Georgetown... Once Again

Back in Georgetown
23 31.35 N 075 45.72 W

It's been about a month since our last blog and we have not ventured very far. Sadly, Mark's Dad who was having health issues took a turn for the worse and Mark flew back to CT to visit him on 5/4/12. We took Carina up to the Emerald Bay Marina where Kathy stayed with the boat and the cats. It was fortunate that Mark's father did not suffer long as he passed away 4 days later. Mark flew back after the funeral. We know that Bill, Mark's Dad will be accompanying us in spirit as we continue our travels. We'll recap what we've been up to since the last blog....


After the Jumentos, we spent a week anchored in Thompson Bay, off the town docks of the Salt Pond Settlement on Long Island.  



Laundry Day on Carina. The town dock and various busineses are in back ground.



These two boys had hooked a 4' Nurse Shark while handline-fishing off a dock. Unfortunately after an hour's time they were still unable to release the shark. We happened to be dinghying over to the docks to go to a store and saw their dilemma. Mark is using his Leatherman Tool to cut the steel leader to release him for the boys. He was successful and now has a shark indebted to him for life... that's a good thing.



On Thu. April 19th, we returned to Georgetown on Great Exuma Island for the 5th time this season. We anchored in an area called Red Shanks for 3 days sitting out a front with clocking winds. We dinghied to the nearby Crab Cay where we explored the ruins of a Loyalist's Plantation. This was the cooking hut. During the American Revolution many British loyal to the crown (loyalists) moved to the Bahamas to escape the war and try their hand at farming in the islands. Most plantations failed as the soil and climate didn't support the crops.



Coincidentally, we had arrived for the week-long 59th annual National Family Island Regatta, held in Georgetown. This event is the Bahamian equivalent to our Super Bowl with boats coming from all of the out-islands to participate. There are three classes of sailing boats. We had a good view of all the racing right from where Carina was anchored in Elizabeth Harbor.

These are a simple wood hulled boats with a huge sail. The booms are longer than the boats length.  As you can see it's all sail and lots of crew as counterweight. There's no fancy racing equipment such as mylar sails, carbon fiber masts or electronics- just good old fashioned sailing in classic boats. The overall winner of the Regatta was Lady Muriel from Staniel Cay built in the early 1950's. 



Because the boats are so over-canvassed they use the weight of several crew on the windward boards to keep them upright.



All the action is not on the water...the week leading up to Regatta was spent constructing the various "shacks" along Regatta Point which served up food and beverages for spectators and participants alike. Here's Kathy with our friend Penny from Penelope (another Manta). 

 

Rockin' to the music and enjoying a Kalik.

Dancin' to the island beat... a fun time was had by all.



The Miss Regatta pageant was one event held during the week long festivities. This is one of the contestants riding in the pageant parade.



That brings us to the present and back to Emerald Bay on this beautiful Mother's Day. Mark returned last evening .We went for a nice walk along the golf course this morning where Kathy stopped to take a call from her son Paul wishing her a happy Mother's Day.
Happy Mother's Day to all!!!