Explorer Chartbooks Mark 30 Years Guiding Bahamas Cruisers

Since first setting sail with pencil, paper, and hand-drawn maps, Monty and Sara Lewis have transformed their passion into a cornerstone resource for Bahamas cruisers. This September, the Explorer Chartbooks mark their 30th anniversary with fully updated editions of their three essential guides: Near Bahamas, Exumas, and Far Bahamas — all packed with the latest hydrographic data, marina info, and cruising tips.

The story behind the charts reads like a classic cruising adventure. Back in the late 1980s, with GPS still years away, the Lewises began filling in gaps on existing charts by collecting soundings and local knowledge on their own voyages. Starting with 20 placemat charts of the Exumas and a simple guide booklet, their grassroots efforts quickly drew attention from the cruising community.

Sara recalls, “Monty and I fell in love with sailing through racing sailboats on the Chesapeake Bay… Our dream was to spend winters cruising the Bahamas once we retired.” In 1991, they set off aboard their Carter 34 Vivacious, chasing the thrill of unexplored anchorages beyond the well-charted Abacos and Exumas.

Monty’s determination to push further led them to gather and compile data from Bahamian fishermen and local cruisers. They combined this with official topographical maps from Nassau’s Lands and Surveys office to create detailed, reliable charts covering previously “blank” areas like Long Island and beyond.

“We made charts for ourselves, decided they were pretty good, and people liked them,” Monty says simply. Over time, the Explorer Chartbooks became the “gold standard” for accurate, user-friendly navigation in the Bahamas.

Today’s editions reflect decades of evolving technology and hands-on experience but retain the Lewises’ dedication to simplicity and service. For cruisers dreaming of Bahamas passages or planning their next island-hopping adventure, the Explorer Chartbooks remain an indispensable companion.

Celebrate this milestone by checking out the newly revised charts coming this September — and keep exploring those turquoise waters with confidence.

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