Ocean Sailing Nomads | E109 | Our Last Stop

Sailing from the Bahamas to the BVI: Navigating the Thorny Path and L65

As we sail towards our last stop, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), we find ourselves in a conundrum. Do we take the Thorny Path or the L65 route? In this episode of Ocean Sailing Nomads, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each path and explain why we chose to sail between them.

The Thorny Path

Also known as island hopping from the Bahamas to Turks and Caicos and onward through smaller islands, the Thorny Path essentially means sailing directly against the trade winds. As experienced sailors will tell you, this is not an easy feat. It’s referred to as ‘the thorny path’ due to its discomfort, but we persevered.

The L65

On the flip side, there’s also the L65 route. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with both paths. One challenge is the varying winds; sometimes we find ourselves directly on course while other times we need to deviate a bit.

To make our decision more challenging, there have been some squalls recently and we’ve experienced thunderstorms during the night. Nonetheless, the moment looks fair for sailing. We decided to go in between both paths as it offered us the most flexibility and adaptability due to the changing weather conditions.

Sailing Style

In the end, our sailing style revolves around playing by ear with the constantly shifting winds and the intermittent squalls. Our goal is to keep our spirits up even in these challenging moments by looking for solutions that ensure we can sail as efficiently as possible towards the BVI.

The Importance of Provisions and Fuel

In addition to the decision on which path to take, we also need to consider where we will be able to obtain fuel and provisions. We initially planned to stop at Mayaguana for a brief respite before setting sail once again. After making sure our engine had enough oil, we sailed from there towards Great Inagua, keeping in mind the importance of ensuring that both our diesel-powered yacht and ourselves remain adequately provisioned.

Encountering Local Challenges

One unforeseen challenge arose when attempting to exchange some Bahamian dollars for US dollars. With no local ATMs available in Spanish Wells, we relied on the kindness of locals who helped us secure the necessary currency.

Community Support

In every port or anchorage we visit, the sense of community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Local inhabitants have generously offered assistance and resources like fuel whenever possible.

This voyage between the Thorny Path and L65 is proving to be an adventurous journey full of lessons on the seas that shape our approach to navigating each unique situation. Our ultimate goal remains steady – to explore, adapt and share with you all aspects of this fascinating world as we continue towards new destinations.

What’s Next?

In the next episode, we will delve into the experiences faced during our time in Great Inagua and share how we overcame the challenges we encountered. Stay tuned for an update on this unforgettable sailing adventure!