We are back in Florida

Svmelos
Mon 9 Jun 2008 16:40
Monday June 9, 2008. Fernandina Beach, Florida

We made it back to the Florida East Coast yesterday morning
and we picked up a mooring in Fernandina Beach across from
the city marina. I certainly felt unhappy to be here and I
think Janet did too. We did go ashore and take a shower (and
pay for the mooring) but other than that we stayed aboard
and I felt sorry for myself. I did not want to talk with
anyone and I deliberately left my phone turned off. Today I
am coming to terms with it a little more. Though I know it
was the prudent decision we are still left wondering about
our engine. It ran all the way back for 26 hours as we
motored in calm waters but who knows how it will be in the
coming weeks. The Atlantic crossing via Bermuda and the
Azores really needs a reliable engine as winds are typically
light and variable for much of the way.

What now? Janet and I are still discussing our options.
Having pushed so hard to make this trip happen we are going
to try some R and R for a while. What we actually do is
still undecided as is any decision on the engine. For those
of you who have been following this blog, I plan to continue
it but maybe not as frequently. So, you will know our plans
soon after we make them.

Jeremy

I too am feeling really bummed out. Even though I had some
misgivings about how I was liking the trip at times, I was
getting into the rhythm of it and getting my confidence
back, and had made up my mind I wanted to continue. But if
we had set off and later had an engine problem, that would
have been one thing, but to set off on a long passage
knowing you need to rebuild an engine is stupid. We need it
to charge batteries so we can use our navigation lights and
electronics at the very least, as the wind generator is not
enough. And even though hurricanes are unlikely yet in the
Atlantic, it would be good to have a reliable engine to get
out of the way or into a port if needed. We will come up
with plan B and try to have fun anyway. Any kind of cruising
is better than none.

Janet
Jeremy R Hood
Higgins, Smythe & Hood Yachts
200 Shipyard Drive
Seabrook, TX 77586
Phone: 281 474 5100
Email: jeremy {CHANGE TO AT} hshyachts {DOT} com
Web: www.hshyachts.com