Florida Keys, Great Bahama Bank, Gulfcoast Florida, Passage to the U.S.

Back to the US, Immigration and Dr. Mudd

After three weeks in Bahamian waters including visiting seven spots in the Abacos it was time to return to the U.S. so that the Commissioner could resume her duties . During this time Robin had devoured eleven books and completed an amazing needlepoint project. All I did was keep us afloat and moving from one location to the other with Robin’s help.

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Florida to West End of Grand Bahama Island, then on to the Abacos and return via the Northwest Providence Channel and the Great Bahama Bank to Cat Cay and then the Gulf Stream crossing to Fowey Rocks

We were awakened by an increase in wind over Cat Cay giving promise of a crossing by sail, but the passing squall left us with 1 – 2 knots of wind from the east.  After we navigated the narrow cut between Gun Cay and Cat Cay passing the Gun Cay lighthouse, we were soon feeling the effects of the Gulf Stream current.

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Gun Cay Lighthouse

In order to keep a course over ground of 280 degrees we were steering 250 to 255 to counter the effect of the 2.5 knot current. You would never guess that the current was strong looking at the water surface, it looked like the surface of a calm lake! I took the opportunity to call ahead to the Marathon Marina while we still had cell service to reserve a slip for tomorrow morning as we had a 24 hour trip ahead of us.

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Gulf Stream sea condition FAC (flat ass calm!)

Even though the wind was still light we had the mainsail up, not so much for stability or additional speed, but just to look good! We didn’t have much company crossing the Stream, we encountered few cargo ships along the way, but since the Aby Scarlett was going to pass only .3 miles away, I called the bridge on the VHF. According to maritime law in this instance we had the right of way, but knowledge of basic physics warns of the impending doom when you collide with a 873 foot ship doing 13.5 knots.

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Aby Scarlet, as she appears on A.I.S. blinking “red” indicating a collision course

“Good morning Captain, this is the sailboat Saba 3 miles off of your starboard bow, I see that our CPA (Closest Point of Approach) is .3 nautical miles so we are altering course 20 degrees to port and will pass your stern.” He responded politely, thanked us and wished us a safe voyage.

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Aby Scarlett an 873 ft. Bulk Cargo Container Ship passes by after our course change.

We made the 47 mile Gulf Stream crossing in 8.5 hours averaging 5.5 knots. It’s always a pleasure to return to “soundings” where your depth finder actually registers a number rather than “deep” and the cerrulian blue waters of the Hawk Channel welcome you home.

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Fowey Rocks, south of Miami are a welcome sight!

Rounding Fowey Rocks put the wind on our beam and we had a glorious and peaceful sail down the Hawk Channel as we had the waterway to ourselves. After 5 hours of sailing, the wind died again so it was back to motorsailing.

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SABA enjoying a beam reach!

We motorsailed through the night and as we usually do altered watches every 2 to 4 hours to enable the other crew member to sleep. We arrived at the Marathon Marina in the morning and tied up at the fuel dock to fuel up  with help from the friendly staff. Our slip was ready for us and was as before in a convenient spot.

After tying up, we called the Customs and Border Patrol on an 800 number and checked in using the Small Vessel Reporting System. We are each registered personally and our boat is registered as well to allow for easy check in. One minute later we heard, “Welcome home” from the friendly agent.

We used our time in Marathon to do some laundry and some complete mundane boat tasks. Since we had a great internet connection I was able to place quite a few Stock Option trades. As many of you know, this is a passion of mine and an indication that I was back in business!

Our special surprise in Marathon was our dinner at Frank’s Grill. The place is tucked away in a strip shopping center and from outward appearances not especially inviting.

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Frank’s Grill Marathon, Florida

We were greeted warmly and the food was fantastic…possibly the best Frutti de Mare Fra Diavlo I have ever had and Robin’s veal marsala was superb. The homemade desserts including the cheesecake and key lime pie were fabulous. Frank made a point of coming out of the kitchen to say “hello”…great guy, super chef!

When you are in the keys, stop by for dinner. During season, reservations are a must.     http://www.franksgrillmarathon.com

After our two day hiatus in Marathon, it was off for Key West, only 42 miles distant. With 6 – 7 knots of wind from the SE we motorsailed to one of our favorite locations, Key West Bight. We tied up stern-to at the A & B Marina, right in the middle of Key West marina activity

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SABA dwarfed by sportfishers and motoryachts at the A & B Marina
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A & B Marina dock

After tying up and checking in it was time for exploring all the Marina had to offer. The staff was friendly and helpful and the shower facilities were some of the best we’ve found in our travels. We also were impressed with the convivial atmosphere of the marina with it’s coffee shop, bar and restaurant and great happy hour at the White Tarpon. I got my fill of $1 oysters before we headed out for the evening.

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Key West Bight restaurants and marinas

Grunt’s on Caroline Street is one of the oldest bars in Key West. Thursday nights feature the “Shanty Hounds” a local group of muscians.  We met singer/songwriters Dani Hoy and Chris Rehm a couple of years ago and we take in their shows whenever we can. As usual, they kept an eclectic group entertained through the evening. Thanks to Dani, Chris and Bob for making us feel like a part of their family!

