Sailing Noobs Provision for the Bahamas

by Steph & Travis, Sailing Jibsea | Visit Partner Page

Nov 20, 2024 — When you're new to sailing, every day feels like a crash course in adventure, logistics, and creative problem-solving. For Travis and Stephanie, 2 sailing beginners aboard their 42-foot vessel Jibsea, this was never truer than during their recent provisioning mission for their first-ever trip to the Bahamas.

What started as a sunny Fort Lauderdale pit stop quickly became a whirlwind of preparation, problem-solving, and unexpected encounters—including iguanas, flat tires, and the occasional snack attack. Here’s how they turned chaos into readiness for their Bahamas debut.

The Art of Provisioning: More Than Groceries

With the Bahamas known for limited (and pricey) groceries, provisioning was a top priority. Armed with lists longer than the mast, the duo set out to stockpile non-perishable essentials, household items, and all-important snacks. Favorites like chips, cookies, and chocolate were carefully repackaged to save space, protect against humidity, and dodge pesky bugs.

Of course, no provisioning trip is complete without challenges. After hours of shopping, their list barely had a dent, leaving them to wonder where all this food would go. Thankfully, Jibsea had ample storage—including repurposed shower space and hidden compartments perfect for stashing pasta, sauces, and endless cans of Parm.

Freezers, Ferraris, and Found Treasures

Efficient food storage wasn’t the only challenge. The couple finally tackled a long-overdue freezer defrost, learning that less ice doesn’t mean less cooling power—just a more efficient fridge.

Next, they rented a “Ferrari” (read: a humble car with AC) to make longer hauls for bigger items. Their treasure-hunting streak continued when they stumbled upon a perfectly good insulated foam pipe in the water—exactly what they needed to improve their freezer’s efficiency. Small wins, big smiles!

A Water Maker Game-Changer

Among their errands was a trip to pick up a game-changing addition: a water maker. Mike at Seawater Pro provided a masterclass in water-making tech, walking them through the setup and unique features of their unit. After installation, they marveled at its efficiency—turning salty seawater into crystal-clear hydration at the push of a button.

The Iguana Incident (And Other Adventures)

No provisioning trip would be complete without a detour involving wildlife. Travis found himself face-to-face with a street-roaming iguana. After some (literal) wrangling, the lizard was released with a final warning: no stowaways allowed on Jibsea.

Crossing Plans: COVID-19 and Timing the Tide

As their Bahamas departure loomed, timing became critical. COVID-19 protocols required negative PCR tests and a health visa, both with tight deadlines. With a bit of luck—and a lot of nasal swabbing—they received their approvals just in time to set a firm departure date.

Ready to Sail

With provisions packed, systems checked, and spirits high, the couple planned their early-morning crossing to Bimini, aiming to arrive by daylight. For Travis and Stephanie, this moment marked the culmination of months of preparation, learning, and embracing the unexpected.

Christmas in the Tropics

As they looked ahead to their first tropical Christmas, far from snowy Canada, the couple reflected on how far they’d come. From battling Toronto winters to navigating iguanas, they’ve mastered the art of turning noob moments into unforgettable memories.

Next stop: crystal-clear waters and Bahamian bliss. If their journey so far is any indication, there’s no telling what adventures await.