August 2019, 2 weeks before hurricane Dorian, Split Decision returned to the U.S. from an almost 3 month summer in the Bahamas, including Turks and Caicos ( Bob's Bar and eats ) which ended in Abaco. This 2019 Summer Trip covering approximately 3500 nm was a long time bucket list item and fabulous trip. We had a chance to meet Maxine in Ragged Island, tour pink flamingos, rare Inagua Woodstar and salt flats of Inagua, Quality and Quantity of Conch in Crooked/Acklins Islands, Huge tuna (and Sharks) of Cape Eleuthra, great diving of the entire Exuma chain including Pig Beach-Thunderball Groto-Wild Iguana keys-Warderick Wells-Nurse sharks in Compass Key-Pipe Cut-Black Point sailor friends-Georgetown-Stocking Island, and the BEST
landcrabs ever on Andros Island. Too many memories/ spots to list but I can't help but mention the many new friends/sailors we met on different islands of the trip, my distant family peeps on Abaco and Nassau and of course thank you Lord for the safety and epic trip.I am truly blessed.
Completing this trip on a boat that is sound, structural, and ready to run was a top priority. There was NO help available if we needed it, so we were on our own and self reliant. Losing focus and abililty to trust the platform you are on could cost you your life when attempting this type of trip. You may see a portion of our trip pictures in the library Picture Library and also our partial track of stops here. Summer 2019 Approximate Track
During return delivery thru the center of Okeechobee waterway from Abaco, we hit an unseen submerged object while cruising at 18 knts. We sustained damage and were not sinking so we were able to return to Tampa FL under our own power to obtain repairs. After repairs were complete and before splashing the boat, the owner had a survey performed and a copy is provided in following link ( Entire Survey ). Complete Survey After Repairs
During repairs, we put another full bottom job on the boat with a 400-600 grit finish. Pettit Paint products including Black Widow has contributed to our increase in fuel economy/speed during all upgrades. You may contact a knowledgable Pettit Paint Rep for some speed enhancing advice.Tim Stark/Pettit Paint Rep I have also included 2 videos, 1 of our Pettit Paint Application Summary and a Pettit Paint Video Link Black Widow Application Summary On Blackfin 29 Pettit Black Widow Application Video
Since the repairs have been completed, Split Decision has been fishing the waters of the Gulf from Madiera Beach to Anna Maria and up to 50 nm offshore. The Middle Grounds waypoints that we already have must be visited one more time before our possible plans to make another run to the Bahamas happen. Hopefully soon the Covid Crisis allows for international travel. Go To Miscellaneous Pictures and Video's
