Epilog

According to the FYC book, we did about 1300 miles. I actually think it was closer to a 1000 miles. FYC has a strange method of calculating distances. We burned about 150 gal of diesel fuel. We have very few days of good sailing, most days we spent motoring. We hit the bottom almost everyday we were in south Florida. We never had to get towed off by TowBoat US.

The yacht clubs were definitely the highlight of the trip. They were unique, very nice, with great facilities and most had very good food; the rest just had good food. Of all of the clubs Tampa Yacht and Country Club is the one I would love to go back to some day. I hope my buddy Buck is still there.

The boat did great. At times during the sea crossing, we were tired and fatigued but we could trust the boat to get us there. Of course, the equipment on the boat makes all of this almost easy. I can’t imagine doing what we did without the on board electronics so you always know exactly where you are and where you are going. The Autohelm steers a straight course between points regardless of the sea state. It would be hard to picture standing at the wheel for hours at a time steering a straight course. The Sirius radio or the Ipod were on the whole time providing music. It isn’t required but it makes the trip better.

The ability to connect back to home thru cell phones and email is wonderful. Most of the clubs had WiFi so attachment to the internet was easy. My computer has a Sprint Card that gave me broadband access everywhere we stopped. With access to the internet and the onboard satellite weather system, we sometimes had too much weather information. With all of this information, we were able to make informed decision.

One of the things I have enjoyed is doing the Blog. It has been fun sharing adventures and thoughts each day with close friends.

The key to making a trip like this is to have compatible crew. After almost 41 years, Carole and I can still spend extended time together and enjoy each other’s company. Michael making the sea crossing with us was a big plus. We could have probably done it without him but it would have been much more tiring and not as much fun.

Will we do it again? Will the next trip be to the Keys? The Virgin Islands are nice this time of year. How about a trip to Maine? You will just have to check in every now and again to see.

Carole’s Comment

I agree with what Bob has said. I found it hard to be gone from family, especially on Easter. However, at the same time, I am finding it hard to imagine going back to real life. I know you out there have no sympathy for me, I don’t blame you. Final note. I went back to Starr Booty for one last trip. Get prepared, Pell city. I have my “Florida Do” and it is different!