What is a Blow?

In the Bahamas, a "blow" refers to a period of strong, gusty winds, typically associated with a weather system like a cold front or a passing squall typically from the North - East direction, a "blow" would indicate a day with significantly increased wind speeds compared to normal conditions, potentially causing rough seas and making outdoor activities challenging. 

As boaters we look for protection for the wind and waves! The protection typically comes from land that blocks the wind and knocks down or blocks the waves and swells. Being in the lee of the land makes it much more comfortable.

This screenshot is from the app Windy for today 3/6/25. You can see they are forecasting 25 to 39 knots with higher gusts. We just dealt with this same thing on Tuesday! It has been windy!

A blow can either be a front moving through like we have today, or a squall moving by, like we were able to motor between on our way back to Green Turtle Cay on Sunday.

I have always been someone that watches the weather and know what is going on, but being in the Bahamas takes it to an entirely new level. Everything revolves around the wind and weather!

Below is Little Cave Cay and it shows three different anchorages available by the little Green anchor symbols. If we travel here on the way West we will choose our location based on conditions when we arrive and what is forecasted overnight.

By having good anchorages in the leeward side (the side that gives us protection from the wind) AND the underwater surface that allows the anchor to dig in, we will sleep fairly comfortable at night. The under water surface desired is sand or mud so that the anchor can dig in. Grass or rock is not good.