Lee Stocking - Rudder Cut

We finally left Georgetown! I was beginning to think that we would never get out of there as every time we planned to go inclement weather forced us to stay for longer. Most cruisers there never seem to want to leave which is understandable as it is nice and is a very easy place to be comfortable. We enjoyed being in Red Shanks where we were close but far enough away from the crowds.

   Our last night there we stayed in front of monument so we would be closer for our departure. We went in to Volleyball Beach and watched some of the Regatta events such as the Coconut Toss, which was fun but very crowded. The night before we had gone to a get together on the beach in Red Shanks and Richard met a fellow with a 5HP propane motor that he wanted to sell which was perfect since we wanted to up grade ours. So our last day we advertized our 2.5 for sale on the net and by 1030 we had it sold and were on our way north.

   It was a beautiful day but as usual that meant a motoring day. Since we were late leaving we only made it to Lee Stocking Cay, which was okay as our plan, is to see different places. Lee Stocking Cay was the former home of the Caribbean Marine Research Centre but unfortunately it closed down a few years ago due to lack of funding, it is so sad to see so many abandoned projects in the islands and to think of the affect that it has on the already hurt local economy. There were about 5 other boats in the anchorage and we spent a very calm windless night there.

   The next morning we carried on to Rudder Cut Cay, which was about 8 miles north of us. The current was very strong as we proceeded into the cut and our speed was down to about 1.4 into the current. We were surprised to see local divers right in the middle of the cut in about 40 feet of water. We anchored in a beautiful little cove around the corner and dinghied over to a cave by the beach. The cave was large but not very deep and the beach beside it was lovely but had a large private property sign on it, as it is owned by David Copperfield along with 3 other Cays. We then headed over to the main attraction in the area, which is a large metal statue of a mermaid and piano, which David Copperfield had sunk underwater. As you can see by the pictures it is absolutely breathtaking to see this life-size statue in the water! We talked to the local divers and bought 2 good-sized lobsters from them for $20. It is amazing to think that they free dive to about 40 feet to get them!

    After having our lunch we headed on to Farmers Cay, which was about 6 miles away. We anchored right in the channel in Farmers but after Richard dove on the anchor (in a really strong current) we decided to move elsewhere as we were not set well as the current has scoured the sand off the bottom. We went into a little cove just passed Farmers and were thrilled to have the place all to ourselves… for about half and hour when a French Canadian boat came in and anchored right beside us :( Our lovely lobster dinner took our minds off anyone around us! The winds picked up around midnight so our night was rather rough but we were secure in the knowledge that we had set our anchor well.

    We had planned on staying here for a day or so but with 20kt winds it was a perfect sailing day so we packed up and had a great sail to Black Point where we plan to do some much needed laundry.