Our Sail Plans Changed in an Instant! / S2E6

What started as a normal sail from Georgetown to Long Island, quickly turned into one of the scariest moments of our journey. Just after we arrived and dropped anchor, Brent fell from the boom—nearly a 10-foot drop. His dad saw the fall from the flybridge and thought he might land on his feet, but he didn’t. I ran upstairs to find Brent laid out on his back, pale and in pain. He couldn’t move without hurting, and we feared the worst: a broken back. Thankfully, he was able to move a little, but he couldn’t put weight on his foot. With no urgent care option, we consulted with our doctor back home, who guided us until we could find help. The next morning, the island clinic informed us there was no x-ray machine anywhere nearby and suggested flying to Nassau. Instead, we sailed back to Georgetown where we knew x-rays were available. The results: multiple fractures in Brent’s foot. The orthopedic specialist later confirmed most were old injuries, with just one serious new break. No surgery needed—thankfully—but he’ll be in a walking cast for six weeks before easing back onto his feet. While Brent flew to Gainesville for treatment, I stayed in Georgetown with the kids and their grandparents aboard SeaDog. We spent a few extra days there, said our goodbyes to Brent's parents, and then set sail with friends toward the remote Ragged Islands in the southwestern Bahamas. With 16–20 knots of wind pushing us along at 7–8 knots (even hitting 8.8!), we made the trip in great conditions. Brent was on crutches, Wes was happy with his Nintendo Switch, and the rest of us enjoyed the ride. The next couple days, we explored Flamingo Cay, swimming through the salt pond and its famous dinghy cave—an unforgettable adventure after such a stressful week. Life at sea is unpredictable, but it always finds a way to surprise us. ⸻ Places Visited: • 🏝️ George Town, Exumas • ⛵️ Long Island (planned) • 🏝️ Georgetown (return for x-ray) • 🐊 Gainesville, Florida (Brent’s treatment) • 🏖️ Ragged Islands, Bahamas • 🦩 Flamingo Cay