Man-o-War Cay

2015 February 27

by Greg & Lyn

We loved Man-o-War Cay!

We almost didn’t go in because we read and were told that it’s all mooring balls and they are really, really, really close together. We decided to give it a try for one night then leave before any strong winds came up. We had to go in with at least half-tide, rising to have enough depth. Once inside the channel we slowly motored around in the small harbor by the the town. There were several empty mooring balls so we picked one and tied up. Then we put the dinghy in the water and drove around to look at some of the others and talked to several people on other boats then decided that even though it was pretty tight, it looked like there was enough room to swing so we would stay. It was close enough had to tie our dinghy to the side of Paperbird and not on the stern or it would have hit the boat behind us. YES, they were that close together. In the end we were so glad we decided to give it a try. We met so many really friendly people and the island itself is so beautiful. And we did stay for a big blow…..with 30 to 35 kts of wind. But everything was fine. The harbor is one of the most secure and is protected from winds from every direction .

Man-o-War is a dry island….so no liquor or tobacco are sold on the island. The population of the island is around 300. There are 3 churches and 2 grocery stores. At the church we attended we were told that on any given Sunday there are about 70 in attendance with a youth group of 15 to 20. We bought pizza from the youth group one night for their fund raiser.

: Grace Community Church

: Pizza fundraiser

Boat building on Man-o-War dates back to the 1880’s and is still in operation today. Willard Albury, the grandfather that we met, led the way to the change over to the fiberglass design.

A local industry on the island is the famous Albury Sail Shop. There are women sitting at sewing machines in there everyday making bags of every size, shape and color to sell in this shop and, apparently, around the world.

Phil, we thought of you when we saw these 2 foot long lures.

Waterfront house with a driveway and garage for his boat!!

We first met William and his wife in Marsh Harbour at a local restaurant. They are from Man-o-War and have been the caretakers for a large estate on Man-o-War for 49 years. The owners are from St Louis and come down several times a year. They told us to come by when we were on the island and they would show us around the property. It was gorgeous!!

An old submersible out in front of the local dive shop.

Communication on the island….we were told to read messages on the poles along the roads.

USS Adirondack was wrecked on a reef near Man-o-War in 1862, this cannon was recovered in 1949.

We also were fortunate to arrive a few days before the annual Man-o-War flee market that raises money for the local school. It is a huge event and ferry’s come from the other islands to bring people over for it. There are venders from local shops and lots of food for sale as well as fun for the kids like a moon bounce and hermit crab races.