Want a drama free crossing to Bimini in a sailboat? Stage at Dinner Key Mooring field or no-name harbor. Wait until there is no north wind for a whole day (you want to give the waves time to lay down). Go the next day if there is still no north wind. Leave No-name harbor at 5:00 am. You will get to Bimini around two or three o'clock in the afternoon. Go through the new entrance (like your heading into Bimini Sands), or the old entrance a little farther south,( that everyone used to have to use). Pull into any marina to check in. That's it.
I'm going to try and release what I think is my best video yet Tomorrow (sunday). However I'm surrounded by cold fronts storms and way off in the wilderness of the berry's. No good holding here anywhere. If you see a video up it means I made till tomorrow..
I gained a new appreciation for this trip as well as some handy insights. For the first time it seems more approachable than ever. The visuals were spectacular and your opening just grabbed me by the throat! You had my attention right from the start. More please!
Thank you for your kind words! New video out this weekend and it's a crazy one! I have a run in with the cops! I get in a car accident deep in the bad parts of Nassau and end up alone walking thru the slums at 3am on a saterday night!!
Nice video Cap. As a full time working resident of Bimini, I'd like to point out a couple things to help the cruisers going into Bimini. First, coming into the channel can be tricky and wearing polarized sunglasses will show that channel clearly. The mid channel at low tide is 8.5 foot and both Mega yachts and the supply ships use it regularly . The old channel you recommend does have a day range marker on South Bimini to line up on. It is shown on paper charts, but I am not sure about electronic charts. There is also Customs and Immigration at the sea plane base by the resort where the Hotel is. They are open 7 days a week 9-5. Customs and immigration downtown is open 7 days 9 to 7pm. Anchoring in the back has real good holding. Just stay out of the channel going to the development as large yachts travel back there and need the channel to navigate through.
Hi Michael, I just got back from 2.5 weeks in the Berry Islands & Nassau. You should try to get out and see more of the Bahamas. I know it’s hard but if you can get a Rocna, or Manson anchor one size bigger then your boat you will sleep like a baby!
If your going to Bimini your better off going from Rodriguez Cay. If you’re going to West End leave from west Palm . If your going to Green Turtle leave from Fort Pierce and cross though the bank. Cool video !
RUclips would not let me link the proper video card. I'm not sure why. If you want to see the Atlantic city mast under bridge incident it's in the channel video library. Thanks all.😊
I agree. The moment you drop your hook it's like your in another world. A very special place to sail. Clearest water in the Caribbean I'm hearing.. Thanks for commenting.
That anchor alarm makes my stomach turn. I’ve been there at 3:00am waking up to the wind howling and that exact alarm howling. It’s your worst nightmare
Oh this is funny. Every time somthing happens that takes some handling you grab your phone and start punching it. I taught a class a Broward Community College in the late seventies. Called “sailing Broward to the Bahamas”. I ended up having to change from a regular class room to a lecture hall with over 75 people in it. We had no: GPS, no computers of any kind with apps, no chart plotter or MFD, no Windy or Predict Wind. No decent weather system of any accuracy. And once you left port, you really were on your own. You real HAD to know how to NAVIGATE. I have crossed the stream hundreds of times. About the first 25 or so in my little 26’ outboard powered sloop. And over half of them from Ft Lauderdale. Cruised tens of thousands of ocean miles in my “bigger” boasts, to 46’. The first 20 or so yrs were without the afore mentioned equipment. But you bet, I was first in line to buy a GPS. And mush latter, a plotter. Now yes, you are right. Don’t mess with the GS in N weather. Have been caught out a few times and it was no fun at all. Even in my larger well found boats. And yes, even now with the reefs in shambles, the Bahamas are amazing.
No worries, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm going to take some time to shoot the video I always wanted to shoot. I want to show the movement of the water coming off the bank into the deep 8 ft ocean. The colors of the water and the movement of the sun and moon over these great islands. It will involve a ton of day just setting up my cinema camera doing time-lapse over many hours. I wish to visit the island with so many pigs on it. And see what the pirates saw. I have big plans for future videos. Could even be 3 weeks until my next video. I'm glad you enjoyed it..
