Ahoy to all our fellow cruisers! As we are getting ready to leave what we consider home, the wonderful Chesapeake Bay, many cruising "hopefuls" stop by to wish us well and often share their desire to do as we do, but also their fears about sailing to the Bahamas. Their fears range from sailing in the ocean, crossing the gulf stream and visiting another country to lack of milk, bread and other every day items, etc. It is these conversations that led me to consider writing down a few hints about Bahamas cruising that answers questions many cruisers as us.

1. It's an overnight sail from south Florida to the first Bahamas Islands. We like to leave at night and arrive in the morning when the sun is up and you can see the bottom clearly (a safety measure as there are no navigational buoys to guide you into the Islands). We wait for the right weather. Crossing the gulf stream can be a pleasure if it's done when there's no north in the wind.

2. There are many "safe" anchorages behind islands that will protect you from strong winds. It takes careful planning, good charts, cruising guides and knowledge of the weather. You must have some means of getting weather information. In most cases, it's available on VHF and from other cruisers. You need to find out when to listen and what channel to tune in. It changes depending where you are.

3. There are not many marinas to accommodate the hundreds of cruising boats, therefore you must be comfortable and equipped to be at anchor most of the time. Exceptions are Nassau, Chub Cay, Marsh Harbor and a few other ports.

4. Clearing customs is necessary, but not difficult or expensive. The Bahamians understand the value of tourists. And cruisers are tourists. We are guests in another country and need to act as guests respecting the rules and customs of the Bahamas.

5. Bahamians are friendly, warm people. Reading up on the history and culture will help you to understand how to behave as a good guest. It will also help you to enjoy yourself more having knowledge about each place you go ashore.

6. You need to be self sufficient, able to solve your own boat problems, carrying spare parts, etc. Anything you need to have shipped in is subject to import tax which can be steep. Other cruisers can sometimes be of help, but they can't (by law) sell parts to you without paying tax.

7. The snorkeling and fishing is great. Be sure to take wet suits, good fitting masks, snorkel, fins, spears, a good dingy and powerful outboard engine. Some good recipes for conch, grouper and lobster, plus a good fillet knife are useful.

8. Yes, it is usually windy in the Bahamas. You can almost always count on 20 knots from the East (except when the wind clocks around preceding and during a cold front). The days before a cold front are usually the best travel days if you must to into exposed water to get where you want to go. In protected waters, you can travel almost any day.

9. It is best to take all the food staples you can comfortably fit aboard. There can be times where you can't get groceries for weeks depending on how you plan your trip. Home Bahamian bread is available on most islands where there is a settlement. It is delicious. Water can be purchased some for 10-25 cents/gallon. We buy bottled drinking water. It tastes better. Of course you can collect rain water ... if it rains???!

10. If you want warm weather and a minimum of cold fronts, plan to be south of latitude 24 during January and February. The Abacos are as cold as north Florida; the Southern Exumas as warm as Cuba. It can be a big difference.

Our Endeavour 42' makes a wonderful Bahama cruising boat, but we've met many people cruising the Bahamas in 25'-30' boats having a wonderful time. We did the trip in 1989 in our Hunter 34 and were very comfortable. The best boat to cruise in is the one you've got. Otherwise you may never do it. So consider the above 10 tips and come on!