Passages into Eleuthera

[boatbum]

I have heard from folks that have been there that the Devil's Backbone is not for the uninitiated. In otherwords, a guide is hired to bring you through.
But what about the other passages from the North? Is Ridley Head Channel all that bad or is it passable in good weather? The notion here is to pass through it to Spanish Wells from the North. Any local knowledge out there?

 

[Capt. Bill1]

Coming in at the "wide open" near Ridley and heading to Spanish Wells is pretty straight forward. Just follow the Explorer chart and read the water. If you need some local knowledge while there call on ch. 16 for a pilot named Jock. Use his nickname of "Bandit". You can get home made bread, pepper jelly, stone crabs and lobster from him if you have the need.

For those of you wondering what "Ridley Head" is, here is a picture of Mr. Ridley's head.

 

[boatbum]

Bill thanks, I am pondering all of the approaches to Spanish Wells and did not want to leave this one out. The NV Charts books we have indicate one should only use this one with prior knowledge. Presumably if it's rough we are going West and around to the Eggs and then Royal.

 

[Capt. Bill1]

The "wide open" is just that. If it's at all sunny you can see it no problem. Use the Explorer chart books.

Royal Island is perhaps my favorite anchorage.

 

[boatbum]

It seems well protected and it's a convenient stop over on the way down.

 

[Capt. Bill1]

It's about as well protected as you can get.

And there is a good wreck to snorkel near Egg if you go that way. Or even if you don't and run over from Royal.