2008 REED’s East Coast Edition - Pilot Notes
free for a limited time only to clear customs. Channel is the entrance to the Grand Lu-
Most yachts dock in Lucaya. cayan Waterway, a canal through Grand Ba-
Anchorage: None in the harbor. hama Island that provides a protected inside
Services: Fuel, water, and other services are route to Little Bahama Bank for those who
available. can clear the 27ft fixed bridge.
Port of entry: Pleasure boats clear at the
Lucaya: 26 29N, 78 42W Lucayan Marina Village or Port Lucaya
Pilotage: The first marked channel E of Marina rather than in the commercial port
t
Freeport leads to Xanadu Marina. Further of Freeport. Marina staff notify customs of-
ilo
E is the entrance to Running Mon Marina; ficials of your arrival. P
Ocean Reef Club is about 2.2 miles E at 78 Dockage: Available at several marinas.
39.6W. Off the waterway, labeled Bell Chan- Services: All services available a short taxi
nel, are the Lucayan Marina Village and ride from Freeport. Shops and restaurants
Port Lucaya marinas. About 4.5nm E of Bell are located near marinas.
Facility Location Phone VHF
Old Bahama Bay Marina West End 242-346-6500 16
Xanadu Marina Lucaya 242-352-6782 16 ahamas
B
Ocean Reef Resort Lucaya 242-373-4662 16
Port Lucaya Marina Lucaya 242-373-9090 16
Lucayan Marina Village Lucaya 242-373-7616 16
The Abacos
Note: In the central Abacos, generally from
Green Turtle Cay to Little Harbour, the
Pilotage: The Abacos stretch from N of
morning “Cruisers’ Net” broadcasts on VHF
Grand Bahama to the Northeast Providence
68 at 0815 daily. The net provides weather
Channel. The Little Bahama Bank abuts the
information, public announcements, and
W side of most of the islands, and most of
lets cruisers swap information. Some busi-
the primary harbors and facilities are located
nesses in the Abacos now send and receive e-
along the E side of Great Abaco and on the
mail for cruisers. There is a wireless Internet
cays along the E shore of Little Abaco and
subscription service all through the Abacos
Great Abaco.
with hot spots at most harbors. Contact oii.
There are numerous passes through the
net in Marsh Harbour for more information.
cays and limited inshore passage available in Waypoints
the Sea of Abaco among the islands. Whale
Crab Cay Light, Angel Fish Point
Cay pass is dangerous during periods of
heavy onshore seas and winds, conditions
26 55.6N, 77 36.3W Fl W 5s 11M
known locally as a “rage.” Large vessels have
Metal tower. 33ft
capsized while crossing Whale Cay Pass
Whale Cay Light, W point
during a rage. Conditions at the Whale are
often reported on the morning Cruiser’s Net
26 42.9N, 77 14.8W Fl W 5s 8M
broadcast.
Black aluminum structure. 40ft.
A now-haphazardly marked ship channel,
Great Guana Cay Light
formerly used by cruise ships, leads in the
direction of Guana Cay. To its south are sev-
26 39.8N, 77 06.9W Fl W 3s 6M
eral large spoil banks created from dredged
Metal tower. 30ft.
material. Their size and location is changing,
Marsh Harbour, N side, Great Abaco Island
so careful navigation is necessary. The shal-
low “Don’t Rock Passage” leading across the
26 33.4N, 77 4.0W Fl G 3s 5M
banks inside of Whale Cay to Great Abaco is
Metal tower. 23ft.
very poorly defined and constantly changing;
depths are reported to be less than 3ft.
251