EUROPA slipped her lines in Clearwater April 25, 2009 and took a very casual pace to Florida’s east coast through Lake Okeechobee. Lake levels were down to 5ft. but we made it across without finding the bottom. We departed Lake Worth Inlet at 6:45a…
Tag Archives | Heritage East
Clearwater To West End, Grand Bahama Is.
EUROPA slipped her lines in Clearwater April 25, 2009 and took a very casual pace to Florida’s east coast through Lake Okeechobee. Lake levels were down to 5ft. but we made it across without finding the bottom. We departed Lake Worth Inlet at 6:45am on Tuesday, May 5. Easterly winds 5-10 kts. and an easterly swell with waves too close together had us pounding a bit for the first two hours. However, as we approached the axis of the Gulf Stream, the distance between waves increased and improved our ride. Seas subsided to 1-2ft, and we sat back, let the autopilot do the driving, and enjoyed a quiet crossing; arriving at West End at 2:15pm.
Approaching the Bahama Bank, the dark cobalt blue hues of the Gulf Stream slowly changed to royal blue, turquise, then emerald green. No matter how many times you see this site, it always takes your breath away.
We cleared customs, washed the salt off EUROPA, and had our first cold beer. We love Old Bahama Bay, the resort marina at West End; and stay for 3 nights before heading for the Abacos.
March 2009 – Spring Break Cruise to Port Aransas
This was the biggest and longest TMCA cruise that we have ever led down coast. We had 29 boats signed up for this cruise and we had to make accommodations for all. Josh and I took a driving trip several months before to scope out some docking/restauran…
August 2008 – Hurricane IKE
Hurricane IKE left its mark in our marina. Fortunately, we fared much better than most marinas in the area as we did not lose a single boat! We had two sailboats that experienced rigging failure and lost their sticks, and a number of boats had “dock ra…
Charleston, S.C. To Portsmouth, VA.
NEW! Friday, May 30, 2008 Charleston, S.C. – Georgetown, S.C.
Touring Charleston needed more time, so we’ve decided to return to this charming city in the fall, but today we…
St. Augustine To Charleston
Tuesday, May 20 St. Augustine – Jacksonville Beach
We’re underway at 7:45am after topping off the fuel tanks. A gray morning begins with overcast skies. The weather forecast calls for a weak front to push through and southwest win…
Miami To St. Augustine
Friday, May 9, 2008 Key Biscayne Yacht Club – Coral Reef Yacht Club
A few cocktails and an excellent dinner on the outside, bayside patio at Key Biscayne Yacht Club capped off a perfect day of cruising through the Keys. On Friday, we slept in, …
Clearwater To Miami
Thursday, May 1, 2008 Clearwater – Sarasota
Many people ask, “how’s it feel being retired, starting a 1600 mile cruise to the Chesapeake?” Well, the most dominant feeling is relief! Because I know that once we toss off t…
Heading Home, Slowly
Winter arrived in south Florida. A cold front pushed temps into the 30’s even in Naples for two days. Great timing, as these were the days when I accomplished calls to hospitals in Naples and Ft. Lauderdale. Now that the wi…
