Sailing to Freeport for the Big Test: Survey & Sea Trial!

At Montagu in Nassau, Connor fires up the diesel engines as the crew of Sailing Big Lost gets underway for a passage north toward the Berry Islands. Their voyage begins with an estimated 60 nautical mile passage across open water, aiming for an anchorage near Goat Cay at the northern tip of the island group before making the subsequent crossing over to Freeport.

Before entering the rolling swell outside the harbor, preparations get underway on deck. Balancing along the boom to reach the zipper on the mainsail cover, a crew member remarks, “I much prefer it when Maddie does this.” With the sail unzipped and raised, the catamaran steadies on course northward from Nassau, while crew members note that the vessel may soon change flags and registry as plans advance.

Lost Catch Along the Crossing

While making way through deep water, a strike on the trolling line interrupts the watch. The crew scrambles to the stern to bring in the line, initially suspecting a tuna on the hook. Reeling against heavy resistance takes strenuous effort, and crew members trade warnings about the risk of pelagic predators trailing behind the boat. Despite steady cranking on the reel, the line comes up light: sharks take the body before the catch reaches the sugar scoop, leaving only a severed head identified as a small wahoo.

Crossing the Channel to Freeport

Departing their temporary stop in the Berry Islands, the family points the bow across the open channel toward Freeport. Because open anchorages around Freeport offer limited protection, the crew contacts Xquisite Marina in advance to secure dockage through the end of the month. The morning run brings smooth sailing conditions as the children sleep below deck with the canvas drawing well overhead.

Underway across the channel, the conversation turns toward the upcoming milestone for the vessel, noted aboard as their Leopard 62 version of Big Lost. With a formal boat survey and sea trial scheduled in Freeport, the passage represents what could be their final journey aboard the catamaran before handing over ownership. Reflecting on the impending transition, the captain explains, “I feel excited that uh we could be moving into a different chapter on a different vessel.” When asked whether departing the catamaran carries the same emotional weight as selling their former house on land, he notes, “I try not to stay emotionally attached to vessel.”

Survey Preparation at Xquisite Marina

Upon tying up along the docks at Xquisite Marina in Freeport, immediate focus shifts to staging the vessel for the prospective buyer and marine surveyor. Stacking cushions and clearing deck clutter gives way to an intensive scrub-down of salt spray, running rigging, and coachwork. The kids assist with washing down the topsides for about an hour before fatigue and disagreements set in, leaving the parents to complete the detailing in the heat.

After hours on deck with wash buckets and hoses, the crew finishes scrubbing the exterior surfaces. Exhausted from the physical effort, one crew member remarks, “I just started cleaning the boat at like 7:30 this morning and it’s now 2:30 and I feel overheated but we got it all done.” With salt deposits cleared from the decks and wiring, the catamaran sits tied up at the marina slips, awaiting the surveyor and sea trial inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions