Little Harbour to Eleuthera Crossing

[floridaskater]

I would like to make the run from Little Harbour down to Eleuthera and have not done so in the past. Has anyone made this crossing? If so, where is the last stop to fuel up on Great Abaco. What are the miles to the next fuel stop on Eleuthera, etc. etc. Thanks!
Steve

[Tom and Pat]

1. Get Steve Dodge's Books

2. Talk to others to get local knowledge

3. Fuel in Marsh Harbour

3. If you intent to enter Harbour Island or Spanish Wells from the north, use one of the local harbor pilots. They answer VHF, but I suggest you telephone them ahead of time & DO NOT entre water shallower that 50 feet befroe they advbise you to do so. I draw 5.5 feet & know the channel; however, I alway use A-1 Pilot because he is less expensive than new props.

[Finsure]

From Little Harbour to Eleuthea is about 50-60 nm, all open water. Agree with Tom & Pat, for your first time entering Eleuthera would highly recommend a pilot. You can call Spanish Wells Yacht Haven and they can arrange for a pilot or try Broadshed Pinder @ 242-333-4427.

[Alan Brown]

Made this crossing a couple years back. Had no trouble leaving Spanish Wells. Tide was high and I followed my Explorer charts. Didn't try taking any "shortcuts". Really don't see any need for a pilot to get in or out of Spanish Wells.

You can fuel up in MH or at Seaspray. Next gas pump will be in Spanish Wells.

Watch the weather. You'll be out in the open ocean.

For an interesting overview of Eleuthera, google "Knotty Dog" and read their log.

Good luck!

[spotted moose]

another option for entry to eleuthera is between the egg islands which are just to the west of royal island..have done this about 20 times and never had a problem,even with a stiff northerly..on the chart you will see the reef system north of royal and steer well to the west of this and then just go down the middle thru the passage between the eggs..from there it is about 7-8 miles to spanish wells in protected waters. entering at spanish wells in a stiff N or NE breeze, i have heard, can be interesting and that is why many use a pilot.

[Finsure]

If your destination is Spanish Wells, not Eleuthera it's real simple and no need for a pilot. Just round the western end of Royal Island and it is about a 5 nm run up the south side of Royal Island and then Spanish Wells. The entrance to Spanish Wells harbor is well marked.

[spotted moose]

if you round the western end of royal,you will be hard aground..you have to go thru the eggs..also,trying to go thru the western end of royal,you are getting too close to the reefs to the N of royal..as finsure notes,spanish wells ,from a westerly approach across the bank is well marked and easy..have a great trip.