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The SHANTY HOUNDS at Grunt’s Bar on Caroline

There are few places better for breakfast in Key West than Ricky’s BLUE HEAVEN. The place always seem packed, but the short wait seems even shorter with one of their signature Bloody Marys. The fresh baked breads, inventive breakfast entrees are delicious, not to mention what is probably the best key lime pie on the planet!

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Blue Heaven
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In Blue Heaven!

After that wonderful breakfast we walked back to the marina, but along the way made a few stops. In addition a clothing store, the grocery and a dive shop to try on a new 3mm wetsuit we were sidetracked by the lure of key lime pie…..again!

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Birthplace of Key Lime Pie….LET ME IN!!

In a Facebook post, I mentioned Robin and I enjoyed a Seaplane trip over to the Dry Tortugas from Key West to tour Fort Jefferson which happens to be the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere with an interesting history and is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef🐠

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Aboard a de Haviland Otter Sea single engine seaplane to the Dry Tortugas
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View of Fort Jefferson from seat 6
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de Havilland Otter landing near Garden Key
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Captain at Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere

Ponce de Leon discovered the island in 1513 and named it Las Tortugas. Subsequently, it was named Dry Tortugas to warn mariners that no fresh water could be found. Having visited the Fort decades ago I did note some aging in some of the structure. Construction started in 1846 and continued for 30 years. It was never completed. Originally constructed to protect Gulf shipping it was soon deemed obsolete after it could not be protected by newly constructed rifled cannon.

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Fort Jefferson Parade Grounds
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Interior Arches
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Moat with surrounding Coral Reef

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Fort Jefferson did serve as a prison during the Civil War. It was most famous for hosting Dr. Samuel Mudd who assisted John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln’s assassin.

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Dr. Samuel Mudd’s home for four years.
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I’ll be back!!

After what was a great day at the Dry Tortugas we returned to Key West Bight to relax and enjoy yet another happy hour. This time we were joined at the Boathouse by Dani and Chris of the Shanty Hounds. We happened to sit at the same spot where we met a couple of years ago. After sharing great food and lots of laughs we retired to our boat, just steps away from boardwalk restaurants.

Time for Sunday Brunch! Our Key West resident friend of many years Joy, whom we have know since we were teenagers, recommended Lattitudes Restaurant on neighboring Sunset Key. Formerly known as Tank Island, Sunset Key is a 27 acre luxurious island community and resort accessible ony by boat.

 

Island Time Launch to Sunset Key
Island Time Launch to Sunset Key
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On our way to Latitudes Restaurant, Sunset Key
Sunset Key Cottages
Sunset Key Cottages
Lattitude at Sunset Key
Lattitude at Sunset Key

As you may imagine lunch at Latitude on Sunset Key was elegant, fabulous and made the heat, humidity and windless days of travelling a distant memory. We will be sure to return on our next vist to Key West. Thanks Joy!!

We’ll be heading north tomorrow to Captiva on our way back to St. Pete, but before we do, a visit to the Conch Republic just a few steps away from our marina was in order. We couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to Dani and Chris and to let them know that we’d be back soon.

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Dani and Chris, “The Shanty Hounds” at the Conch Republic

Leaving Key West is always difficult since we enjoy our stays here so much. It was even more difficult since there was little to no wind. We didn’t even bother raising the mainsail since the sea was so flat. We did get some help from a favorable current up the channel and for the first hour we were doing 7 to 8 knots!

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Sunset Florida Bay
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Good Morning Captiva! Rain, rain… go away!

Listening to the engine drone on for another 24 hours we reached Captiva and headed for the fuel dock at the South Seas Yacht Harbour. We have been here several times and it’s a comfortable place for us.

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South Seas Yacht Harbor, Captiva
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Ready for duty, South Seas Yacht Harbo
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Scoops and Slices at Southseas, a great spot for a sugar high!!

We relaxed for a couple of days at the pool and at the beach before making the move to our home marina. We cast off our lines at noon since we didn’t want to arrive at St. Petersburg too early and even then had some time to kill. The 96 mile journey would take about 17 hours and we wanted to arrive after 8 am.

Ten miles distant from Captiva on the intracoastal is Cabbage Key, home of the restaurant where Jimmy Buffett allegedly composed “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. Cabbage Key is really a bit of Old Florida and since it is only accessable by boat it’s not likely to change soon.

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Cabbage Cay, home of “Cheeseburger in Paradise”

We tied up at the Cabbage Key Inn dock and made our way to the Inn. Not only did we  get the famed cheeseburger but we managed to kill a couple of hours.

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Cabbage Key Island Inn Bar and Restaurant

The remainder of the trip dealt us heavy rain, confused 3 to 5 foot seas and general mayhem under a double reefed main and more engine time. Luckily for Robin her watches were a bit more comfortable and she enjoyed clear weather. I was heartened when I saw the lights of the Sunshine Skyway bridge, but 30 minutes later we were in a huge downpour. There is no doubt that the past 12 hours dealt us more weather than we had for the entire trip!

