Month: February 2019

Awoke at 7, John had already gotten up and done a power walk. We looked over our provisions and decided that we didn’t really need to make the hike to the connivence store. After a big cup of coffee we took down the carbon and put up the Dacron Genny.

It was sunny and breezy on the long ride out the canal to the gulf and when we got there it was blowing 15. We stayed on a close port tack and made 2 miles above the rub line when the wind decreased to 7. Down came the Dacron. At 4pm we were 2.5 miles below the rub and the winds were way down. We furled the carbon and fired up the motor. Right now we are making 4 plus heading 166 , not exactly toward the target but slightly east to get back over the rub line which is 180 degrees.

It was a long downwind run to Key West. About an hour before first light we found the entrance to the north passage. I was sighting on some radio towers until I decided they couldn’t be the entrance and after looking a little harder and almost running into a couple of unlighted piles we spotted the red and green and were on our way.

We pulled into the A&B Marina about 8:30. Our little boat was a dwarf among the yachts but I wasn’t complaining, we were parked in the center of the action and for the next 4 days a good time was had by all!

Departed at 9:30am after topping off the diesel. (3gal)

Steady 14kts from the east. Full main and #3 carbon jib.

Sailed by the start of a big boat PHRF Race as we entered the Gulf.

Great run average speed 5.5 knots topping at 7.2.

Departing we blew by a big boat Regatta.

Arrived in Naples by 3:00. Took a walk and visited a couple of art galleries.

Came back to the boat , cooked up the steaks and took showers.

John wandered into an art party on his way to have ice cream.

It looks like we will be able to make a run for Key west tomorrow.

Stay tuned.

Inland waterway. Motor sail half +

Photos: John Sieb

Day 1

We are riding glassy water with 25 other boats in Pelican Bay.

Departure was a hoot. We escorted the Admirals club out of the Yacht Club and into the river. Burgees were flying, there smiles everywhere. It was all good. Cheerfully we raised the carbons and turned South.

At the turn to Ponce de Leon. I went below to organize the mess of gear, thrown onboard just prior to departure. Within seconds, I realized that the electronics and video kit was missing. Nothing to do but come about. And so we did, back to the entrance , right along with the fleet of lady Admirals. I hollered over that, “we forgot the beer” and everyone had a laugh.

Light breeze , with #3 Jib, occasionally motoring . Mostly Close hauled sailing with a 20 minute motor sprint to get on hook before dark. Spicy Brats and spinach salad.

I’m liking it.