December 19 – December 27. We made it to Key West! Not quite Mexico, but 120 miles closer. We had spent over a week in Fort Myers trying to finish up some of the projects we hadn’t completed on land and socializing with boating friends. Ah, socializing, that project deadline killer. Since the projects weren’t …read more
One of the joys of the start of the cruising season is seeing old friends. Another is making new friends. We stopped in Jacksonville on the way down to see Captain Robert. He and his family spent last summer in Scotland. And he is planning some big land adventures now. Check out his book Water …read more
What’s the scariest aspect of cruising? Is it piracy, deep water, close land, or foul weather? For me, none of these are as terrifying as midnight encounters with big boats. These tankers, cargo ships, and cruise liners are huge, fast moving, and often piloted by guys whose first language ain’t English. We haven’t seen many …read more
December 6 – December 11. After three winters in the Bahamas, a winter in Florida retooling, and six weeks of boat chores, we are ready to take Blue Wing somewhere new. This season’s plans include crossing mainland Florida via Lake Okeechobee, sailing south toward Key West, the Marquesas and Dry Tortugas, and making the long …read more
“Tink, tink, tink” is the sound that your VHF antenna makes when it bends back and runs across the bottom of a bridge as you pass under in your sailboat. “Crunch” is the sound your wind vane makes when it breaks in two as it hits a bridge. “Criiiiinck” is the sound of your anchor …read more