What typy of anchor do you have? It seems that you drag more than most.Also what size chain are you using? We have a 45 lb Delta with 150 ft of 5/16 chain. We have been on several Gales blowing in the upper 50's.Yes it was scary but we NEVER have dragged.
He said he uses a Bruce anchor which are pretty much useless in anything but mud or other soft bottoms. They don’t hold well in sand and are awful if there is sea grass or other vegetation on the bottom. He needs a Rocna or, at least, a Delta anchor. And in the southern waters where coral is prevalent, all chain rode is necessary.
nice video mike. the more video of drone shots and bimini was very nice. the less vlogging and shots of just your face was a nice change. your mini movie making game has improved 👍
I have big plans to use all the gear I have. DjI Mini 4 pro. BMPCC with DJI R1 gymbal and cinema lenses. Gopro Hero 12 x 3 and my X360. I've heard about islands of pigs. Chub key and crossing THE GREAT BAHAMA BANK. Nassau would be a dream. Is it possible? Should I do it? Can I do it? I WILL try. That's all we can do. Fair winds mate. Thanks for commenting.
I've been in over 10,000 feet of water. I've been in 20' seas. I've been in 50 kts of wind. You say, 'Never lose control of your vessel." I would say things differently. Your vessel is in far more control than you are. Your vessel can keep you afloat when you have lost the battle. We were very close to passing by Isla del Cocos in Costa Rica. My children had questioned what would happen if we missed the islands. We were close to understanding my response. I said that we would sail a lot farther than we planned. Remember, the vessel will likely maintain control far beyond your ability to control it. During a race this year, we broached and were knocked down. I didn't notice the details. Others have reported the upper spreaders were in the water. Did we lose control? Within 4 minutes, we were rounded, on tack, and continued. I believe that we lost control. Our helmsman's expertise, the team's response, and the co-ordinated response of both, allowed the vessel to avoid catastrophy. Our efforts allowed the vessel to maintain its stability while responding to our direction. I say that when you lose control, say "Thank you 'vessel' for keeping me safe. Please protect me until I can understand what to do." Then get to work.
It's really a budget thing. However in my opinion up 45 ft would be the limit for a single hander. Above 35 ft every foot you add to the length doubles the vessel displacement. So the difference between a 36 and 38 is considerable. My vessel is 36. It's to small. My dream boat would be a Oyster 45 HP. It has a 7 ft draft (not good) and would be tough to dingle hand. In my opinion a 38 would be good. Anything ab9ve that cost a mint to maintain and dock. If you want to push the size as a single hander I'd go Catalina 38 Morgan out. Get a center cockpit. All lines lead aft to the cockpit. In mast furling would be key (a new one not an old one) above all a good new engine is key. Something you know and have the tools to fix. Get a moisture meter and use it before hiring a surveyor.. hope that helps..
If you stay on top of the weather, your boat is sea worthy & the people handling your boat are sea worthy, even in rough weather it’s not that bad. Be prepared before you even leave the dock yall
Here here. Trust in your vessel in rough seas. Step UP onto your dingy NOT down onto it only as a last resort. So much of survival out here is a a mental thing. Have faith and move forward don't just react..
I tried but the wind turned on me. It's actually a tough run from Miami. For now I'd like to at a very minimum sail to Nassau. Maybe part of the exumas or berries. I still have to sail back to Canada this season!! So my budget is spread ultra thin. Beans and toast only for me maybe the occasional anchor beer 🍺. I have been at sea for 5 months no marina. If you hot the tortugas be ready for action it can be tough I hear.
😂 I guess you will have to stay tuned to find out!! Just when you think it's all over the universe stretches out its hand and gives us what I really needed.
@TheCorsair sure could use an Oyster 45 HP or maybe an Amel sharky? One day soon!! For now I'll have to settle with what I have.. And yes I'm up to something . No regrets
And it has. I'll have to time my passages to tides and stay clear of these outlets letting water off the bank. When it's 15ft deep then goes to 8k ft it makes for very strong current. They key is to stay on top of it.. I can always drop my hook in a pickle. But yes 20hp. 4knts at 80% throttle. Way under powered..
