Enjoy your family vacation and come home safely.

    Hugs,

    Ethel and Bob

  2. jamie says:

    $4000 for some lights WOW thats a lot of cash. I paid £8000 (UK Pounds sterling) for my circumnavigating yacht.
    Your boat looks great as does your website:)
    Cheers Jamie

  3. Tony says:

    Looks like you’re having a fine time. Loved the photos. My daughter and son-in-law are currently in your area in their ketch “Temptress”. Last word from them, they were headed for Allan’s Cay or Highborne Cay. Enjoy you trip and stay safe.

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