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.  South 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.

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.

Now 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.

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.

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