Seems like the whole video is about scaring people. I'm pretty sure this would talk any beginner out of trying something so complicated and risky but if you are experienced it looks like fear mongering. There's a lot of passages that warrant waiting for a weather and/or tide window that is favorable. The consequences of getting this wrong can be big but it's something every sailer deals with every day. All the footage you showed made it look like a day of sailing, right?
First an foremost "fear mongering" is usually when something is made out to be worse than it actually is. Respectfully, the gulf stream is not just a day sail. Many sailors have been taken on this stretch of ocean. Speaking from experience. Ive been out there in a small craft warning in the middle and its NO JOKE. My question to you is have you ever crossed? If you have done it in many different sea states NOT just in calm conditions you would agree with my assessment. However this is a youtube video and is meant to inform and entertain. If I have made people think twice before they cross then my job is done. Be safe out there is my sentiment.
Lol, I've had a good life. I'm going just go. Once you get over the fear of death then life goes along much easier. Got to renew your driver's license?.....or just cross the Gulf stream into the Bahamas on a sailboat. Lol.
Want a drama free crossing to Bimini in a sailboat? Stage at Dinner Key Mooring field or no-name harbor. Wait until there is no north wind for a whole day (you want to give the waves time to lay down). Go the next day if there is still no north wind. Leave No-name harbor at 5:00 am. You will get to Bimini around two or three o'clock in the afternoon. Go through the new entrance (like your heading into Bimini Sands), or the old entrance a little farther south,( that everyone used to have to use). Pull into any marina to check in. That's it.
Did you watch the entire video? You have covered all the same points I talk about in this video.
@@sailingEV888 , yes, I was summarizing it for the people who wanted the Cliff Notes on it.
Cliff note squad. 🤣🤣🤣@@ralphholiman7401
Honestly one of the better sailing videos I’ve seen in some time. Nicely done and I’ll be watching for more.
I'm going to try and release what I think is my best video yet Tomorrow (sunday). However I'm surrounded by cold fronts storms and way off in the wilderness of the berry's. No good holding here anywhere. If you see a video up it means I made till tomorrow..
I gained a new appreciation for this trip as well as some handy insights. For the first time it seems more approachable than ever. The visuals were spectacular and your opening just grabbed me by the throat! You had my attention right from the start.
More please!
Thank you for your kind words! New video out this weekend and it's a crazy one! I have a run in with the cops! I get in a car accident deep in the bad parts of Nassau and end up alone walking thru the slums at 3am on a saterday night!!
Don’t let the crabs pull you down, great video!
Thanks Cap!
Nice video Cap. As a full time working resident of Bimini, I'd like to point out a couple things to help the cruisers going into Bimini. First, coming into the channel can be tricky and wearing polarized sunglasses will show that channel clearly. The mid channel at low tide is 8.5 foot and both Mega yachts and the supply ships use it regularly . The old channel you recommend does have a day range marker on South Bimini to line up on. It is shown on paper charts, but I am not sure about electronic charts. There is also Customs and Immigration at the sea plane base by the resort where the Hotel is. They are open 7 days a week 9-5. Customs and immigration downtown is open 7 days 9 to 7pm. Anchoring in the back has real good holding. Just stay out of the channel going to the development as large yachts travel back there and need the channel to navigate through.
Bro, thank you for laying out exactly what we need to know!
Hi Michael,
I just got back from 2.5 weeks in the Berry Islands & Nassau. You should try to get out and see more of the Bahamas. I know it’s hard but if you can get a Rocna, or Manson anchor one size bigger then your boat you will sleep like a baby!
I have a huge delta I will deploy. I'm going to try to get to Nassau as a minimum.. fair winds Cap.
glad to see you back in the Bahamas. Can't wait for your adventures!
If your going to Bimini your better off going from Rodriguez Cay.
If you’re going to West End leave from west Palm .
If your going to Green Turtle leave from Fort Pierce and cross though the bank.
Cool video !
RUclips would not let me link the proper video card. I'm not sure why. If you want to see the Atlantic city mast under bridge incident it's in the channel video library. Thanks all.😊
Now your talking....good video lots of ocean scene. Love it
Thanks for some of the details on Bimini. I’ll be crossing sometime next winter.
Sweet drone work. Bimini is my favorite place in the Bahamas because it has such a wide variety of the Bahamian experience in such a small area.
