Re: Anyone been to Bimini, Bahamas?
Done the Ft. Lauderdale--> Bimini trip quite a few times in the late 80's/early 90's. 28 foot Wellcraft, twin Yammy 150's. It's 50 nautical miles from Ft. Lauderdale to Bimini.
You are at the mercy of the weather, and your boat is, well, at or below the minimum required for a reasonably safe passage (IMHO). You will be crossing the gulf stream, and it's getting the time of the year when you could get a norther coming through. If you hit that in a 22 footer, you're probably lost.
Your best bet is to get in contact with guys that go over every weekend.
Here's some info:
If you'll be crossing to the Biminis for the first time, the Bahamas Boating Flings might be the way to go. Sponsored jointly by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the South Florida Marine Industries Association, the flings are organized fleets of not more than 30 vessels brought together to make the crossing from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale for boats of at least 22 feet, and from Palm Beach in boats at least 24 feet. Each boat pays a fee of $65 to participate. Flings are organized throughout the summer, when sailing conditions are best. For more information, call the Bahamas Tourist office in Miami at tel. 800-327-7678 or 305-932-0051.
If you are an experienced blue-water guy, had been over before, were going with a group, had a good weather forecast in July, and were a bit crazy, I'd say go for it.
The trips were good;didn't spend much time on the island back then. Those were dangerous times due to the drug traffickers. Fishing and diving were what we did.
