Reviews from Doug Hobbs (7)

  • Anchorage Review for Coopers Town

    Reviewed by: Doug Hobbs, Rock Chalk, on May 16, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    2

    This is a limited review because only stayed here a few hours seeking refuge from a thunderstorm with 35 kts West wind before going out Powell Cut but it served us well. We were able to get within 100 yrs of shore and still had 15' of water. Great holding with 100' of chain. Could see significant rebuilding after Dorian. At least 1 rebuilt dock for shore access by dinghy. Cell service initially was out but came back on. Assumed outage was due to storm. Would not recommend for anything other than a west wind.

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  • Anchorage Review for New Plymouth Settlement-Green Turtle Cay

    Reviewed by: Doug Hobbs, Rock Chalk, on May 16, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    3
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    2
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Good holding but open to south, west and north. Lots of wakes from power boats and ferries. Easy dinghy ride to both Black and White Sounds. Gas only is available at Sunset Marine in Black Sound ( they close at noon on Saturday). Green Turtle Club in White Sound has been rebuilt with new docks and has both gas and diesel. Good local restaurants in both harbors, including the famous Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar.

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  • Anchorage Review for Marsh Harbour

    Reviewed by: Doug Hobbs, Rock Chalk, on May 10, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    3
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    2
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    4
    Cell Service:
    5

    Initially was going to by-pass Marsh Harbour due to hearing post-Dorian rumors about harbor littered with hurricane debris and problems anchoring. Due to forecasted strong west winds, however, and relatively few alternatives, we anchored almost on top of the anchor symbol in about 8' of water. Spent 3 nights in 25 to 30 kts; a little choppy but great holding. The only marina open is Conch Inn Marina, which has all new fixed docks and been recently dredged. They charged us $10 to dock our dinghy, and said we could bring trash in for an additional charge. An alternative we later discovered was a new fixed dock where Rainbow Rentals used to be which allows dinghies to tie off on the east side, with a dumpster for free trash disposal.
    The only restaurants open we could find were Colors (on the harbor, east of the dinghy dock), Fatty's Conch Salad (adjacent to Colors), Wally's (in its same location) and S&V (on the road to Maxwell's Supermarket). Maxwell's has been rebuilt and is better than ever.
    Marsh Harbour, which took the brunt of Dorian, is slowly coming back, a testament to the tenacity and work ethic of its residents.

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  • Anchorage Review for Great Guana Cay - Orchid Bay

    Reviewed by: Doug Hobbs, Rock Chalk, on May 10, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    2
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    2
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5

    Dive Guana maintains 3 mooring balls in the Harbor. Very limited area to anchor, however, if not on a ball with our 6' draft. We dropped the hook right off Orchid Bay Marina and felt like we were in the way of boat traffic. The better option would be to go around the corner to Fisher's Bay. New public/ferry dock for easy shore access with short walk to Nippers and settlement. Tie up to west side of dock as the ferry uses east side.

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  • Anchorage Review for Great Guana Cay-Fishers Bay

    Reviewed by: Doug Hobbs, Rock Chalk, on May 10, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    3
    Holding:
    3
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5

    Good wind protection from North through South East. Would agree that West wind would make anchorage untenable. Due to thick grass in spots, essential to drop anchor in white sandy patches. Mooring balls are gone, but Grabbers has a new dingy dock for easy shore access. No wake protection from boats traversing Sea of Abaco but not too uncomfortable.

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  • Anchorage Review for Little Harbour Abaco Inside

    Reviewed by: Doug Hobbs, Rock Chalk, on Apr 29, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    Entrance channel is marked by 2 small red floating balls and a faded green float. Once past the green, aim toward new, large yellow house. Pelican Point tides appeared spot on. At 15 mins before high tide (2.6' predicted), the most shallow we recorded was 6.5'. Moorings appeared quite robust. Had a slight surge at high tide but not uncomfortable. Tons of turtles. Pete's Pub is iconic beach bar, with delicious seafood, not to be missed, but take bug spray if light wind.

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  • Marina Review for Chesapeake Yacht Club-PRIVATE

    Reviewed by: Doug Hobbs , Rock Chalk, on Jul 16, 2020
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 2

    In COVID times, showers are closed and transients are denied access to pool. Transients allowed access to restaurant but not able to make reservations. Serviceable fixed docks with helpful staff. 50 amp service and potable water at the dock.

    • WG Editor Comment:

      Response from the Yacht Club:

      Chesapeake Yacht Club strives to protect the safety of its members, guests, and staff during these difficult COVID-19 times. They comply with applicable government pandemic guidelines and restrictions which, unfortunately, result in certain inconveniences and limitations which are communicated regularly to both members and guests. It is precisely because of this diligence that many feel safe at CYC.

      Cheapeake Yacht Club Managment and Board of Governors

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