Sailing Again

We left the Las Olas Marina in Fort Lauderdale after spending a week getting ready for the Bahamas.

As I was disconnecting the shore power line, I dropped our 50 Amp to 30 Amp converter in the water. They cost around $200, so I didn’t want to leave it. I was scared to dive for it because the tidal current was strong and it was up against barnacle laden posts. I was worried I’d get cut up trying to get it. So, I called a professional diver. He was able to get it and didn’t even use a tank. And, he also inspected my bottom and tightened the zinc on my prop shaft while he was in the water.

Once we got out of the marina, we did 2 bridges and then hit the ocean. The sailing was perfect. 20 knots on the beam and we were in Miami in no time.

We came in the Government Cut from the ocean and anchored on the back side of Stadium Bay. There was a concert going on and Stadium Bay was packed. Since we’re leaving at 3AM, so I didn’t want to be in a crowded anchorage trying to find my way out in the dark.

The next day, we got up at 2AM and started making our way out of Miami and back to the ocean. The winds were going to be out of the east so we didn’t think we’d be able to sail. But, the gulf stream was strong and I had to head South East instead of East to compensate. It was enough of an angle for me to sail some of the way.

We made it to Alice Town on Bimini by 1:30. I spent an hour at customs and another 30 minutes at immigrations. Tomorrow, we head to Nassau.