Black Point, Big Guana Cay
Thursday, January 28, 2010
We ended up leaving about 8:45 and arrived in Black Point at 10:30. It was a great motorsail for a change with plenty of wind at a good direction for us. We averaged about 7 kts. After we anchored, we straightened things up a bit and then took the dinghy, known to all as the station wagon, ashore. Unlike the States, where we usually have to pay for a dinghy dock, in the Bahamas they are quite willing to let you bring your dinghy wherever you want. There is always a dock or beach for us to bring the dinghy ashore. The dock in the photo is a local dock which anyone can use.
We went for a walk and saw a couple of Bahamians building wooden sailboats. They had minimal tools, and Bill, who built his trimaran Ultra, told them he’d look around for extra building tools and materials he has. Bill helped Smashy, one of the builders for awhile. Smashy has one made and sold, one he is building which is sold, and an order for one, so he seems to be doing well.
The Bahamians on Black Point are very friendly and the children are very well mannered. They all greet you politely with “Good Afternoon” when you see them on the street. We passed a school and it is for grade 1-9. After that, the out island children in the Exumas go to high school in Nassau. They must live with families there. JoAnne (Ultra) and I are going to volunteer to work there on Monday.