YACHT "WANDERING STAR": Georgetown Madness

Wandering Star at Lee Stocking Island

Is it possible that we could tire of the stunning vistas and sandy banks dotted with palm trees and colourful bougainvillea that make up the many tiny islands of the Exumas? Probably, eventually, but not yet. We continue to be mesmerized, even in the madness and mayhem of Georgetown, now that regatta has started

The anchorage at Lee Stocking Island

We had a few more lovely days at Lee Stocking Island walking around the abandoned marine research center. We've heard it’s been sold so I was keen to explore while we were still able to roam free. I dragged mum and dad through over grown trails looking for a nonexistent path to a windward beach with the promise of untouched flotsam and jetsam treasures told to me by fellow cruisers. And then I dragged them around again the next day where I finally had to admit defeat. But we had fun, and even though the island is abandoned and neglected and even slightly eerie it is peaceful and serene and has a certain charm that I find appealing.

Sim, Mum and Dad on top of the world on Lee Stocking Island

We had to motor sail the remaining 25 miles back to Georgetown as there was barely a breath of wind. We trailed a fishing line the entire journey but not a nibble did we get. We reached Georgetown with plenty of daylight to spare and in time for a delicious Valentines feast at the yacht club courtesy of Mum and Dad.

Looking out on the anchorage at Kidds Cove from Exuma yacht Club on Valentines evening

Unbelievably the water is still a little chilly so we don’t swim as much as we should; though you can guarantee a good soaking with four of us in the dinghy on a breezy day. Mum who seemed to take the brunt of most waves was particularly stoic. We’ve moved the boat from one side of Elizabeth Harbour to the other to try and get the best protection from the weather fronts that keep coming through. Mum and Dad’s visit came to an end with us waving goodbye as Elvis the water taxi whisked them away for a dry journey back to shore. We had had fun and were sad to see them go.

Goodbye Mum and Dad.xxx

Sim and I had a quiet day assimilating ourselves back to life with just two on board just as the regatta week was starting up. Since then the weekend has whizzed by in a whirl of beach seminars on batteries and other topical subjects, raffles, variety shows, walks on beaches and all the fun, crazy activities that go alongside the regatta. Amazingly though, no yacht racing as yet as it’s been too windy or ironically there's not enough wind.

Everyone gathers round for the free raffle prizes

We take a back seat as it’s all a little too summer-camp for our liking without meaning to knock what others do like. And we potter on with various little jobs that have been neglected over the last year having been on the move for so much of it and we look forward to the arrival of our next visitors, my (other) sister and her BF.