We motored out the channel past several cruise ships including Disney Magic and Emperor of the Seas that passed us overnight as they headed off to their destinations with their customers on holiday. Also saw some views of the launch facilities at Cape Canaveral.
Forecasts had us all set for a great sail down to Miami. We were anxous to see how our new/old prop performed under sail. Once we got out of all the traffic in the channel we set sails and took off at about 8 kts. But, then the wind shifted behind us and died. At times we saw 2 kts dead behind us. For the rest of the trip the wind stayed dead behind us in the low single digits. Occasionally it got up to about 10 but not for long so not far from the channel exit we were forced to go to power for the rest of the trip.
But it was a great trip. The Florida Coast runs generally southeast until just about Palm Beach and then goes due south to southwest. We set our first way point which was about 100 miles that was just off Palm Beach. We made it there about 1 AM. Then we set the next point just off of the Government Cut in Miami that was only about 50 miles.
The sun went down around Ft Pierce and came up as we were passing Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale.
The weather was gorgeous and reminded me of why we came this way. Sailing overnight offshore is truly inspiring. I can sleep when needed but find the trip so exciting I don't want to miss any of it. The stars in their glory illuminate the heavens.Since we weren't that far offshore this time we could see the lights on shore and the sheen of south Florida was visible for miles. We also had plenty of company from other ships including the cruise ships, several barges and as we passed Port Everglades and close to Miami several cargo ships and pilot boats.
We made it from our slip in Port Canaveral to Miami in less than 24 hours. We picked our way through Government Cut which is the main channel into Miami Harbor past dredges, working boats, ferries and the ships at docks to Biscayne Bay where we stopped for fuel and decided to anchor for the night. We had hoped to get a slip but the local marinas are full so we decided to enjoy the beauty and anchor out near the Hurricane Hole in Key Biscayne. It has been great! We were welcomed by the locals on jet skis and go fasts making wake to be sure we didn't miss the open sea. We warmed up the boat and took showers after which Linda made a great pasta dinner. We are now sitting in the cockpit finishing off a great bottle of wine and enjoying the Miami skyline and the beauty of Biscayne Bay.
The view from our back porch.
Traveling down here last night made me realize how difficult it really was getting here. As we got closer to Miami we needed to get close to shore because the Gulf Stream is less than 3 miles from shore at points and all the southbound traffic crams into the small amount of open water available. But then the easy way is always mined. Close in to shore the many local authorities have built artificial reefs to attract divers. At those reefs they have installed mooring balls for the dive boats to tie up to. So now, not only do we have to contend with current and other traffic we have to dodge the mooring balls. which we did by going around the reefs that were marked on the charts. Once daylight arrived it all became easier.
We have made arrangements for a slip downtown beginning tomorrow night that is right in the heart of the entertainment district so we plan to go out and enjoy what there is. Also will need to wash the boat and do some maintenance. Always work to do.
Our 380 is also scheduled to leave her old slip tomorrow for Deltaville.We will miss her and wish the new owners fair winds.
We are sitting at mile 1095 at the end of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) having crossed mile 1 in Norfolk. Our journey began in Oxford, MD with temps in the 30's and brought us here over 1200 miles later with temps in the 70's.
After our brief sojourn here and visit with some of Linda's family it will be on to Marathon Key for a scheduled hiatus, work on the boat and rendezvous with friends before moving on.
They say that home is where your heart is and mine is wherever our boat and my honey is. It will be nice after the past year's efforts to finally kick back in Marathon and drink rum everyday. Matter of fact, I think it's time for one right now.
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