An Wonderful Afternoon Sail - Little Harbor to Tahiti Beach

After a cheeseburger lunch at Pete’s Pub, we sailed out of Little Harbor on a lively beam reach.  North up the island chain we continued under a full main and 80% head sail averaging in excess of 6.5 knots.   The waters  grew an crystalline, electric sapphire color as we approached  Sandy Cay on a close reach.

C'est la Vie purring along in crystall blue waters off Sandy Cay, Abaco

 This was the most fun sailing we had done since our trip began in late May. A delighted grin overtook my countenance as C’est la Vie purred along leeward toe rail skimming the blue water.

Anne took to the high side an enjoyed surreal water color as it splayed patterns across the sands 15 feet below.

 Slipping across the shallow sands of Tiloo Bank we fell onto a run.  Rather the expend the energy to lower and stow the main, we rolled up the headsail.  Making the 2NM run under the main definitely made for a slower downwind leg, but hey we are cruising the islands not rounding the buoys. Clearing the shoals and setting a course for Lubbers Quarters placed us back on a close reach.   The genny returned and our speed climbed back over 6 knots.

Passing Tahiti Beach on the southern end of Elbow Cay, we began to look for a spot to anchor.  The Abacos are definitely more populated than the Berry’s and we squeezed in among the mix of watercraft  already settled into the popular spot.

Busy anchorage off Elbow Cay.  This is off our port side. At least as many boats off the starboard.

Here are the numbers…. We covered 12.3NM with an average speed of 5.5 knots (damn that downwind leg under the mainsail) with a max speed of 7.7 knots.  Great day sail.  Now off for an afternoon paddle board excursion to Tahiti Beach.