The Abacos Debrief

Ahoy! Welcome to I’dRatherBeSailing, the sailing newsletter that brings a little wind to the Doldrums of your inbox.

In today’s Nautical News:

• An App: The new boating app that went viral.

• A Kerfuffle: The Exumas shuffle goes foul.

• A Debrief: The new Abacos bases.

• Interesting Finds: The incredible story of Thomas Tangvald

Argo Navigation

This story will tug at the heart-windlass of even the coldest curmudgeon. Megan Foulk wanted to help her dad Jeff’s new boating app pick up steam, so she posted this video on January 14th in hopes of downloads. And steam it did, the video has almost 25 million views, and hit the top spot in the app store. The 10 second video is below ☟

@argonavigation

It’s called Argo, it’s a free navigation app for boaters. Please try it out and let captain Jeff know what you think. He’ll really appreci... See more

Just look at that guy! Of course, we downloaded his app, and will put it through the wringer on our next sailing adventure. On first glance, the app appears similar to SavvyNavvy, but:

• Popular cruising ground maps aren’t restricted.

• Premium version is $19.99, over half the price of SavvyNavvy.

• Post signup daily emails to help you onboard.

First impressions pass the curmudgeon check, and it feels good to support someone in the boating community, instead of a faceless app.

Go get ‘em Jeff!

Exumas Kerfuffle

Now, this is the opposite of a feel-good-story, so you might want to save it till after that cup of coffee.

Ben Cahan signed up to crew on a sailboat to The Exumas, in hopes of adventure and some miles in the logbook, but the dream quickly disintegrated into a nightmare.

His resume includes long open water passages on Cats, a career in the screenwriting industry, with a knack for steak dry rubs and the location of cold beer. Just the guy I’d love to have on my boat.

But the captain he signed up with clearly had a few winches loose. Half the boat equipment wasn’t working, and he had no float plan. Nonetheless, Ben pressed ahead hoping for the best. After leaving Farmers Cay, an open hatch turned the captain into a loose cannon. Ben tries to text for help, but the madman throws his iPhone overboard. Ben uses his iPad as a backup to send distress calls, but that gets thrown overboard too. About half a mile off shore, all peace negotiations break down. The nut job demands Ben get off the boat. He slams into gear towards the nearest Cay, grounding the boat 50 yards from shore.

Then, he pulls a gun on Ben.

Jump, or die.

Luckily, the story does end (relatively) well for Ben. He swims to shore, finds help, and is able to make it home safely with help from the Bahamian government. Ben’s first hand account was posted here in a cruising forum, and worth a read.

The sailing community is better than the few bad apples still floating around out there. Hopefully this doesn’t spoil sailing for Ben. You can’t blame him though. Its easy to let your guard down when most of the cruisers you meet are so welcoming.

Abaco Debrief

The Abacos are back! I’dRatherBeSailing crew visited the newly rebuilt bases, and spent a couple weeks sailing around the Out Islands. Some takeaways ☟

• Beautifully rebuilt Conch Inn Marina in Marsh Harbor.

• Most of the restaurants are open…some of the time.

• DYC, we barely recognize you. The most kind, helpful base manager, and breezy charter experience to date.

• Provision all produce at Maxwell’s. Out Island stores are only restocking once a week, and a dozen eggs will run you $11. Ouch.

• Spotted: The La Vagabond catamaran, anchored in Lynyard Cay. Pretty cool to see in person!

• Green Turtle Cay to Elbow Cay are all rebuilt and welcoming cruisers. Great for ice, water, and beach bars. Not great for true Bahamian beauty and solitude. Push past them and you’ll find paradise.

• Leave the Amex at home. Get cash at the airport. Bring both Visa and Mastercard credit AND debit cards. Sometimes one will work, but the other won’t. Its the Bahamas shuffle, you get used to it.

• Fatty’s! If you know, you know. The best Conch Salad on the island. Pro Tip: pick up a bag of chips at Maxwell’s to pair with it.

Interesting Finds

The Boy Who Fell To Shore: A Hardcore Voyage from Puerto Rico to Brazil. The new book is available on Amazon, and you can read a synopsis of his story here

Crashed Bow: How the team repaired in time for the race. Read the story here.

Baltic Sailing Routes: Some hidden gems along the Swedish Coast, here

No Trades, No Cryptocurrency, seller says. A Columbia 43 for sale: We love to window shop boat listings. This one just popped up and fits the Day Dream Budget.

Around The World

Some historical sailing events to kick off February

• February 1815, the USS Constitution set sail on a mission to end piracy in the Mediterranean Sea, earning her the nickname "the sailor's protector." Yup, the same ship that is currently in Boston!

• February 1845, the American whaling ship Essex set sail on a journey that would later become famous for the attack by a sperm whale that inspired the novel "Moby-Dick."

• February 1914, the American schooner Howard Blackburn set sail on a solo fishing trip, becoming the first person to sail alone across the Atlantic Ocean in a small boat.

Thats it for today, stay safe and stay salty out there!