I agree. The moment you drop your hook it's like your in another world. A very special place to sail. Clearest water in the Caribbean I'm hearing.. Thanks for commenting.
great video
some guud production amigo
About to break 3,000 subs. Who would've thought. Congrats man.
Thanks mate! Out of all those subs you are my digital 1st mate!!
That anchor alarm makes my stomach turn. I’ve been there at 3:00am waking up to the wind howling and that exact alarm howling. It’s your worst nightmare
Great videos Captain Michael. What kind of drone do you fly?
Oh this is funny. Every time somthing happens that takes some handling you grab your phone and start punching it. I taught a class a Broward Community College in the late seventies. Called “sailing Broward to the Bahamas”. I ended up having to change from a regular class room to a lecture hall with over 75 people in it. We had no: GPS, no computers of any kind with apps, no chart plotter or MFD, no Windy or Predict Wind. No decent weather system of any accuracy. And once you left port, you really were on your own. You real HAD to know how to NAVIGATE.
I have crossed the stream hundreds of times. About the first 25 or so in my little 26’ outboard powered sloop. And over half of them from Ft Lauderdale. Cruised tens of thousands of ocean miles in my “bigger” boasts, to 46’. The first 20 or so yrs were without the afore mentioned equipment. But you bet, I was first in line to buy a GPS. And mush latter, a plotter.
Now yes, you are right. Don’t mess with the GS in N weather. Have been caught out a few times and it was no fun at all. Even in my larger well found boats. And yes, even now with the reefs in shambles, the Bahamas are amazing.
Thanks for the info Appreciate it
No worries, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm going to take some time to shoot the video I always wanted to shoot. I want to show the movement of the water coming off the bank into the deep 8 ft ocean. The colors of the water and the movement of the sun and moon over these great islands. It will involve a ton of day just setting up my cinema camera doing time-lapse over many hours. I wish to visit the island with so many pigs on it. And see what the pirates saw. I have big plans for future videos. Could even be 3 weeks until my next video. I'm glad you enjoyed it..
What typy of anchor do you have? It seems that you drag more than most.Also what size chain are you using?
We have a 45 lb Delta with 150 ft of 5/16 chain.
We have been on several Gales blowing in the upper 50's.Yes it was scary but we NEVER have dragged.
He said he uses a Bruce anchor which are pretty much useless in anything but mud or other soft bottoms. They don’t hold well in sand and are awful if there is sea grass or other vegetation on the bottom. He needs a Rocna or, at least, a Delta anchor. And in the southern waters where coral is prevalent, all chain rode is necessary.
@Seawizz203 fully agree I do have a massive delta but my windlass can't handle it. I'm going to get a Rocna on the way home..
nice video mike. the more video of drone shots and bimini was very nice. the less vlogging and shots of just your face was a nice change. your mini movie making game has improved 👍
I have big plans to use all the gear I have. DjI Mini 4 pro. BMPCC with DJI R1 gymbal and cinema lenses. Gopro Hero 12 x 3 and my X360. I've heard about islands of pigs. Chub key and crossing THE GREAT BAHAMA BANK. Nassau would be a dream. Is it possible? Should I do it? Can I do it? I WILL try. That's all we can do. Fair winds mate. Thanks for commenting.
Good job
Anchor anxiety is real even after thousands of engine / sailing hours. I’m building something to help it.
I've been in over 10,000 feet of water. I've been in 20' seas. I've been in 50 kts of wind. You say, 'Never lose control of your vessel." I would say things differently. Your vessel is in far more control than you are. Your vessel can keep you afloat when you have lost the battle. We were very close to passing by Isla del Cocos in Costa Rica. My children had questioned what would happen if we missed the islands. We were close to understanding my response. I said that we would sail a lot farther than we planned. Remember, the vessel will likely maintain control far beyond your ability to control it.
During a race this year, we broached and were knocked down. I didn't notice the details. Others have reported the upper spreaders were in the water. Did we lose control? Within 4 minutes, we were rounded, on tack, and continued. I believe that we lost control. Our helmsman's expertise, the team's response, and the co-ordinated response of both, allowed the vessel to avoid catastrophy. Our efforts allowed the vessel to maintain its stability while responding to our direction.
