Hello George Town

It’s hard to believe that it has been 3 years since we last stayed in one of the many George Town anchorages. It’s nice to be back and to be anchored in one of our favourite spots – Red Shanks.

Our trip down from Lee Stocking on Monday was super easy. We left through the southern route, going out onto the Sound via Rat Cay cut. We left at high tide and saw lots of water all the way down that shallow draft route. It was a very sunny morning and there was virtually no wind. When we got out onto the Exuma Sound, we found the water to be relatively flat and with the low wind speed, we had an easy 2 hour motor down to the Marina at Emerald Bay (which is located near the top of Great Exuma Island). We stopped at the marina to fill up our water tanks and to buy a jerry can full of gas for our dinghy motor. We left Jane and Steve at the marina as they were visiting friends staying at the condos nearby.

We continued south to George Town and saw lots of boats that we had met at earlier anchorages. That’s one really cool thing about the Exumas – it’s pretty small so you see the same boats all the time! As we entered Elizabeth Harbour, the waves and wind lessened even more as we ducked behind Stocking Island. We also realized this is where everyone has been hiding – there are about 300 boats in the harbour!!We arrived at Red Shanks at low tide and there were only 2 boats in the anchorage- excellent!! We picked a good spot, dropped anchor and went for a swim.

On Tuesday we started our day by doing laundry at a laundromat close to Red Shanks (outside of George Town). We discovered this place 3 years ago and are super happy that it’s still open. It’s a great laundromat and it’s easy to dinghy to. After laundry we headed to George Town for lunch at Island Boy Cafe (one of Caroline’s favourite spots!). We also took a look around and we’re glad to say that George Town has survived the pandemic (even without all the cruisers there to spend money).

This weekend we are expecting another blow (winds ranging from 18knots to 30knots from the north east) so we’re staying put in Red Shanks. Jane and Steve are heading here tomorrow (Friday) so hopefully there will be room for one more boat!! The winds are moving south so we’re hoping to get a good crossing window to sail to Conception Cay by next Thursday (March 10). Fingers crossed!!