After a great visit with the swimming pigs of Big Major, we decided it was time to start sailing somewhere. Our destination was Black Point Settlement on Great Guana Cay about nine miles south and the objective was to pick up loaves of their famous coconut bread for ourselves and a few of Jen and Jon’s fellow cruisers. Winds were gusting to 20 knots, and we had a great sail between the cays. It was fun to experience sailing on a large cruising yacht, and the Kelly Peterson hull really showed its awesome performance averaging 7.5 knots using only the Genoa. We did not bother using the main as it had an issue with the sail track, but it was not needed and 7.5 knots beats anything we have ever done in our little trailer sailor. We also got a feel for the power of large sails. Jen and Jon handled the sails easily; but on one tack a rope caught on a cleat for ten seconds, and it burnt through the vanish on the top rail. We learned quickly to be aware of the forces of large sails and why sailing gloves are a must.
My turn at the helm
Jen occasionally lets Jon be the captain
It was a great feeling to arrive at a tropical island under sail. It got me and Brandy excited about our future plans of buying a cruising boat and exploring the islands. After a gloomy morning, the sun came out and we got our first view of the beautiful blue-green Bahamian water.
Arriving at Black point Cay anchorage
After a quick lunch, we headed into Black Point Cay to check out the town and find the coconut bread. They have a good dingy dock that could accommodate a lot of boats.
Dinghy dock at Black Point Cay
We browsed the well-stocked island store, and Jen found some fresh ingredients for her next masterpiece meal on board.
Store at Black Point Settlement
We walked through town and stopped at the local sports bar to cool off with a few Kalik. This was where we found our treasure, a case of Kalik for $60. That may not seem like a bargain, but it was $25 less than we found on Staniel Cay so we could not pass it up. We were having cold Kalik for sundowners that night.
Hanging with our friendly bartender at Black Point Settlement sports bar.
Nice patio at the sports bar
On our way back to the boat we stopped by Corrine’s place to pickup coconut bread. She bakes at her house across the street from the island store. The bread was still warm from the oven and each loaf weighed several pounds. Jen had pans to make coconut bread french toast the next morning, which made Brandy very excited as french toast is her favorite breakfast.
After our big celebration party the first night on board, we had a relaxing evening enjoying our Kalik sundowners and a nice dinner in the cockpit. After dinner we played few humorous rounds of Heads Up and then moved to dealers choice five card poker with the pot consisting of boat chores , I think I am still owe cleaning some dishes, but I will happily repay that debt in the future.
Watch for our next post about exploring the blowhole at Black Point and sailing to Farmer Cay for the big regatta.
The Sailing Rode / The Sailing Road
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