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Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay at 0500

As the early morning hours progressed, the sky cleared and we tied up at our familiar slip in the Vinoy Marina. We took our time getting all in order, rinsing the boat, cleaning and organizing below deck and offloading a few carts of gear.

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Safe and sound at the Vinoy Marina, St. Petersburg, FloridaI

It was a marvelous trip!

We covered 1115 Nautical Miles (1282 statue miles) over 36 days. We sailed overnight on six occasions, anchored out five nights and spent 25 days in marinas. The marina stays were more frequent due to the lack of wind to keep us comfortable at anchor.

We have sailed these Bahama trips for the last four years so I guess we earned our Bahamas degree. Our plans may change for the future. We are considering all of our options.. longer, larger and luxurious!

Thanks for following along with us. We loved having you!

Fair winds and following seas,

Captain Bobby and the Commish

Gulfcoast Florida

SABA returns to the Gulfcoast

Saba carried us a total of 1,210 nautical miles (or 1390 “land” miles) over the past 36 days. The Admiral and I enjoyed 14 ports of call and plenty of adventure along the way.

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We sailed through the night on five passages sharing watch every 3 hours or so to enable visiting the more distant spots. As you may imagine, travelling on a modest sailboat sharing about 300 square feet over a five week time span is something few couples could accomplish. Let’s just say my first mate is tolerant…

2Leaving the Conch Republic of Key West with the promise to return soon we headed north to Captiva Island for a few days of vacation from our vacation at the South Seas Island Resort . The 330 acre resort offers a beach, pool, golf course, dining and a myriad of activities.  It’s a spot we often visit  when we want to indulge ourselves a bit.

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After reharging, we returned to St. Petersburg  via Venice spending a night at the Fisherman’s Village Marina and enjoying dinner at the Dockside Waterfront Grille.

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Safely tied to our slip at the Vinoy Marina in downtown St. Petersburg, we were already planning our next adventure on SABA. We were delighted to have you aboard and hope you’ll travel with us again soon.

For now, I’m preparing to check off another item on the Bucket List…I leave for the Kingdom of Tonga on Sunday. Tonga is an archipelago in the South Pacific about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand.

1 (4)Tonga is austral winter home of several hundred humpback whales who leave Antartica and arrive here to calf and mate. I guess we’re in for some whale voyerism as these giants perform courtship displays and mating rituals….I’ll try to keep out of the way of these 50 foot giants as I try to capture the action. Wish me well!

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The sea hates a coward.
–  Eugene O’Neill

Hope to have you aboard soon.

Captain Bobby

 

Gulfcoast Florida

SABA returns to the Suncoast

G’DAY Shipmates,

Key West with it’s relaxed attitude is always difficult to leave, but we cast off at 0900 and headed for Captiva Island on Pine Island Sound. The 128 mile trip took exactly 24 hours and was filled with some excitement due to thundershowers in the wee hours, but we arrived at our destination, the South Seas Island Resort  unscathed.  IMG_0451IMG_0465IMG_1788South Seas is one of our favorites and is a great spot to vacation, relax and enjoy the wonderful amenities, the ambiance of the manicured grounds and the friendly staff dedicated to providing a near perfect experience.

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We spent a few days enjoying the resort including the beach, pool and village. During that time we hosted an important part of Robin’s Florida family. Rebeca and Adam showed their 6 month old son Evan a great time at the pool. He is one happy kid!

Our stay was the just the elixir needed to decompress after our extended travel. Wonderful!

Time to head back to our home port of St. Petersburg, but let’s extend our trip for one night in Venice, Florida. We often use the Crow’s Nest Marina and Restaurant as an interim stop on our way up to Tampa Bay. The wind and weather were again smiling upon us as sailed the forty miles up to the Venice inlet. We tied up and enjoyed a luxurious shower before a cocktail and a fresh seafood dinner. Always a delight!

Well, it was a great motor-sail back to Tampa Bay. The wind was a bit erratic altering direction and velocity as the day wore on. We traveled the 50 miles in just under 8 hours and arrived before the afternoon thunderstorms.

Vinoy BAsinNow that we are back safely to our slip at the Vinoy Marina in St. Petersburg you can regain your land legs as you step to the dock. We enjoyed having you along for these past five weeks and hope you have enjoyed your trip with Robin and me. Together we have logged 1,136 Nautical miles (1308 statute miles) and visited 16 destinations in the US and the Abacos in the Bahamas.

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We sailed overnight for 7 nights including the 345 mile 3-day voyage to Key West from Marsh Harbour, one of the many highlights of our trip. On that leg, we enjoyed favorable wind and weather which made for spectacular sailing. In addition, SABA was anchored for 5 nights, moored for 8 and spent 17 nights in the comfort of various marinas. Fabulous locations, good weather, and wonderful people made for a memorable trip which prompted us to plan another extended one for next summer. In between, we’ll keep it going on the Gulf Coast and in the Keys.

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It was great to have you aboard. hope you enjoyed the adventure. Hope to see you all soon.

Fair winds and following seas,

Captain Bobby