Nassau Arrival

We arrived in Nassau at about 4:30 p.m., in plenty of time to beat the deadline for SGT.

Ah, the cruiser’s goal each day, the SGT. Also known to landlubbers as the Sundown Gin and Tonic, the SGT can occur only if the boat is docked or moored, and all gear has been stowed in its right and proper place. We have found, here in the Bahamas, an SRP (Sundown Rum Punch) fits the climate and local booze products admirably. The sun here goes down with a plop. There’s no mucking about. It slides to the edge of the world and vanishes, leaving just a very slight sun spray that dries away quickly. It is at that moment, provided everything is shipshape and Bristol, that the grog is served.

In Nassau, we docked at the Nassau Yacht Haven and watched the city’s water rats doing miracle things at high speed in boats…in narrow channels. Better than TV. We ran up our yellow flag to show we hadn’t cleared customs and immigration. Our captain went ashore to arrange for our clearance, without which, the rest of us could not leave Django. He returned with a sheaf of papers and Whit made his illegal way into The Poop Deck, a bar and restaurant that overlooked our marina. WW filled in form after form. Then we each filled in customs forms. Then we waited. We are getting pretty good at the Bahamian Wait.

At long last, an attractive woman in a green, somewhat military outfit, including natty cap, skirt, stockings and fashionable shoes, arrived at our boat. She boarded. Lifelines are not really designed with skirts in mind, but she managed admirably. She settled down and started separating her sheets from those for the customs man. She was Immigration. We all had our tongues hanging out, but it felt rude to drink in front of company. I finally took the plunge: “I don’t suppose we can offer you a drink while you’re on duty?” I said. She replied promptly, “Only if I take it with me.” We handed her a cold Heineken and felt OK serving ourselves. Our business completed, she pocketed her beer, smiled warmly and, again with surprising grace, cleared the lifelines and marched back up the pier.

Then we did the Bahamian Wait for Customs.


[I'm still way behind. Internet access has proved something of a challenge. We're in the Exumas. I'm determined to catch up. - KMH]