Cruising sailors headed for the Bahamas may want to take note of a Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) rally that culminates with the third annual Bahamas Gathering in Black Point in the Exumas in mid-March. It’s a chance for sailors to get together at one of the Exumas’ most beloved spots, Lorraine’s Café and Bakery, which is sponsoring the annual gathering.
This year, SSCA is promoting a rally with legs from the Gulf Coast and East Coast to the Bahamas.
The Gulf Coast route will depart from the Pensacola area, with likely departures of January 5 from Pirate’s Cove, Alabama, or January 6 from Fort McRee, Pensacola. This will be a leisurely rally with short legs, ICW options, and plenty of stops along the northern Gulf and Florida’s West Coast, which can include: Panama City, Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Naples, Marathon, Marco Island, and Bimini.
The East Coast leg will depart from the Chesapeake area and will also combine offshore and ICW legs. Tentative dates are leaving the Chesapeake (Old Point Comfort near Norfolk) on February 7 with stops in Charleston, South Carolina, St. Augustine, Florida, and Fort Pierce, Florida. From there, the hop across to the Bahamas is set for about March 7.
Boats may join for individual or multiple legs of the rally and the event is open to all. SSCA is currently looking into discounts with marinas and facilities along the way, and will also provide regular weather updates, land-based support, and on-water support for boats traveling together.
The third annual Bahamas Gathering on or about March 15 is sponsored by Lorraine’s Café and Bakery in Black Point and typically includes a dinner and reception, fun walks and hikes, live bands, and a beach party with BBQ and tug-o-war.
For more information contact Neil Davies at ndaviesgeo@me.com, and see the video at: https://youtu.be/NoOxU4f1rIw. For more information on the East Coast leg, please contact Jason Lewis at jasonnlewis1@gmail.com; for information on Black Point contact Lorraine Rolle at lorrainerolle@yahoo.com.
