Kathie Smith

18-20 knot true wind with 3.5 ft waves. Up to 27 knot apparent wind close hauled with motor support. There was a small craft advisory with winds from NE albeit we were somewhat protected by the keys from that direction. We motor sailed with 1 reef and 75% jib. Chasing Summer, another 40 ft Lagoon also motor sailed in the same path. They hailed us to say hi. We met Stan and Tracy on their Manta 40 and went to dinner after mooring.

18 -20 knot winds and up to 25 knot apparent wind close reach to beam from NNE. 5-6 ft waves made slightly uncomfortable and had to stay in the fresh air. Air was cold and jackets, gloves, and covered clothing was worn. We snagged a lobster trap in 45 ft deep waters on the port prop and had to drop all sails and jump in to cut away. 1st reef was placed when apparent wind was reaching 23 knots. The sea plane pilot buzzed our sail into the Dry Tortugas. Was fun watching them land and take off in adventurous fashion. Snorkeled under the ferry 2x’s seeing 600lb Goliath grouper, large silver fish laying at bottom, and medium fish at top. Tarpon and barracuda both explored. Swam in a school of minnows under cat and at loggerhead key. Had small thanksgiving dinner on boat.

10 knot true winds and 5 actual from behind. 2 ft waves. Saw young hammerhead shark on swim past. Water temp increased from 67 to 74 degrees. Sunny day 75 degrees.

10-20 knots down wind and 1.5 ft waves. Sail all the. Starboard engine still not functioning. Conditions were rough before leaving and not feeling good so decided to head back without additional exploration. Anchored and a pod of dolphins were hanging in the area. Engine was found to have a clogged fuel filter. The sail drives were cleaned too as starboard engine was clogged with shell material.

11-13 knot winds with 1-2 ft waves. Close reach sail and motor. Starboard engine died about 40 min before mooring. Pulled up alongside Fury snorkel cat. Snorkeling was good with large barracuda, fish that followed me, coral fish, and a large turtle that swam right for me and the size of me. Moon jellies frequently seen. Water maker also would not work and had to replace the filters. The engine to be troubleshot later as in full sun.

3-11 knots wind broad reach and then switching to close reach later. 1-4 foot waves. Fog, sun, rain, and cool weather. Early on, not feeling great with the rolly waves. Sun came out and sat out in it which resolved.

5 knots wind from behind. Motored with jib. 5 ft waves initially and then flat after rounding in between crags of land. Beautiful landscape. Some sun and some fog. Turned radar on in the fog.

3-6 knot winds from SE and up to 4 ft rolling waves. Motored for most of day. Genneker flown for small amount of time. Rolling waves were somewhat uncomfortable. Sunny day was a plus since very cloudy, cold days beforehand.

2-3 knot winds from ENE and calm seas. Motored the entire trip. Saw some dolphins. Heard lots of rudeness over channel 16.