December 26, 2011
We departed the dock @ 0806 hrs this morning for Highborne Cut which is about 40 nm distant. The navigational challenge here is to follow a predetermined course with fixed Way Points (WP). There are scattered coral heads along this route so a lookout is required during certain points. The Explorer Charts have an excellent reputation for reliable routes and course lines. I have made up a Passage Plan with all the info needed to safely negotiate this passage. The final challenge is to thread the way out of Highborne Cut into Exuma Sound. This requires sunlight and very careful navigation. The currents are very strong in this pass and one doesn't want to exit on an ebb against the prevailing wind if it is brisk. These conditions reduce the visibility and make the passage through the cut more dangerous.
Phyllis and I have a great working relationship when it comes to piloting these areas. She is at the helm and I am looking at the electronic charts and running up to the bow for visual confirmation. I give her the helm orders which she executes, most of the time, flawlessly. We use this system for entering and leaving any harbor. I am sure that most other yachtsmen do the same thing. No one person can do it all as efficiently as two working together.
The Wx was perfect for the passage through Highborne Cut so at 1430 hrs with the Sun still high enough, and behind my back, we made our way out of the last reef obstacle. This was a great relief.
We set sail and continued through out the night to Cat Is. Our plan is to drop anchor and visit the Hermitage of Father Jerome at New Bight. The wind are a little too light but we're sailing.
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