On Memorial Day weekend, the DANILU, Diaz Marine’s MJM Yachts 36z demo boat cruised from Miami to Bimini in less than two hours on 22 gallons of fuel. Average speed crossing the Gulf Stream was around 28 knots and we arrived around 3:30 PM, quickly docked, rinsed the boat and cleared customs by 4:15 PM.
The following morning, we made several stops throughout the surrounding areas of Bimini. The first was the SS Sapona (a concrete hulled cargo steamer that ran aground near Bimini during a hurricane in 1926). It lies in 17-foot deep water, 4 miles south of Bimini Island. Great snorkeling!
The following morning, we made several stops throughout the surrounding areas of Bimini. The first was the SS Sapona (a concrete hulled cargo steamer that ran aground near Bimini during a hurricane in 1926). It lies in 17-foot deep water, 4 miles south of Bimini Island. Great snorkeling!
The next stop was a sand bar at the south end of North Cat Cay, one of two islands close to 10 miles south of Bimini. The boat was anchored in 3 feet of water. These shallow waters were perfect to relax in the sun and converse with neighboring boaters.
Honeymoon Harbor, sitting on the north end of Gun Cay was our next stop. This was another beautiful location to swim in, waist to ankle deep waters or walk over to the beach and explore the island.
Just about 2 miles before getting in to Bimini, a final stop was made at Turtle Rocks where we did some snorkeling and spear fishing with a pole spear; a small Caribbean Reef shark ended this session quickly!
On Sunday, most of the day was spent in South Cat Cay snorkeling and spear fishing. A lot of good action, but no catch; pole spears are a lot harder than spear guns! Thankfully, no sharks at this location.
With forecasts of East Southeast winds 15 to 20 knots and seas 3 to 5 feet with occasional seas to 6 feet, we departed the port of Bimini at 8:15 Monday morning. The average speed back was between 20 to 24 knots, consuming 20 gallons of fuel and arriving at the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club a little over 2 hours later.
4 days in paradise, 55 gallons, in the very comfortable MJM Yachts 36z… not bad!
Tagged with: 2015, Bahamas, Bimini, Cruising, Diaz Marine, Florida, Fuel Efficiency, Gulf Stream, Memorial Day, Miami, MJM 36z, MJM Florida, MJM Yachts, Salt Life
