 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services |
|
|
May 2009 Hi there cruisers Well, you certainly are a determined bunch! Global financial crisis? No problem, you keep coming …and moving on! Government crisis? No problem, you keep coming…and moving on! Bad weather in Bahamas? No problem, you keep coming …and moving on! Having spent a good deal of time and effort (not to mention Bob’s money!) into getting everything smartened up and properly ship shape for the 2008-9 season we then had panic attacks thinking that nobody would appear. But, bless you all, you came and are still coming in ever increasing numbers. We have made many new friends this winter, and hopefully so have you by running into “Old boys and girls” of South Side Marina. This increase in business has been very much aided by our “elevation” to the status of Port of Entry which duly came into effect last December. Bob has been trying to achieve this for many years and at last it has happened. Please alter your charts and guides accordingly Just so you know who is who when you meet them, here is a list of those who have passed through since the end of the hurricane season. If I have omitted anyone, please forgive me and blame it on our increasing years (Simon made 70 on March 1st and Bob achieved 65 on 11th)
For those of you who came before this season, here is the update on how far along we have got with our plans. The entrance landscaping is now complete, and though I say it myself, does look very smart and gives a good impression to those visiting us for the first time by land, including and very importantly cruisers trucked in for our weekly barbeques.
Our morning Cruisers’ net and weather forecast continues as ever: Channel 18(US) at 7.30am every day of the year. Generally speaking we can reach boats in Caicos Marina and Shipyard, Sapodilla Bay and Turtle Cove Marina as well as those approaching down Sandbore Channel and occasionally as far as French Cay. Please tell everyone you meet to be sure to tune in.
The cruisers library at the back of the office now has such a rapid turnover that we can’t keep up with our reading – thanks to all of you for the exchanges. The barbeque area is seeing increasing use, both as a place to hang out during the day and very importantly to meet for evening cocktails at 5pm. We will be building a shade roof over it and will install electricity so that laptops can be plugged in. We have just seen the architect’s preliminary sketches for our bar and grill, which will be built at the top of the cliff with a fantastic view over the Banks. Hopefully, and provided there are sufficient funds, that will remain on track for opening at the beginning of next season – stand by Bob Bitchin for your latest Harbor Hangout , we will certainly invite you and Neil McNeil who is a friend of our Bob to join us for the opening. We have not yet decided on a name – so suggestions are welcome
From our archives – and just to show our versatility – we are just as capable of refueling aircraft as sea going craft. All in all we have had a marvelous season, and are trusting that it will not finish just yet, so look for more boat names next time. Finally, a repeat of our cry for help. Our belongings are still sitting in storage in Nanny Cay, Tortola. If any of you are planning to come this way from BVI please let us know if you can bring at least some part of them for us. I will close by wishing you all well; safe sailing in calm waters and a cosy “hole” for the hurricane season. We have so much enjoyed the e mails that you send us – please keep them coming. ‘Til next time Bob, Simon and Charlyn, Effie and Gemma | Return Home | Facilities | Newsletter | Maps | Rates | Local Services | Contact | |
||||
We have also made very good use of what we fondly call “The Annex”, which is the incomplete Cooper Jack Marina just a 10 minute dinghy ride away. This makes a great anchorage for those who have too deep a draft for us (that is over 6ft) as well as for those whose budget or plans do not include Marina charges. By anchoring there (free) and paying just a $5.00 daily dinghy fee, cruisers have been able to make use of all the Marina facilities.
The old charcoal fired grills have been consigned to the graveyard and we now have a very grand propane 5 burner which came all the way from Florida courtesy of Roger White in his new Pursuit 32. Our weekly barbeques (complete with land transport from Sapodilla) continue to be well attended – and even on some occasions graced by music. Thanks in particular to Robin of Solveig, Will of Blue Moon and Jim of Blue Heaven. Also on the subject of food, everyone seems to enjoy a lunch time outing to “Da Conch Shack”, where parties from South side have become their most regular patrons, travel courtesy of the South Side “stretch” limo!!
Navigation into the marina has been improved by the replacement of the damaged green buoy and the siting of a new red buoy both to mark the final turn into the canal.
Our web site is now up and running. 
Since we have no idea how much longer we will be able to make use of the Annex, I am pleased to report that there are plans afoot to excavate the land opposite us and to create several extra slips there which, although not owned by us, will be managed by us. Our own Andre Malcolm’s scheme to install mooring buoys in Cooper Jack Bay is also still alive and has at least some government department blessing.