Grand Bahama Island sits at the northern edge of the Bahamas chain, well-placed to catch the Atlantic trade winds that blow reliably from the east and northeast through the winter sailing season. A sailing charter here begins close to Florida, within a short passage of Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, and can develop into an extended Bahamian cruise covering the Abacos, the Berry Islands and beyond. The island stretches 150 kilometres and its northern coast faces the Little Bahama Bank, shallow warm water with good visibility and reliable breeze. Sailing yachts draw more than the shallowest flats allow, but the deep channels between Grand Bahama’s offshore cays give excellent sailing while the anchorages inside provide calm overnight conditions. West End, at the island’s western tip, is a traditional staging post for the passage to the Abacos, and the crossing to Green Turtle Cay covers around 80 nautical miles in a good day’s sail. Port Lucaya Marina in the centre of the island is the main provisioning and fuel base. Sailing charters in this region range from around 25,000 euros per week for a 15-metre sailing yacht to 150,000 euros for a larger performance catamaran. The APA adds 30 to 35 percent covering fuel for motor passages, provisions and berthing. November through April is the optimal sailing season; summer brings lighter and less consistent winds and the fleet thins accordingly.
