IT'S ALL THE RAGE

A recurring issue in the Bahamas is what side of the Islands to sail
on, the Bank side, or the Ocean or Sound side. The difference is in
how big and how deep the water is. The bigger and deeper water on the
Ocean or Sound side can be significantly rougher than the smaller and
shallower water on the Bank side. The wind direction and wind speed
are watched closely. How long it has been blowing from one direction
is taken into account.

A related issue is how to get from one side of the islands to the
other. Each navigable cut has particular characteristics. Some are
safe only in settled conditions. Some are safe as long as wind and
current aren't opposing each other. If wind and current oppose each
other a Rage can develop. Waves can be breaking across the whole cut.

Day before yesterday we took our best chance to get from Eleuthera to
the Abacos before upcoming heavy weather, a trip necessarily in the
Ocean. We entered the Ocean soon after 0700, knowing we would arrive
at North Bar Channel about 1400, hoping conditions would be right for
entry.

When we got to the cut, swells were big and wind was light from right
behind. We pointed Charmed right at the middle of the cut. The
swells were perpendicular to our path and not breaking. All good.
But we still were a twenty ton surfboard. Keeping Charmed straight
was the trick, avoiding a broach. Once through the cut and in the Sea
of Abaco, it was like we were sailing in a swimming pool.