I say that when you lose control, say "Thank you 'vessel' for keeping me safe. Please protect me until I can understand what to do." Then get to work.
Always step up into your dinghy! Never step down!! Really good comment..
Appreciate the info
My question is for you Captain Michael. :)
I like questions what's up?
Hello Captain Michael. What would be the bigest boat for a 1 man crew to to operate????? monohull\Catamaran what would be best?
It's really a budget thing. However in my opinion up 45 ft would be the limit for a single hander. Above 35 ft every foot you add to the length doubles the vessel displacement. So the difference between a 36 and 38 is considerable. My vessel is 36. It's to small. My dream boat would be a Oyster 45 HP. It has a 7 ft draft (not good) and would be tough to dingle hand. In my opinion a 38 would be good. Anything ab9ve that cost a mint to maintain and dock. If you want to push the size as a single hander I'd go Catalina 38 Morgan out. Get a center cockpit. All lines lead aft to the cockpit. In mast furling would be key (a new one not an old one) above all a good new engine is key. Something you know and have the tools to fix. Get a moisture meter and use it before hiring a surveyor.. hope that helps..
If you stay on top of the weather, your boat is sea worthy & the people handling your boat are sea worthy, even in rough weather it’s not that bad. Be prepared before you even leave the dock yall
Here here. Trust in your vessel in rough seas. Step UP onto your dingy NOT down onto it only as a last resort. So much of survival out here is a a mental thing. Have faith and move forward don't just react..
are you planning on doing the keys, key west, dry tortugas?
I tried but the wind turned on me. It's actually a tough run from Miami. For now I'd like to at a very minimum sail to Nassau. Maybe part of the exumas or berries. I still have to sail back to Canada this season!! So my budget is spread ultra thin. Beans and toast only for me maybe the occasional anchor beer 🍺. I have been at sea for 5 months no marina. If you hot the tortugas be ready for action it can be tough I hear.
you are in a good place of the world do not go back to USA at least until the end of aprill head north be safe
A bunch of old clips put together to come up with a video. What are you hiding Michael?
😂 I guess you will have to stay tuned to find out!! Just when you think it's all over the universe stretches out its hand and gives us what I really needed.
@@sailingEV888 what you needed? I’m guessing it’s a new boat.
@TheCorsair sure could use an Oyster 45 HP or maybe an Amel sharky? One day soon!! For now I'll have to settle with what I have.. And yes I'm up to something . No regrets
you said you were pouring over charts, the carabean feeling to restrictive for you?get clear of all those low bridges
15 feet deep for as far as the eye can see and just like a swimming pool. There is no chart that describes what I've seen..
you only have 20hp on a 36? that could get you in trouble
And it has. I'll have to time my passages to tides and stay clear of these outlets letting water off the bank. When it's 15ft deep then goes to 8k ft it makes for very strong current. They key is to stay on top of it.. I can always drop my hook in a pickle. But yes 20hp. 4knts at 80% throttle. Way under powered..
Seems like the whole video is about scaring people. I'm pretty sure this would talk any beginner out of trying something so complicated and risky but if you are experienced it looks like fear mongering. There's a lot of passages that warrant waiting for a weather and/or tide window that is favorable. The consequences of getting this wrong can be big but it's something every sailer deals with every day. All the footage you showed made it look like a day of sailing, right?
First an foremost "fear mongering" is usually when something is made out to be worse than it actually is. Respectfully, the gulf stream is not just a day sail. Many sailors have been taken on this stretch of ocean. Speaking from experience. Ive been out there in a small craft warning in the middle and its NO JOKE. My question to you is have you ever crossed? If you have done it in many different sea states NOT just in calm conditions you would agree with my assessment. However this is a youtube video and is meant to inform and entertain. If I have made people think twice before they cross then my job is done. Be safe out there is my sentiment.
He is speaking from experience because he did a shit job due too inexperience and impatience lol
Lol, I've had a good life. I'm going just go. Once you get over the fear of death then life goes along much easier. Got to renew your driver's license?.....or just cross the Gulf stream into the Bahamas on a sailboat. Lol.
"promosm"
"Formidable task"? What a joke. Fear mongering.
Basically, whatever this guy does... Do the opposite.
You obviously have not been out here..