Long Island rewards a sailing yacht in ways that few Bahamian destinations can match. The island lies along the prevailing trade wind axis, making it easy to sail down the western coast on a comfortable reach with the Bahama Banks to windward and the Atlantic swell clear to the east. At 80 miles long, it is substantial enough to occupy a full week of sailing, with each anchorage bringing a different character.
The Bahamas sailing fleet runs to around 55 published yachts, from elegant 30-metre sloops to larger ketch and schooner designs. Many are built for exactly the conditions Long Island offers: steady trades, moderate seas on the western side and interesting coastal sailing with frequent anchor stops. Nassau is around 150 miles north, accessible on a moderate offshore passage.
Rates for sailing yacht charters in the Bahamas begin at around 50,000 euros per week for a smaller vessel and rise to approximately 250,000 euros for a larger crewed performance yacht. An advance provisioning allowance of roughly 30 percent covers food, fuel, berthing and drinks. Provisioning fully in Nassau before departure is recommended as the island has limited supplies.
Sailing Long Island from north to south, a yacht first anchors off Cape Santa Maria, then works down through Calabash Bay and Thompson Bay near Salt Pond, finishing at Clarence Town. Divers in the group will find the Blue Hole just north of Clarence Town, a circular sinkhole plunging 202 metres into the limestone.
