Islands in the Stream
Sailing & Diving the Bahamas
January 28 - February 4, 2005
PARADISE ISLANDS
In 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the New World
on the island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. After observing
the shallow sea around the islands, he effectively named them “baja
mar” (shallow water or sea), or The Islands of the Shallow Sea.
Located close to well-traveled shipping channels, The Bahamas later
caught the attention of explorers, settlers, invaders and traders.
The Islands Of The Bahamas is
a 100,000-sq-mile archipelago of 700 islands, including uninhabited
cays and large rocks, that extends over 500 miles of the clearest water
in the world. The Bimini chain of islands in the western Bahamas is
the closest one to the Florida coast, located a mere 48 miles from Miami
(on a clear night, you can see a dim glow in the sky). Most notable,
however, is that each island has it’s own diversity, with some
of the best diving and snorkeling to be found anywhere. We will take
advantage of the best spots to do both on our scuba-outfitted vessel.
Settled in the early 1920s, a few families
of West African descent migrated here after their freedom from slavery,
making a living by salvaging goods from ocean shipwrecks and farming.
Once Prohibition took effect in the United States, the Bimini economy
began to prosper, serving as a base of operations for rumrunners from
Nassau. When noted author Ernest Hemingway began writing about the chain’s
world-class game fishing, the Biminis developed its own tropical vacation
allure.
Local legends abound throughout Bimini.
In 1968 the discovery of huge limestone blocks off the coast of North
Bimini (near the shore in only 20 feet of water) led many to believe
that this was once an undersea road to the Lost City of Atlantis. Many
divers have examined this half-mile stretch of neatly aligned relics,
and everyone seems to have an opinion of what this may, or may not,
be. The other legend is the Fountain of Youth. Ponce de León
heard about the fountain from Caribe Indians in Puerto Rico, and it
is widely believed that he stopped here during his 1513 quest.
It’s true that beaches are a big
attraction in The Bahamas. But something that won’t be found on
the shores is the rich history and culture of each island and its people.
Trek inland. Stroll through towns. Every location has a fascinating
story to tell.
For our 15th Anniversary year we have
decided to vary our annual tall ship sailing adventure in the Caribbean
with a new emphasis on sailing and diving in one of the most beautiful
locations on Earth. The Bahamas are a tropical paradise, close to home
yet far from the cold drudgery of winter. Join us and see why previous
participants come back year after year to enjoy our adventurous yet
relaxing sailing vacations.
ITINERARY
Friday, January 28, 2005
Arrival in Freeport, Grand Bahamas
Make travel arrangements to arrive on the island of Grand Bahama by
5pm today. Take a taxi to our hotel (Specifics about where and how to
meet the ship will be provided prior to departure.) This evening meet
your fellow sailors and enjoy a Welcome Dinner at our hotel, the Bell
Channel Inn. (Dinner Included)
Sat. January 29 – Thurs. February 3, 2005
Sailing in the Biminis
Enjoy a relaxing morning ashore. Breakfast and lunch are on your own.
Boarding time is at noon today. Once we have stowed our gear and settled
in, our captain provides an orientation to shipboard life, safety equipment
and sailing procedures. We’ll discuss the week’s itinerary,
and answer questions. We set sail by 3pm in search of nautical adventures.
In keeping with the laid-back, tropical atmosphere, the week’s
itinerary is flexible, determined by the suggestions of the Captain
and crew, the wishes of the passengers, and the whims of the wind. We
will take advantage of the best spots as we sail through the western
Bahamas: Biminis, Berries or Andros areas, as well as Grand Bahama.
The Biminis are made up of three major islands—North,
South and East Bimini. Most of the islands’ population, about
1,600 residents, live in Bailey Town in North Bimini, while the main
tourist center is in Alice Town, also on North Bimini. Possible ports
of call may include:
North Bimini—An island with a rocky ridge running
its length along the Gulf Stream. There is a narrow coastal ledge with
deep water just a few hundred yards from shore and sandy slopes on the
bay side where most of the locals live. Along the bay in the middle
of North Bimini is a small area of shallow water where Red Mangrove
can be found. North Bimini ends at “The Bluff” where there
are beaches, a lookout point and the "North Rock" beacon.
Alice Town is the commercial center of North Bimini, home to Government
offices, the Hemingway House/The Compleat Angler, Bimini Museum, and
Straw Market. The mostly residential Bailey Town is where you will find
churches, the Government clinic and schools.
South Bimini—The largest island in the Biminis,
with a length of four miles and an average width of one mile. In the
southwest is a limestone ridge and at the northwest tip it is very sandy.
The most fertile land in The Biminis is found in the central area and
you can still see remnants of old farms. There is a large salt water
bay, called Cavelle Pond, mangroves and some marshland at the eastern
end and, on the bay side, are two lakes—one with fresh sweet water
and the other with brackish water. Also in South Bimini are the “Shark
Lab” international research center and what is believed to be
the legendary “Fountain of Youth.”
East Bimini—East Bimini is a narrow wedge on
the eastern side of the island chain. On the east, it is low and sandy
with some limestone rocks; on the west it is mostly mangroves and small
bays. Here you would find secluded beaches, the famous Shark Mound,
Bonefish Hole, Healing Hole and several bone-fishing flats.
These are just a few examples of the many adventure options awaiting
us in the Bahamas. (All Meals Included
Aboard Ship)
Thurday, February 3, 2005
Freeport Return / Farewell Dinner
Our final sail today will bring us back to Freeport by late afternoon.
We will celebrate the end of our adventure together with a Farewell
Dinner aboard the ship. This has always been the perfect opportunity
to thank the Captain and crew for all their many services and kindnesses
throughout the voyage. (All Meals)
Friday, February 4, 2005
Departure
Be prepared to disembark the ship by 9am to allow the crew time to
prepare for the next group. (Breakfast)
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