Going Around the Whale

Today we are going around the most difficult and dangerous part of the Abaco Islands   Whale Cay Channel is made difficult because a shallow bank extends from Whale Cay to Treasure Cay which is on the mainland of Great Abaco.  The shallow bank makes it necessary for vessels drawing more than 3 or 4 feet to go outside into the big ocean and around the “Whale” in order to go north & east in the Abacos.  It is most important to look at the weather forecast, the seas (height of waves) and storm action all around.  


Rage seas can develop in this channel when ocean waves come in from the northeast–often occurring when there is a nor’easter.  A rage sea is a condition in which there are breaking waves all the way across.  This rage phenomenon makes the water so turbulent that the propellers won’t grip making it easy to lose control of the vessel.  The rough waves can also easily push the boat into the rocks and reef.  

I have been fearing this passage almost since the day I learned of it, but I knew that I must make it through in order to get home.  Since we got to the Abacos, we have been soaking in the information about “The Whale”  from more experienced boaters.  Steve paid close attention to weather and water conditions before we decided to make the crossing.  

A wrecked barge of some sort invokes fear at the crossing

We made it around without a hitch–heading to Green Turtle Cay now.  One Cay closer to home.