We set out from Miami before dawn yesterday morning and made our way 42 nm across the Gulf Stream to Bimini. The forcast winds were out of the south at 15-20 but as usual once in the gulf stream they were 25-30 knots gusting to 30 and seas were rolling 6 ft. We managed pretty well although my careful organization of our provisions was all for naught as
despite the cargo netting, everything ended up falling off the Pullman berth.
We also had to heave to a couple of times so Al could tie on the rub rail which decided to come loose during the crossing. Crossing west to east with a 30 knot wind out of the south and 6 foot sea you would think we would sail on a beam reach and make great speed. Al set off using approx 20deg to south to account for the gulf stream but after a couple of short times hove to (stopping the boat under sail) we were north of our rum line to Bimini.
About 20 miles out we were actually sailing 45 deg to our rum line in order to keep on course. The concequences of this was we were actually close hauled going directly into the 6 foot seas and our VMG (velocity made good) dropped dramatically. We actually went 52 miles, 10 more than a direct route according to the course computer.
Looks like we will have a couple of days here in Bimini to fix the rub rail and get provisions reorganized while we wait for sailing weather before heading to the Berry islands. We are anchored out just off the channel near Alice Town where we have free Internet access and a short dinghy ride to town.
