The island group of the Abacos sits about 50nm due north of Eleuthera. Oso enjoys champagne sailing on the crossing- 13kts of warm breeze directly on the beam, a relatively calm sea state, sunny skies, and 8-9kts of boat speed making short work of the daysail.
Lying between the Little Bahama Bank and the Atlantic, the Abacos proximity to Florida make for a popular destination for fishing and cruising boats. But it’s not only location, the islands themselves are spectacular. The large islands of Great Abaco and Little Abaco form a line to the west, while a string of cays arc on the eastward side of the larger islands. Between the islands is the Sea of Abaco – well protected from Atlantic waves, the sparkling turquoise water is a playground, albeit a shallow one.
Eleuthera was one step up the development ladder from the Exumas, and the Abacos sit another rung or two higher. Plenty of beautiful homes overlook pristine white sand beaches, and many of the small cays have a restaurant or two, serving the ubiquitous menu of conch fritters, fish and chicken sandwiches, and burgers and fries.
Oso continues her bucolic Bahamian journey northwards, sailing 10-20 miles a day, sticking to the “deep” channels (where there is at least a foot or two under the 7.5′ deep keel), and stopping for the night at yet another postcard of an anchorage.
