We didn't get an early start but did spend some good time sailing on Saturday. In the photo you can see what the water looks like in the Sea of Abaco. It is primarily "line of sight" type sailing which is to say you can see where you want to go most of the time. It is important to use your charts just the same to avoid shoals and to double check depths. Most of the water is 8 to 10 ft but as you approach cays you often must follow specific sailing instructions to avoid the skinny water. The lighter areas in the photo indicate shallow and sandy bottom while the darker areas are coral or grass. Usually the lighter the color the shallower the water but you also must learn to recognize coral heads that come up close to the surface. They are often indicated by breaking water but at high tide you must rely on charts and local knowledge.
My advice for sailboats going to Hope Town that draw 5.5 + is to approach the enterance using published sailing instructions and tide. When in the harbor avoid the shoal before the anchorage areas by watching the water color and favoring the port side. If you do that you should have no problem with a 6 ft draft. I can tell you that the bottom is soft sand and it is easy to back off if you don't hit it too hard or have a wing keel.
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