The Great Bahamas trip: Part 5 / Nassau to Chub Cay
Two Years Before the Mast-Nassau to Chub Cay
By: Nat Manning
Leaving Nassau Harbor consists of a rapid transition from the quiet calm of the seaport to the deep ocean swells of the Tongue of the Ocean. From calm to six foot waves in just a few minutes. From the forty feet of the ship channel through the cut, to over three thousand feet of the Tongue in less than a mile. From inshore to blue water in less time than it takes to make a grilled cheese sandwich. 
While sailing through plunging six foot waves and 25 knots of wind broad off the starboard quarter, I didn’t pay as much attention to Nassau growing smaller and sinking astern as I wanted to.
Leaving port always divides me between the regret of leaving the safe port that I’ve grown to love, and the excitement of sailing off the edge of the world, over the horizon, to a new and exciting destination that promises magic and mysteries waiting to be discovered. I was abruptly snatched from my reverie by the Skipper screaming, “Stop that driveling before I nail your lips to the boom again!”
Though rough, the forty mile voyage from Nassau to Chub Cay in the Berry Islands went very well and quickly. The barren ruggedness of the rocky islands perched at the north edge of the deep abysmal tongue was not lost on the Skipper as we skirted past the famous landmark islands of Whale Cay, Fraziers Hog, Moma Roda, and Diamond Rocks. 
Approaching The inlet at Chub Cay, the Skipper cranked the engine and furled the sails only moments before I crapped in my pants. Though the charts indicated waters to shallow, we followed some of the few navigation aids in the Bahamas into the canal of the marina without ever seeing less than nine feet of water. It has been so long now since we’ve been aground that we are discussing looking for a sand bar to plow into.
Entering the canal into the marina, the sailors world transpires from rugged natural to smooth modern manmade protection as you inter the marina basin from the concrete wall lined canal. Inside, the modern marina has new floating concrete docks and slips with all the class of any three star resort facility. Looking around at the nicest marina we have seen this whole trip, the Skipper got a real dreamy look on his face that frightened me a little bit. In a choked, raspy voice, he said, “We’re staying over here an extra day!” 
Chub Cay Marina is a true hurricane hole that would provide complete protection in any weather except a hurricane. Though the wind howled outside and heavy surf pounded the harsh rocky shore, we spent the stillest and quietest night I think of our whole trip. The next day, the Skipper rented a golf cart for the day and we explored the whole island, even visiting the international airport located at the north end of the island. I didn’t get pictures of the airport, but just insert the pictures of the Bimini Airport, it’s close enough.
We became good friends with Harry, the bartender in “Harry’s Bar” and enjoyed the beauty and hospitality of the island. I took lots of pictures, then found a brochure book of the island with better pictures than the ones I took, go figure. Chub Cay is a beautiful place and comes highly recommended for it’s beauty and secluded beaches. 
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Filed Under: Scuttlebutt • Travels
About the Author: Nat Manning is a retired law enforcement pilot and local legend with marine towing companies. His sailing skills are unsurpassed when it comes to handling a large boat while imbibing in his favorite rum beverage. Captain Manning is quickly becoming a local folk hero with his above average skills at scarring the hell out of unsuspecting local fish resting peacefully under his boat.