Abaco Charter in February!

[danielgoldberg]

We took the plunge at the Annapolis show this year, and booked a charter in the Abacos for the February school break. Yeah, I know, it might be on the cooler side if a cold front blows through that week, but we are beholden to the school break window, so it is what it is. Besides, compared to NY in February it's going to feel hot no matter what the temp in the Bahamas.

We're very excited. I've sailed in the Exumas (with friends), but never in the Abacos. We also are chartering a cat (Leopard 40), and I don't have tons of experience on them, so we're looking forward to sailing on the level!

Anyway, any thoughts, suggestions or ideas, let 'em fly. And if you're going to be in the Abacos in February, let us know.

[WanderingStar]

Visited Abaco by plane, ended up staying ten days due to snow (at home, airports closed). Stayed in Marsh Harbor, very nice, friendly. Have fun, meet people.

[Vasco]

We usually go through the Abacos every second year on our way home. It is ideal for a charter as opposed to the Exumas. If you like nightlife and restaurants, there's lots there. If you like quiet anchorages you'll have to go north of Whale Cay Cut. Being a cat you might be able to do the inside passage and not have to worry about getting back if the Cut is acting up.

I prefer the quieter places so the northern cays appeal to me more than the "hub" area around Marsh Harbour and Hopetown. But for first timers Man-o-War and Hopetown are must sees.

There are lots of charter boats sailing south of "the Whale" but once you get north of Green Turtle it's a lot quieter. So whatever you're looking for, you'll probably find it in the Abacos.

[danielgoldberg]

Originally Posted by Vasco

We usually go through the Abacos every second year on our way home. It is ideal for a charter as opposed to the Exumas. If you like nightlife and restaurants, there's lots there. If you like quiet anchorages you'll have to go north of Whale Cay Cut. Being a cat you might be able to do the inside passage and not have to worry about getting back if the Cut is acting up.

I prefer the quieter places so the northern cays appeal to me more than the "hub" area around Marsh Harbour and Hopetown. But for first timers Man-o-War and Hopetown are must sees.

There are lots of charter boats sailing south of "the Whale" but once you get north of Green Turtle it's a lot quieter. So whatever you're looking for, you'll probably find it in the Abacos.

Interesting. I really want to go to Green Turtle, so I'm sure we'll brave The Whale, unless the weather for the whole week turns out terrible, which I guess is possible if a nasty prolonged front comes through.

[gtod25]

inside Whale Cay is no big deal. Transit it an hour or so before high tide, the first time, if you are concerned. The charter companies try and prevent charter "guests" using it for obvious reasons.

Enjoy.

[alwheeler98]

Hubby and I went for our honeymoon in January. When we left home it was 14 degrees F.

Locals kept remarking on the cold (it was 70 degrees there) but we thought it was great.

We really liked Hopetown.

[Yorksailor]

Ships have been lost and people have died attempting the passages in a 'rage'

A rage can shut this passage down for days

[hutch5151]

The Abaco's are great. When it's blowing from the North, go south to Little Harbour and Pete's pub. Wait until the front passes, the wind will clock around to the South and you can head back North to Hope Town, Great Guana and Marsh Harbour. Everything is inside and you don't have to worry about the rage at Whale Cay.