Life at Government Dock. April 30, 2021

​Today marks day 13 at Matthew Town, Government Dock, Inagua, Bahamas. While intending to only spend three days here, we have extended our stay by an extra ten days so far... I guess you could say we’ve been stranded in paradise. Our alternator died the night we were preparing to leave. There is not a ships store here. Nor is there a hardware store. But, the island is filled with the kindest, most thoughtful folks who only want to assist visitors and make sure they have a positive experience here.
We have been camped out at the Government dock in Matthew Town waiting for the arrival of our wayward package from the US.
It has been an incredible experience to witness life here at the government dock. It is definitely a happening place. The people of Inagua are thrilled this season to have more boats than ever before stop here to check in or check out of the Bahamas. The facilities here provide convenient access to the formalities with customs and immigration. The clinic is right next door so the covid process is all within walking distance. Boaters will find the finest, most gracious dock master to greet them upon arrival. George is amazing! I’ll post a separate update featuring him.
Throughout the day people drive down to the dock to check out the boats anchored outside the marina and to look at the boats tied up inside. This is much like what we do at the Wharf in Onancock. The folks here are just grateful to see boats and love to say hello and greet the boaters. We have seen as many as eleven sailboats checking in or out at one time. Just about all the boats are sailboats. We saw one motor cruiser that was 60 feet and carries ten thousand gallons of fuel. An eighty foot catamaran was parked in the marina for a few nights. We never saw the owner but there were at least eight crew members. All of the boats we met (except ours) carried a water maker and had enough solar panels on board to make their own electricity. We are clearly behind on self-sufficiency.
Because it is the government dock it is also the place where the Bahama Defense Force comes with their large ships. The Mailboat comes out of Nassau about every 8 to 14 days. Other important deliveries are made such as the oil freighter bringing precious fuel to the island.
But, the most gracious surprise was a visit from a local fisherman with a gift of a beautiful large Red Snapper deposited on our deck.
There is always something of interest happening at the dock. Inagua is truly a place to come and anchor, visit, and stay awhile. You’ll be glad you did.