Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Bahamas. Picture yourself sailing through translucent blue waters, surrounded by playful dolphins and lively reefs with colorful fish and graceful sea turtles. Led by Capt. Joe Cetner, a seasoned sailor and an exceptional ASA instructor known for his captivating storytelling, this journey promises the perfect escape from the holiday hustle. Join us for an extraordinary experience exploring the beauty and charm of the Bahamas, guided by a true expert who knows these waters like the back of his palm.
Sailing in the Bahamas offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and serenity. It boasts some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling or diving. Imagine sailing through crystal clear turquoise waters discovering hidden cays and pristine beaches. With steady trade winds and secluded anchorages, every day on the water promises a new experience.
Capt. Jean, “Admiral” Mila and Capt. Joe will be your flotilla leaders. They know the sailing waters and show participants places that many tourists do not know. They put a very heavy emphasis on safety while ensuring that all participants go home with fun and unforgettable vacation memories.
Jean a native of Belgium, is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain and Master 100T and is qualified to teach ASA 101, 103, 104, 105, 114 and 118. Mila, born and raised in Peru, is for all intents and purposes the Admiral of the flotilla, master organizer, first mate and holds a USCG 50T license. Together they run Whitecaps Sailing, an ASA sailing school in Punta Gorda, Florida. They have been organizing sailing flotillas with American Sailing since 2009 and have introduced many sailors and non-sailors to fascinating destinations in the Mediterranean and other locations like Brazil and Seychelles.
Capt. Joe Center, a dynamic seafarer and inspirational educator. With a background as a former high school teacher in Illinois, Joe brings his passion for teaching and adventure to the high seas. Joe’s talents extend to music, having rocked stages as a guitarist in a band and even graced the silver screen as an extra in the Pirate of the Caribbean movies. An ASA instructor for the past 15 years and has been named Outstanding Instructor by ASA four times. He holds a USCG 100T Master license for over 25 years. Renowned for his laid-back approach and storytelling skills, Joe has navigated countless deliveries across the US and the Caribbean.
Set sail with confidence under their expert guidance.
Arrive in Marsh Harbour, provisioning and check in on the yachts. Get together for happy hour and dinner. Meet the rest of the participants and go over the week’s float plan.
Sundays are always fun at the Nippers Beach Bar and Grabbers. Enjoy the amazing 5-mile-long beach. We have the option to spend the night at anchor in Fisher Bay or at the Orchard Bay Marina.
We will head to Hope Town. On the way, we will have the opportunity to snorkel at Foul Cay Park. Hope Town has a great mooring field, several restaurants, shops, a beach, and the last working kerosene lighthouse in the world. Be sure to climb to the observatory deck. We will spend the
night at the mooring balls just outside of the harbor.
Our destination: Tahiti Beach on Elbow Key. Stroll along the beautiful beach. We have been told the drinks at the Thirsty Cuda Bar will bring a smile on your face. We will anchor at Old Pat’s Bay and have dinner on shore.
Man O War Cay. Stop at Mermaid Reef to snorkel. At the end of the day, we will spend the evening and night at the mooring field on the inside or anchor at Dickies Cay. Dinner on board. We love to raft the boats and do a happy hour and potluck dinner.
Tilloo Cay – a large part of the island is a nature preserve. We will anchor out there for the night and have a bonfire on shore with Capt. Joe who will serenade us with his guitar under the stars. Dinner on board or BBQ with the bonfire?
Little Harbour – On the way to Little Harbor, we will stop at Foul Cay park to do some snorkeling. Little Harbour’s best attraction, Pete’s Pub and Art Gallery, offers the best seafood in Abaco. Joe says that it brings out the inner Gilligan’s island.
Totally reinvigorated and with our batteries fully recharged, we return to base for our flights back home.
*Please note that itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control.
Jean’s sailing and organizational skills are of the highest quality! Everyone took turns at the helm while Jean kept an eye out for trouble. We had a wonderful experience cruising with Jean and Mila. We would sail anywhere in the world with them!
We have sailed with Jean and Mila on two separate occasions. They know the sailing areas extremely well. They are well organized and do an excellent job planning, yet remain flexible enough to take into account the desires of the group. We hope to take more sailing adventures with them in the future.
*Participants are encouraged to purchase international travel insurance.