Mayaguana sits at the crossroads between the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos, making it a natural waypoint for a sailing yacht on a longer Caribbean circuit. The trade winds run across the island from the east or southeast, giving good beam or broad reaching conditions on the passages to and from Long Island to the northwest. The anchorage at Abraham Bay provides a quiet base while the crew explores the island by dinghy.
The Bahamas sailing fleet runs to around 55 published yachts, from elegant 30-metre sloops to larger ketch and schooner designs. Most are capable of the offshore passage to Mayaguana from Long Island or Nassau. Once on the island, the sailing program gives way to diving and exploring by dinghy, with Booby Cay off the northwest coast offering some of the most pristine reef in the southern Bahamas.
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. There are no marine services on Mayaguana, so provisioning before departure is essential.
Sailing into Abraham Bay after the offshore passage is the quiet reward for the crew. Booby Cay is within a short dinghy ride and offers exceptional snorkelling in crystal water. From Mayaguana, the trade wind passage to Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos typically takes five to six hours on a comfortable close reach.
