Sumner Point Marina
Capt Chris, squalls01/12/2008, Rum Cay, Bahamas
So far I have been pretty good about updating the blog daily or at least every two days. But the anchorage here at Rum Cay is really really rolly. So much so that just setting down the computer to connect the sat phone would have risked all the equipment.
But now I am in the marina. You may be asking why didn't I just get a slip in the first place? Well the entrance into the marina is downright treacherous. With the current weather prognosis I will most likely have another three or four days. I didn't want to sit in the anchorage for another moment so I decided to enter the channel as the marina said they would help "guide me in" on the radio. A dangerous debacle ensued that just about put Christa and I on a reef. The entrance has markers maintained by the marina that should have made the entrance crooked but manageable. As I am closing the third marker the guy on the radio tells me that the rest of the markers are missing and come right and steer 110 degree's. He also started pouring on way to much information. Keep in mind that I have zero margin for error with coral heads all around. Now the electronic chart is pretty accurate and provided me with some guidance. I asked the guy on the radio if he could see me and if I was in the ballpark. He tells me that he is 1/2 inland and later on I meet him and he tells me he actually was sitting on the toilet. I was not amused. I am unable to steer, talk on the radio, identify coral heads, sight the white house on the hill and watch the chart at the same time.
Team Adamo to the rescue. Philip (14) and Doug (16) come wizzing in their RHI. Doug hops onboard and starts spotting coral heads, Phil strikes out in front of Christa in the dingy sounding the water. Between all three of us and the chart we made it in. Thank you Team Adamo. The marina has no surge and that is a delight. Plus the wi-fi.......but my frustration with the Bahamian attitude is growing rapidly.
I shall vent here and lay out some opinions. What we have is a culture clash that, at least for this American, cannot be overcome. It is the attitude of "no problem mon." I have come to realize what they mean is that when things go bad It ain't my problem "mon." Bahamas is a very poor country and will always remain so until a huge shift in attitude takes place. I'll give you a couple of examples of minor frustrations. At a previous stop I asked the staff if they had wi-fi. They answered in the affirmative and I paid my $20 fee for the day. What they failed to tell me was the network was down and had been down for a few days. Two hours later I learn this little tidbit and they say "no problem mon" parts are coming on the plane. Never occurred to them to tell me or refund my money. Now I'm forced to be the ugly American and ask for a refund. You see they have wi-fi, whether it works or not doesn't seem figure into the equation.
My poor Maui Jim's were shipped December 28th from Florida. They sit in Georgetown Exumas at a shipping agent who just won't communicate. Does not keep to posted office hours but does respond to emails. Unfortunately he keeps emailing asking where he should forward it to. I respond each time with Luperon Dominican Republic. He simply pushes reply and asks the same question. I am flummoxed. I have many more examples, especially from others that are much worse but my rant is over.
The plan of attack from here is to leave maybe Monday morning. I have hired a local pilot to guide me out on Monday morning. I asked if he will be here at the dock Monday. "No problem mon." But remember my rant is over. I will be traveling with Adamo and they even plan on loaning me their 16 year old son, Doug who you all are now familiar with. Please take the time to check out Adamo's blog that I have linked. They are so much fun. Anyway the wind and seas are forecast to be nearly calm. So we plan on motor sailing the 125 miles to Mayaguana, get a little rest and then push the 50 miles to Turks & Caicos. See you Bahamas.
I'll post soon! Hope all are well. Gotta go mon.
Capt Chris
PS: New photos added under My Google Photo's and I uploaded one new video in Youtube.com
Blam!
