20 Dec 2011 - PASSAGEMAKING FROM CHARLESTON TO FLORIDA
Nimue
Mon 19 Dec 2011 15:39
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A cracking 330 nm trip with stiff winds down to Fort Pierce in
Florida. We anchored overnight just off the main channel, because the main
anchorage had silted up and was therefore too shallow. Our departure the
next day was short lived as once we laid a course for Fort Lauderdale, it was
apparent that we would be headed by strong winds, so decided to return to port
and spent 3 nights chilling in Harbourview Marina.
After 4 days the weather had calmed down sufficiently for us
to leave for Fort Lauderdale and we sailed nearly all of the 90 nm
passage. The trip took nearly 24 hours, as we were slowed down
tremendously by the opposing Gulf Stream current – in some places 2.5 – 3.0
knots (which this year is very close in land and of course we’re here!).
As we knew anchoring was difficult in Fort Lauderdale, we had booked into Las
Olas Marina and once through the main entrance channel we passed through 2
opening bridges into the marina.
After 2 days, we could see a weather window to head south for
the 22 nm trip down to Miami. With E/SE winds of approximately 20 knots
with gusts up to 25 knots, we had another lively sail in about a 2 metre
swell.
We’re safely anchored behind Fisher Island and have gorgeous
views of Miami, just as you see on the TV!
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