Hurricane Matthew tore through Grand Bahama Island with 140-mph winds last October, causing extensive damage to boats and marinas. But what can you expect now? Here’s a great first-hand report by Greg Allard for the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, who visited there earlier this month.
The Old Bahama Bay Marina at West End, where many cruisers from Palm Beach or the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area clear Customs, was closed for months after the hurricane, and then reopened without power. But now all the damage to docks has been repaired, and new power has been installed. The marina is in full operation, even with a new, temporary beachfront Tiki-Bar, since the old one was totally destroyed.
Some 30 miles away, at Port Lucaya on the south shore of the island, two major marinas, Port Lucaya Marina and Grand Bahama Yacht Club, were hit by the storm. Today, there is no fuel or Customs/Immigration clearance at Port Lucaya Marina. Both have been moved across the harbor to the Grand Bahama Yacht Club. The storm also destroyed the harbormaster’s office at Port Lucaya Marina. Grand Bahama Yacht Club is now in full operation, although it is still repairing some slips.
Here’s more, including places to eat and how to apply for fuel discounts:
http://cruisersnet.net/special-report-bahamas-by-greg-allard/
