JOE AND SUSAN CHILBERG

As Lee and I sit anchored off Key Biscayne, the northern most key in the Florida Keys, with Baci and Allie [the dogs], I realize that we just completed what I call the “Florida Smile.” What is a Florida smile you ask?

Sometimes Mother Nature sends us a real show. This one particular afternoon Baci, or 12 lb. Schnoodle, found herself locked in mortal combat with a pod of dolphins.

I have a confession to make: I was going to write a blog on the rumor that weathermen used an old Magic 8 Ball and a dartboard to predict weather. But! They got this week right, so I am changing the blog until they blow it in the future!

Sure sure, there are endless "rules" to follow when on the water. But, for the seaman in all of us, behold the first three rules of the water starting with rule one: Don't sink.

Each year, prior to a cruise to the Bahamas, I take my “Shakedown Cruise.” It is a 3 to 7 day trip, when I operate and test every component of the boat. Well, this year it was no different except the crew.

Whether it is to re-provison, visit a bar & restaurant, join other cruisers anchored for cocktails, or just explore an island, the ability to get ashore without trauma is vital in the Bahamas.

The Chilberg's Bahamas must-see list continues to grow as there cruise continues. Next up: Joe Chilberg's list of the great eight of the Exumas.

Generally, Susan and I do not like marinas, especially in the Exumas. However, occasionally we need to get water and take a break from anchoring out, so once every two weeks we go to a marina for the night

Have you ever caught yourself dreaming about the ‘Perfect Cruising Ground’? Well, I have — my whole life. As a one-year-old was placed in the pilothouse of a 1928 36’ double ended trawler named “Ellie”...

Many do not attempt to cross the 13,000-foot deep passage from the Abacos south to Eleuthera. Eleuthera is unique to many cruising spots in the Bahamas, because there are no cuts between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bahamian Bank.

For years, I drove real estate clients around the Nashville, Tennessee area. I always enjoyed asking the man, “What is your dream of how you’d like to spend the rest of your life?”

It is mind boggling what Furuno, Garmin, Raymarine and the others have created. Don’t give in, at least not yet. You will miss out if you do.

In regards to the Abacos, your Garmin chartplotter, Explorer Charts, and Steve Dodge’s Cruising Guide are accurate and have all the information you need — aside from my brilliant, yet humble, comments below.

I have been doing an extensive undercover survey of what is the perfect yacht for the Bahamas. [The simple answer is whatever the hell your wife wants!] On a broader scope, however, here are some of my observations and conclusions.

Every once in a while it all works. Well, these past 72 hours have certainly reflected that! To summarize, the overall score so far is: Mud Puddle Rose: 1. Wahoo 0.

As I sit here anchored off Elbow Cay in the Abacos and turn the pages of three generations of precious, Chilberg-cruising memories, I ask myself, “Is there a better way that we all could have spent our money?” I doubt it.

As I sat on the flybridge of our ‘83 Grand Banks 49 CL, I could see a beautiful ‘92 GB 32 and a gorgeous ‘02 GB 46 EU, all within 100 feet of me at the Bluff House on Green Turtle Cay.

It is amazing to compare the drivers on America’s freeway system to yachtsmen cruising throughout the Bahamas. The fellowship among cruisers is a wonder to behold.

We love anchoring out, but as the winds began to pick up over 20 knots at Manjack Cay, it was wise to seek a harbor that was protected.

Undoubtedly, no boat is a better value pound for pound and foot by foot than a great dinghy. It is better than a car, because so long as you have 12 inches of water under you, you can go anywhere you damn well please.

Well, it is embarrassing to admit, but delightful for us to discover! I have cruised past Munjack Cay for 25 years and yet, never anchored there. Won't make that mistake again.

I did not want to hit anyone, but I will admit that I had less concern for the $150K Sea Ray than the $1 million Hatteras and the $2 million Burger. Sorry, but I was thinking of my insurance agent!

The cruise up Hawk Channel from Rodriquez Key to Key Biscayne is only about 30 miles, but the two places are a world apart. Basically we went from a floating Benedictine Monastery of serenity at Rodriquez to a whitewater Woodstock at Key Biscayne!

There is no shortage of current and historic horror stories breed from catastrophes at sea. But, as cruiser-blogger Joe Chilberg quickly learns while dockside in Marathon, Florida, being "safely" tied up at the docks can be just as harrowing.

A Florida anchoring update from the Chilbergs: The sunset from Marco Island, Fla. isn't too shabby!

A quick update from the Chilbergs as they enjoy their first new anchorage of their journey.

The Chilbergs have completed their final preparations and have left their homeport of St. Petersburg in the rearview. Tag along with them as they make way to their first provisioning stop.

Provisioning for our trips to the Bahamas is in many ways similar to provisioning for a long domestic cruise. When we head down the coast, we try to anchor out often. I’d rather be on the beach or the docks than in a grocery store!

Starting at the bow and working his way to the stern, Joe Chilberg shares his pre-departure wisdom before heading down to the Bahamas for the Spring.