January 13 – Day 20 Underway

We had quite the storm roll in last evening just as we were anchored. At 1:30 a.m., curiosity got the best of me, so I took a look at what was happening.

On Monday, I completed my final work task: dropping off the company laptop. ✔️!

Another laundry day—much quicker without all the heavy winter gear. It really makes you appreciate your washer and dryer when you’re carrying laundry in a backpack, walking to a less-than-desirable part of town, and doing laundry to the soothing soundtrack of low-battery smoke detector beeps. Then it’s back to the boat we go.

Today was filled with meetings focused on educating everyone about where to go—and where not to go—in the Bahamas. After listening to the briefings, a decision had to be made about when the group feels it’s best to cross the Gulf Stream. There is a heavy weather front expected in the Bahamas on Thursday, so leaving Wed and crossing the Gold Stream isn't necessarily the issue.  The bigger question is what happens once we arrive - and where can we safely tuck in to wait out the strong winds. Following a full day of meetings and deliberation, the fleet is split. Some boats are leaving at 4:00 a.m. tonight, while others are looking at a Friday departure.

After more discussion, a third option emerged—and that feels like the right choice for us. We’re planning to leave midday and head to Lucaya (a different part of the Bahamas) to wait out the front safely tucked into the Grand Bahama Yacht Club. I am completely on board with this plan… especially since they have tennis courts. Sadly, I have no tennis shoes or equipment. 

Restless draws about 6.4 feet, and the waters in the Bahamas are genuinely shallow. Add in tides, currents, and wind, and you really need to be on your game and fully aware of both your destination and the conditions.

Thankfully, we have several online tools and subscriptions to help us track the weather and make the best decision possible.

Comments

  1. Scott and JessicaJanuary 14, 2026 at 5:53 AM

    We are enjoying your Blog. We love doing ours. It is something we will read often in the years to come to spark the wonderful memories we make each day!! Hopefully we can meet up sometime in the Exumas. Scott and Jessica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Life on RestlessJanuary 15, 2026 at 9:31 AM

      Thank you, Scott and Jessica! You guys were the inspiration. We enjoy reading yours...very fun :-). Yes, I hope we can meet up when we get there.

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