The Cruise to Western Blue Cut - Part 1

[bdahunter]

Late last summer a few friends and I decided that we would hire a charter boat for a trip out to Western Blue Cut for some snorkelling and plain old good times. We hired the boat that the son of a friend of ours charters for tourists 'The Hat Trick', a 32foot trimaran which is perfect for a sail out to 'The Cut'. The Western Blue Cut is a gap in the barrier reef that surrounds Bermuda and was one of two safe passages through the reef into Bermuda. This Reef has claimed over a hundred boats since the 1500's and is a maze of coral heads just waiting to rip the bottom out of ships that are captained by the unwary.
We started our day by having brunch on the deck of a beautiful 56' canoe hulled ketch 'Great Bear' that our friends Anna and Glenn had built themselves over the course of 6 long years of scrimping, saving and sacrificing to build their dream of a liveaboard boat/home in Bermuda. Anna and Glenn are both photographers by training and boat builders and carpenters out of love of the trade; Anna made a career of shooting pics of rockstars and Glenn was a magazine photohound. Wonderful people and my good fortune to be able to call them friends. My wife Susan and I shared the table with Jill and her son Josh, a Bermudian heiress and her son who is a lawyer in London, England. Jill is a hoot to be around, a rapier wit, a heart of gold, a mouth like a drill seargent and the teller of some of the most hilarious jokes (and perhaps the dirtiest) that you are likely to hear from a millionairess who hob knobs with Royals on the fox-hunting circuit in jolly old England.






Captain Keith and his lovely wife Beth picked us up from 'Great Bear' and we sailed out of Mangrove Bay and through Hog Fish Cut towards our destination. The sea was at peace as we ghosted along under full sail enjoying the panoramic views and a few frosty beverages, even the prison at Westgate looked pretty today.






It didn't take long for my Princess to settle into the netting at the bow as we glided through the calm seas, the water was surreal and there was barely a ripple as the triple hulls cut the clear water.






As we neared The Cut the party was really warming up with the assistance of liberal amounts of Black Seal Rum. Hartley was along and telling tall tales as usual, a real character that lad, 60 years old and never left puberty and I hope he never does. Anna and Glenn (in the foreground) were encouraging Hartley to be outrageous, as usual. Always a smile and a warm hello from Hartley who like a lot of old family Bermudians is living off of his trust fund, as a recovering workaholic myself I don't know how he does it but it works for him so more power to him.






Captain Keith who sails professionally guided us into a safe anchorage right in the middle of the cut, while his bellydancer wife (right corner having a ciggy) got the gear ready for our undersea adventure.






The first fish to greet us were a school of Seargent Majors, looking for a handout, bold as brass, these fish are always a pleasure to see.





Stay Tuned for Part II

BDA

[bdahunter]

The water was a balmy 86F and the visibility was excellent for so late in the season. Keith passed me down my underwater scooter and we all took turns scooting around in the crystalline waters.






The underwater flora and fauna were pristine, sea fans, myriad corals and tropical fish surrounded us. The bright afternoon sun cut the water with its' golden rays. Heaven.






Brain coral






and Sea Fans







Parrot Fish






and Damsel Fish






We visited our underwater playground for an hour and then having drank our fill of Neptune's Wonders we pulled ourselves back into the world above, leaving our fishy friends until our next visit. Happy and laughing together, we raised anchor and hoisted sail for the return trip to Bermuda Back through the maze of coral heads to a safe harbour.

More to follow,

BDA

[EBCIII]

That looka like such a nice trip! I really like the picture of the fish, Sgt majors? I guess the name comes from the stripes? Very cool, Beale.

[bdahunter]

We ghosted back to Mangrove Bay in the light airs, we were in no hurry and Captain Keith was content to take his time as we relaxed and enjoyed the view. The sea was dappled and the rays of the setting sun bounced off the rippled water. We were about half way home, weaving through the coral heads and enjoying our dark'n stormies (black bermuda rum with ginger beer) when there was a clunk, then a Bang and finally a CRASH and we lurched to a dead stop. We had landed neatly atop a huge coral head, 2 miles off shore.






Captain Keith and Beth checked below for leaks and there were none to be found but the rudder had sheared off at the waterline. We all moved to the back of the trimaran and Captain Keith was eventually able to pull us off the reef using the engine. Free from the grip of the coral we now had to find a way to work our way back through the maze of coral heads between us and landfall. Hartley came up with an idea! Three of us sat on each outer pontoon and with 'Admiral' Hartley calling out directions we alternated putting our legs in the water or holding them out on port and starboard. This gave us enough directional control to slowly steer a passage through the reefs under power. By the time we cleared the main reef we were down to two people rudders per side as some of the Bermudians tired of the new game.






At this point I asked Captain Keith if he had any line aboard and of course he did. I dove overboard and together we were able to lash the rudder back together. (Some days I thank my lucky stars for my boyscout training)






This jury rigged arrangement got us to the main channel but the steering wasn't very prompt and Captain Keith was a little edgy about coming through the main channel with limited steering. As luck would have it, Captain Keith's Mate 'Crank' happened along and gave us a tow into Mangrove Bay.






Our little trip had turned into a small adventure. We enjoyed the rest of the sail home and a safe anchorage at Mangrove Bay.






Captain Keith is also a shipwright, so he had the rudder repaired and reinstalled by the time his regular charter schedule started again on Monday. No real harm done.
Thanks for coming along on our little adventure, we hope you enjoyed the ride.

Cheers All,

BDA

[Dugday]

Awsome Seargent Majors. What beautiful fish. Cant wait to hear and see more of your trip.

[majakldragon]

Your a master story teller and the pictures are awesome. I remember snorkeling as a child with my dad in Hawaii and your pictures brought back so many memories. The water was so clear and the fish so brightly colored. If anyone ever has a chance to do any snorkeling in clear pristine waters of the islands please do so. You will never forget the awesome experience.
Andi

[Buster]

BDA another good story and the pictures are fantastic...really nice area for sure...Buster....

[prizm-pal]

Bda..thanks I am on kinda bed or tv rest you might say...thanks for the adventure....I felt warm for a little while....and Susan is not only princess,,,she is a goddess...you lucky guy..be good my pirate friend! Chick!

[schoser]

loved that story...reminded me of when i got to do some spearfishing for snook and snorkeling near Jupiter beach, fla. your stories put a nice element into this forum . looking forward to more! c

[Dixieldy]

awesome views, great story as usual... sure enjoyed it!!!