Crooked Island, Bahamas is a pure pleasure to travel to on a sailboat. After learning to spearfish recently, we now find ourselves low on resources on an island with limited groceries. But the ocean is generous in providing us with plenty of food as we live off the ocean in Crooked Island.
Watch Episode 159 Living Off the Ocean on a Sailboat in Crooked Island
Pittstown Anchorage, Crooked Island
We sailed from Clarence Town, Long Island on the back side of a front that blew 3 days of strong north wind. By the time we hit the water, the winds settled to about 10 knots. The swells did not settle.
We came up to Crooked Island with 6-8 foot ocean swell. But they weren’t uncomfortable – they were about 10 seconds apart. So it was a slow rise and fall on Cadence. But with these swells, I wanted to make sure our anchorage was protected.
Pittstown doesn’t look too protected on the charts, but it is a good anchorage.
The deep blue ocean rises from several thousand feet to just 60 feet in a matter of a football field. Then over the course of 150 feet, it goes from 60 to 10 feet deep.
This made for crystal clear water, plenty of sea life below us, and quite a few reefs that we had to watch out for when anchoring.
We found a nice patch of sand, and the hook held us well. A swell bridle was much needed throughout our stay.
Groceries, Fuel, and Provisions
We always rate our anchorage experience based on how convenient it is to find resources…as well as the beach, the water, and the culture.
The Pittstown anchorage gave us access to a small boat harbor only 5 minutes away to the South. And the marina, which is super nice, was also 5 minutes away to the North.
Groceries can be purchased in the settlement via the small boat harbor plus a short walk. And the freshest vegetables were purchased at the marina restaurant…with a bit of friendly conversation before we asked.
History of Crooked Island
Crooked Island Bahamas is a beautiful and tranquil island in the Bahamas, with a rich and fascinating history. It was first inhabited by the Lucayans, who called it Jumento, meaning “upper land of the middle distance”. The Spanish explorers named it Isabella, but it was later settled by American Loyalists in the 1780s who brought slaves and cotton plantations (Source: Wikipedia). Crooked Island is believed to be home to the first post office in the Bahamas.
The history of Crooked Island in The Bahamas is a long and rich one. The island was first inhabited by the Lucayan people, who were a peaceful and agricultural society. The Lucayans were eventually wiped out by the Spanish in the 16th century.
The first Europeans to settle on Crooked Island were English Loyalists who fled to the Bahamas after the American Revolution. These Loyalists brought with them their slaves, and the island became a major center of the slave trade.
In the 19th century, Crooked Island was a major producer of salt. The salt industry was very profitable, and it helped to make Crooked Island one of the most prosperous islands in The Bahamas.
The salt industry declined in the 20th century, and the island’s economy suffered. However, Crooked Island has since diversified its economy, and it is now a popular tourist destination.
Here are some of the most notable events in the history of Crooked Island:
- 1492: Christopher Columbus lands on Crooked Island during his first voyage to the Americas.
- 1648: English Loyalists begin to settle on Crooked Island.
- 1783: The Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolutionary War and forces the Loyalists to leave the United States.
- 1800: The slave trade is abolished in The Bahamas.
- 1900: The salt industry begins to decline.
- 1950s: Tourism begins to develop on Crooked Island.
- 1999: Hurricane Floyd strikes Crooked Island, causing widespread damage.
- 2016: Hurricane Matthew strikes Crooked Island, causing further damage.
Despite its turbulent history, Crooked Island has always been a resilient island. The people of Crooked Island are known for their strong work ethic and their hospitality. The island is a beautiful place with a rich history, and it is sure to continue to attract visitors for many years to come.
Sources:
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Crooked_Island,_Bahamas
https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/
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