Seasonal· Eleuthera· Bahamas — Eleuthera, Andros & the Out Islands

Winter cold fronts (north Eleuthera exposure)

25° 30.9′ N · 76° 48.0′ W · approximate

From about November to April, cold fronts sweep through every week or so: wind backs SW, then clocks W, NW and N at 25-35 kn, and the north swell shuts the Devil's Backbone and the Ridley Head reef exit. North Eleuthera's anchorages are open roadsteads, so the game is moving to the right lee in time.

Eleuthera

Practical

Coordinate approx: set on the bank between Royal Island and Meeks Patch, the two main front refuges. Before the shift: Royal Island Harbour gives the best all-round shelter (expect to reset anchor; use generous scope); Meeks Patch East held boats in 35 kn S-W-NW (2018); Man Island gives N-SE protection and Waterway Guide says there are worse places to ride out a front; Spanish Wells Yacht Haven and Harbour Island marinas fill early. Leave Gaulding Cay, Glass Window, Pierre Island, Egg Island and Rotten Bay before the wind goes south or west. In north swell the Backbone becomes impassable — plan a spare day. Atlantic 'rages' from distant storms can also sweep over the Glass Window cliffs on calm days.

Best for

Planning moves around frontal passages

Season

Nov–Apr

Nearby