Sail | Work | Play 🤪 All part of the Adventure! E.106

Sailing SV Cuba’s Bahamas Adventure: Norman Ski Anchorage

After three months sailing around the beautiful islands in the Exumas, a special spot called Norman Ski holds a particular allure for our adventurers on Sailing SV Cuba.They didn’t want to miss the chance of experiencing this pristine destination due to its picturesque surroundings and the rare opportunity it offers for fishing. Arriving there in record time, the crew managed to secure their anchor despite shallow waters teeming with coral heads that posed a potential danger.Setting Up The Perfect AnchorTo find a suitable anchorage, the crew had to pick their spot carefully. They didn’t want to drop anchor right in the middle of the recommended area where the wind might lift the anchor chain and cause potential risks for passing boats, particularly charter boats that frequent the location.They chose a slightly off-centered position that would provide enough room and ensure minimal disturbance to other boaters. This strategic move helped them avoid entanglement of anchor chains with other vessels in the crowded waters.The Dangerous Waters Surrounding Norman SkiWhile they anchored well off from the mark channel, visibility became a concern. They knew that the strong currents in these waters could be treacherous. As per their standard practice, crew member Ana quickly grabbed her fins and buoy to mark their anchor spot on the water surface before sunset.Unfortunately, what happened next proved a bit of a scare when they heard a strange sound. Upon investigation, they found that their marker had attached itself to their hole due to the immense current strength – emphasizing just how risky it could be for swimmers in such waters.Catching and Feeding The FishThe crew at Sailing SV Cuba were thrilled to find themselves in one of the last remaining spots where they could successfully fish. This became part of their daily routine, making sure not to overfeed and maintain a healthy balance for marine life.However, it took some convincing from Nick to persuade Kuba to film the process, turning it into an exciting mini-production involving a rak underwater and waiting to throw leftover scraps into the water at just the right moment. The anticipation created quite a show.Encountering Odd Fish – The Anor FishUnbeknownst to them, some peculiar-looking fish called Anor fish had been following their every move. These strange creatures have suction cups on their heads that help them attach themselves to larger predators like sharks.The History of Norman Ski IslandOnce a major refueling stop for one of the biggest cartels in history, the past of this small island holds significant weight. Even today, there are remnants that can give away its once-bustling days of criminal activities.Securing Water Supplies On Their JourneyThe crew from Sailing SV Cuba visited a local marina owned by private owners. Here, they sought permission to fill their water supply onboard for much-needed sustenance. Though it took some coordination and multiple trips back and forth with a bladder system, they successfully managed to replenish their freshwater stores.Final Thoughts & Upcoming AdventureDespite the numerous challenges that sailing across these breathtaking locations presents, the crew at Sailing SV Cuba remains undeterred. From facing dangerous currents and tricky anchorage spots to sourcing water and food for their journey, each day brings a new adventure.Join us next time on Sailing SV Kuba, as we continue exploring these beautiful islands in the Exumas. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring that bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!