We left Bimini after four days of waiting for good weather. We’ve been gone for two months with the exception of a 2-day jaunt home for Thanksgiving, and we were conflicted about going home. On the one hand, we couldn’t wait to get home and show everyone that we made it. We hadn’t sunk the boat, and we didn’t kill each other. It was a WIN WIN! On the other hand, we love being out on the boat, and the thought of sleeping in our condo wasn’t that appealing. The only thing at home that I was really looking forward to was being able to do laundry without having to get dressed first. That, and having more space for Jeff to toss his dirty clothes. At home, he can hide them on the floor on his side of the bed. There aren’t any good dirty laundry hiding places on the boat.
Everyone talks about the horror of crossing the Gulf Stream. “The waves are huge!” “The current is so fast!” “You’re always banging into the wave, and everyone is always puking!” But we waited for good weather with winds from the southeast and took our chances. It was fine. The waves averaged 3-6′, and we had plenty of wind. Unfortunately, it was from directly behind. This would have been a great time to use our Parasailor. (Can’t wait to get it.) So we motored across dodging fishing boats and cargo ships throughout the day.
Some of these fishing boat captains suck. We see them on the AIS (automated identification system), see that we’re on a collision course with them flying along at 16 knots. They get closer and closer. We hail them on the radio.
“Just want to make sure you see us. You’re coming at us really fast.”
“I have a visual on you. I’ll pass you on your port side.”
Sure you will.
“Captain, he’s getting closer and he’s not turning. I’m heading up 10 degrees.”
“We have the right-of-way.”
“Well, he either doesn’t know that or doesn’t care. I’m turning.”
And after our turn, he flew past us about 100 feet away. Have some respect, jerk!
Now came the hard part, entering Port Everglades channel. This is one of the busiest shipping channels on the east coast. A cruise ship was in the channel, a tanker was waiting to enter, and another was about to head out. Not to mention all of the pleasure craft zipping around. We got closer, closer, and decided there was enough of a window for us to make it. Again, high wind and super choppy seas. We were doing this!
Soon we were committed. We were at the point of no return when we saw a super tanker entering the turning basin in front of us. He definitely had the right-of-way, but we had nowhere to go. Let’s just stay as close to the edge of the channel as possible. There’s probably enough room for both of us. What could possibly go wrong?
What the F%&*? Why are there small power boats anchored in the channel – fishing? What is it with you guys thinking you own the water? Get out of the channel! They just waved and smiled, with a fishing rod in one hand and a beer in the other. I get it, fishing is fun. Fishing with beer is great fun! Just don’t do it in the middle of the Port Everglades channel!!!
We passed the tanker, closely but with plenty of room. You can see it on the video that I haven’t uploaded yet. (Suspenseful, isn’t it?)
As we passed the cruise ships making our way to Harbour Towne Marina where we would put in for the next six week while waiting for upgrades to Wind Therapy, we looked at each other and smiled. We had made it, almost. The last hurdle was docking the boat in a super tight marina. I’m not a fan of docking in the first place, but it’s a necessary evil. We slowly motored past bow sprits and transoms just three feet away on each side and held our breath. We only had some wind to deal with at the dock, no current, thank God. A neighbor helped catch our lines, and we were secure in a slip. (Thank you Bob Ross!)
We did it. We motored, sailed, motored some more, and sailed again – 1380 miles from Tortola, British Virgin Island to Ft. Lauderdale. As my dad said, “You’re different sailors now.” And we are. We still have so much to learn, so many things to experience, so many places to visit.
And we can’t wait to do it again!
December 2019