Owen Symington

Conditions were great for crossing the Gulf Stream. Very light and variable winds from the east. We motored with the main sail up all day, got some wind assist off. Gentle swells. Clear sunny day and we loved the heat! Owen did a little fishing but no luck. Clearing customs was easy, I had completed everything online. Booked a slip and checked in at Old Bahamas Bay Marina. Passed the Margaritaville cruise ship in the Lake Worth inlet on our departure this morning, pilot boat told us to follow them and stay in their stern to guide us past the cruise ship safely! It was close.

Left Jensen early to try to arrive at Jupiter inlet as close to mid tide as we could as shoaling there has been a problem recently. We were following a sailboat going much slower than we wanted to but due to the narrow channel by the time we found a place we were comfortable overtaking them we had lost too much time. We arrived at Jupiter inlet one hour before low tide. Stuck to Bob’s tracks and proceeded slowly right onto a shoal. The boat behind us tried to pass on our port side and also ran aground. Both of us were able to manoeuvre off without assistance within about 5 mins. The bridge operator said stay far away from the red marker. The rest of the trip we were focused on timing the bridge openings which we managed quite well. I think we passed through seven bridges that had to open. Docked at Lake Park Marina, helpful friendly staff. We’re in a slip right beside all the facilities. Not the nicest area for walking around, a lot of construction right around the marina. Took an Uber to a cruisers meet up last night at O’Sheas Irish pub, in West Palm Beach just south of us, organized by the Boat Galley. Met lots of nice people. Had dinner at Hullabaloo, fun small restaurant with great food and service.

Strong north winds about 17kts all day which was directly behind us. Gusting over 20kts. Passing Fort Pierce inlet the cross current at the bridge was very strong. When we arrived at Jensen Beach another boat was on our assigned ball and we were told we couldn’t stay on the ball we took instead, moving to another ball winds were challenging and I tied the line very long just to keep us on but somehow the ball went under the boat to the port mid ship, with the only line attached wrapping under SB bow. So we releases the line, avoided all other boats in the mooring field and finally picked up a third mooring in 20-25kts. Looking forward to meeting friends from home, Michelle & Brent who are in Stuart and going out for dinner tonight. Shower facilities are good, basic but clean.

Nice downwind trip to Vero Beach. Some spectacular homes along the way and much more boat traffic. An enjoyable stretch of the ICW. First time rafting to other boats on a mooring ball but it’s the norm here. Most mooring balls have three boats rafted together. We have rafted along side Danielle from Montreal on a Bavaria monohul, and there is a larger catamaran rafted to the other side of his boat. Very nice guy who was a great help tying up to his boat as the winds were gusting about 18kts.

Beautiful day on the water. Easy trip to Melbourne Beach. Anchored just south of the bridge, just off the ICW. Boat traffic is gradually getting busier again.

Light rain as we left Halifax Harbor Marina didn’t last long. Most of the day was light winds and overcast. Mostly uneventful day on the ICW. About an hour before arriving at Titusville Marina the winds started to increase as a band of rain and thunderstorms was passing north of us. We almost made it into the marina before the rain but unfortunately high gusts picked up just as we arrived so as suggested by the marina staff we waited for it to calm down a bit before we tried to enter and dock. About 15 mins retracing our track in the main channel. Winds were calmer but docked in heavy down pour. Not the most fun docking but arrived safe.

After spending a lovely week in Palm Coast with my cousin Tina & Dave, (and starting to provision the boat for the Bahamas) it was time to move a little further south where we’ll stay with the kids & Mom over Christmas. Beautiful warm sunny day to move the boat to Daytona Beach. Two bridges opened on request. Easy stretch of the ICW. Halifax Harbor Marina seems like a great marina and a great base for our holiday plans. Looking forward to a visit to Disney, Christmas Day at Tina & Dave’s and staying at Ocean Walk Resort thanks to Pat & Dale ❤️🎄

Winds from North about 10kts, current against us all morning. Followed Bob’s tracks, a few areas of shoaling but good depth on the track. Very warm welcome at the marina by the dock master, Neil. Pump out cart brought to our slip. Resort like facilities, beautiful pool area. Off the main resort area so not busy. No restaurants within walking distance but so far seems like a great place to stay.

Early morning departure with SV Blue Moon and Someday V to time the currents. Gusty winds up to 20kts in open areas of the ICW. Arrived just in time for the Bridge of Lions 1PM opening and moored in the municipal marina’s south field.

A very chilly morning but the sun warmed everything up and it’s a much warmer afternoon now on the dock at Jim King Park, Jacksonville Free Dock. Docked here with Duane. Motoring down the ICW again following Bob’s Tracks. Nice walk around the park in the warm sunshine. Lots of people fishing. Met the people from two other boats on the dock and had everyone over for sundowners. SV Blue Moon (Jesse, Renée, Piper & Reese) and SV Tortuga (Rob & Kate with Murphy 🐾)