ARRIVED at Key West

Shamal
Thu 5 May 2016 11:58
24.33.91N 81.44.28W
 
Arrived at first light this morning. 570 miles in 3 days and 18 hrs. We had a bit of excitement yesterday when a US Coastguard cutter came up to us at sea. They wanted to ask some questions about who was on board and where we had come from etc. I must have gave the right answers because they bade us Bon Voyage and sent us on our way.
 
We were then motor sailing in grey rainy conditions when suddenly, out of nowhere, the wind started to pick up and the rain come down in torrents. Before we could get all the sail in, the wind had reached over 50 kts. Fourtunately, we had plenty of sea room, so we just had to turn to go with the wind and ride it out. It all got very interesting for a while, but it only lasted about 30 mins. The boat is nice and clean now, but all our sailing gear is soaked.
 
We need to do the US immigration things today, which are a pain. We then have a spare day staying in the very expensive marina here in Key West before we decide to move out to anchor, along with the other poor sailors, or move up the Keys... probably to Marathon next. We will see how we like this town and then decide.
 
Best Wishes,
 
J&G