2026-02-15 Long Island to Turks and Caicos

We did not do much on Long Island.  Windy and cold.   We walked up to the Grocery Store, and had a short visit with Bob and Michelle from Our Time.   

Hillside Grocery in Long Island, looks small from outside, but pretty large inside

The dinghy dock is still not in good shape.  Really got to watch where you walk

Monday we took the boat over to Long Island Petroleum and filled up with fuel.

Wednesday we upped anchor and had a pleasant sail up to Calabash Bay at the north end of Long Island.  Still Chilly

Nice sail, but chilly

About 11:00 p.m. that evening we upped anchor and headed out for the passage to the Turks and Caicos.

Winds were light, so we mostly motor sailed, but did have some just sailing.  Apparent wind was mostly at around 60 degrees the entire trip.  Had about 12 hours of lumpy seas, but nothing too bad.  Got into Cockburn Town in the Turks and Caicos at 9 p.m. on Friday Night.  It was quite dark, but the entrance was easy, and only saw two other boats at anchor.

Saturday morning we woke to find that our friends on Shally and Harmonium were the other two boats.  We took the dink in to the "marina".  Really just a basin, and walked to the marina office/grocery store combination, where they called customs for us.  Talked to the customs lady, and arranged to meet at her office at 10:30.  A kind local offered us a ride, but we said we wanted to walk to see the town, as we had an hour to kill, so he kindly gave us directions.  Then during our walk, he drove by and made sure we were heading the right way.  Nice fellow.

Horses grazing where they wanted, on our walk though town

Donkeys were also seen

Charm at anchor

Large pier near customs

There are many of these historical markers around town, which are interesting to read

We waited outside the customs office until 10:55, when the lady showed up.   She was in a bit of a hurry, as she had a United Airlines flight coming in she had to get to.   She forgot her receipt book, so we could not pay, which was fine, and we agreed to pay up when we check out.  Kris also forgot to bring her check in papers from the Bahamas, which was fine as well, she said to just bring them when we check out.   Nice and laid back.

After checking in, she gave us a ride back to the dinghy dock - which was only 1/2 mile -  but still-nice lady.

Waiting in the shade on the wall near customs

Dean caught a cold from Derek when he visited, so not really up to doing much on land.   Back on the boat Kris quickly modified a flag for the Turks and Caicos and hoisted our courtesy flag.   

Had the red and white done 12 years ago, but added the yellow symbol.  Still missing elements, but close enough for the 3 days here.

Dean went to the top of the mast as our wind instrument was winking off and on.  It was a bit loose in the socket, so got that tightened and hopefully that solves that issue.

Today the winds are strong, so a boat day, and Kris is not feeling that great now.   The anchorage is lumpy, so we moved a bit to find a calmer spot.    We will head out tomorrow for hopefully Puerto Rico.