NASSAU, Bahamas - "Now that is an odd place to anchor," fellow boater Rick of s/v C-Language said. He was in his dinghy, which was pulled alongside Mima.

Such began a new and abiding relationship with Rick and Susan, and such has been the life of these modern-day mariners. After three sleepless nights and three less-than-tranquil days of sailing, we had arrived in the Bahamas. We left St. Petersburg, Fla., on our way to the Bahamas, and as the weather continued to show openings we kept going, not wanting to get held up by frequent weather systems from the north that could keep voyagers anchored in the Florida Keys or at other crossing points to the Bahamas.