Dear Group,

The likelihood of any of you wannabes ever sailing to the Bahamas
is very small but just in case there's a lurker or two out there who
in considering going to or going back to the Bahamas let it be known
that the costs have increased fifty percent for boats under 35 feet
and TRIPLED or more for boats 35 feet and over. Here it is in
a nutshell.

"As of 1 July 2003 the costs of a cruising permit for the Bahamas are
as follows: - $150 for all vessels under 35 feet - $300 for vessels
over 35 feet. - $150 for dinghys/tenders over 18 feet. A cruising
permit is issued for 12 months. If a yacht leaves the Bahamas during
that period it cannot return on the same cruising permit but a new
cruising permit must be obtained for the above fees.

"The cruising permit fees cover the Captain and 3 crew members.
Any additional crew members over 6 years old must pay $15 per
person. Included in the cruising permit fee is a 3 month fishing license.
Extensions to this cost an additional $150 for 12 months. Also
included is a $15 exit/departure fee for four individuals.There are
no overtime or other charges, although transportation fees might be
levied at the discretion of the clearing officer if he uses his personal
vehicle to travel to the yacht's location. The skipper should ask for
an official receipt for all fees paid.

"Entry into the Bahamas must be made at one of the official ports of
entry. The Q flag should be flown within three miles of the port and
no one should go ashore until pratique has been granted. Clearance
must be done on arrival, and officers are on call at all hours. The
Bahamas can be transited without clearing in until one arrives at a
port of entry at a convenient time, but during transit one should not
enter a port or go ashore."

******************

This is good news for us small boat cruisers who have become fed
up with the proliferation of large boats - particularly those obnoxious
sport fishermen types. It means most of them will have to pay 300
bucks to get their motorboat in and another 150 to get their large
dinghys in and another 150 bucks for a fishing license if they stay
over three months. I'm hoping many of them will balk at paying
$450 for a short stay and $600 for an extended stay. Also, boats
over 30 feet have to buy a US customs sticker for an additional 25
bucks to clear US customs on the return trip.

This is very good news because it will encourage the use of
smaller, more environmentally friendly motor and sailboats and
discourage the huge pollution machines that scrape and scour
the shallows in so many places around the Bahamas not to mention
fouling the air with their exhaust fumes from motors and generators.

Good going you Bahamians, protect your beautiful little country
from those who would abuse the environment and overstay
their welcome. Make 'em pay and pay dearly for their lack
of respect for your country and the environment as a whole.

S.Simon - only has to pay $150 - a pittance for the privelege!

Capt. Neal