Fort Lauderdale

Friday night the glittering lights of Miami coasted up on us as we worked our way up to Fort Lauderdale. The Gulf Stream is a magical carpet ride when you curve in with the wind. It took us exactly seven days sailing from St.Thomas and at ten am we passed 17th Street Bridge towards Bahia Mar Marina, Fort Lauderdale. We were allocated a berth right at the gate of B Dock. We were assisted by the dock master who also had our access cards and other information leaflet available.

We had lots to do, and little time to do it in. Firstly, hailed a taxi and reported to the Immigration authorities to check in. After a few hick ups we got stamped in and hailed our taxi driver to take us back to the boat. It was about noon and back at the boat thought we'd get a burger and beer at the moment nearest spot. There is an upper pool deck with a bar and grill that serves the Bahia Mar Marina and Hotel. We did get refreshments, but thought we'd find another place, and a bit cooler. Ten minutes later we crossed the road and found exactly what we were looking for. Sat down, had a mean burger, fries and a beer, and had a great view on the Hall of Fame beach.

After lunch we made our way back to the boat to get a few things and taxied to West Marine, just fifteen minutes away. We were looking for a few spares and also the correct shore power connector. This is the biggest West Marine in the world, and an amazing array of boating goods on display. Back to the boat to wire the shore power plug, and fit the new water strainer. The plumbing for the water strainer was incompatible and we had to get back to West Marine. The strainer was for an air conditioner, and great conditions to run one being a bit hot and humid. We were busy sweating with the strainer into the night, but at nine pm we were up and running. We could fill our water tanks as well, and lovely to cool down and freshen up with a shower. We had a solid sleep, the boat all tied down and not moving. After many days at sea, a good night's sleep is guaranteed.

Sunday morning Don and Jane did their laundry. We were planning to stay until Wednesday. A technician was coming to look at our watermaker. Looking at the weather forecast I suggested we depart on Monday morning, and set a time for nine o'clock. It suited everyone perfectly, and Don and Jane went to the supermarket to get some last provisions for the few days left to Annapolis. I took a Lyft into town to get a local simcard, and picked up a bowl at Chipotle, a popular Mexican food place to share with Thomas back at the boat.

We had good wifi at the marina, but a local simcard is essential for me. $77 unlimited data for a month anywhere in the US valid for a month. I have a lot to catch up on emails, social media, research etc. The best is to be able to chat and do video calls with my two besties, my wife and my daughter. Being away from home for two months at a time and with limited communications is a challenge on it's own.

We had my close friend Michelle Ropiza seeing us off on Monday morning with some fresh almond croissants and some other lovely gifts. Wonderful as always to touch base with her. Busiest and best catamaran broker in the world.

At nine thirty and Monday morning we started the engines and made our way back to 17th Street Bridge, and just in time to request a ten o'clock opening. Exiting Port Everglade was a bit choppy, but once we were in deeper water, conditions settled. We raised our main, unfurled the genoa, and pointed our bows north, following the Gulf Stream. Ten knots of wind on the beam, and current up to four knots, we were sailing fast towards our next waypoint. The Gulf Stream runs north, and around hundred miles east of Jacksonville it makes a forty five degree turn to northeast. We are following the current up to Cape Hatteras from where we will head up for Chesapeake Bay. The wind has been in our favor and turning with the current. Yesterday we made five sail changes to optimize conditions. A few hours ago the gennaker went up, and we are two days away from Chesapeake.

Hope you also had a great weekend. Catch up again soon.

Paul






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