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Published: February 4th 2011
Stuart - Sailing Capital
As the banner states, Stuart is known as the sailfish capital of the world.Well, we finally left Stuart, Florida Thursday (January 27th) after a false “start” on Sunday. We met some very nice people who are headed in the same direction we are, Jesse & Ginny on Wind Dust and decided we would travel together (we call this buddy boating). The plan was to leave on Sunday AM but we both woke up to very cold weather and not so pleasant winds. We all decided it didn’t sound like fun to move south with the wind and temperatures so cold so we decided staying Stuart was fine with all of us. This of course gave us a few more days to do laundry, provision again and support the local economy of Stuart!
Well, Thursday, January 27th was perfect (even though still a little cold for sunny Florida) for leaving so we said good-bye to Stuart at 7AM. The plan was for us to follow Wind Dust and travel to Lake Worth together. Unfortunately for Wind Dust they went aground about an hour out of Stuart. We felt really bad as we couldn’t do anything to help them so had to continue on without them. Luckily TowBoat US (the AAA equivalent for boats) got
Downtown Stuart
The fountain in downtown Stuart showcases the town's claim to fame, the sailfish them in off in less than 30 minutes. Were all convinced that the towboat people know where all the bad spots are and go out and wait for the inevitable to happen. As a result of that from now on we go first because we draw only 5’5’’ and they draw over six. The day was colder than predicted so instead of shorts and t-shirts we were bundled up with fleeces, turtlenecks and gloves (and of course Janice had her earmuffs on). It was about 50° but there was no sun and with the wind and the dampness it was uncomfortable. Late in the afternoon when the sun came out off came the layers and out came the shorts. We made it to Lake Worth (which is just north of Palm Beach) by 2PM so had some time to relax in the evening.
The next day we left Lake Worth at 7AM we had 21 bridges to go through and 17 were restricted. Some bridges are “on demand” we call the bridge tender to let them know we are coming and they clear the bridge of traffic and open up for us these are the easiest to deal with.
The fishing pier
You can tell the importance fishing has in the area when you see new bridges designed with a fishing pier built right in to the plan. This one is located off the riverwalk in Stuart FL. Restricted bridges open only at specific times. Many opened on the hour and half hour while others opened at 15 or 45 minutes after the hour. This means we have to plan carefully to make sure that our speed will get us to the next bridge in time for the next opening. If we don't make it we have to go in circles wasting time near the bridge until it opens. The current and tides also have to be figured in as our speed varied considerably with these two. Luckily we made most of the openings. Early on in the day we got caught behind a tugboat pushing a barge – the lucky thing is that the bridges open for commercial traffic at off hours so we were able to follow on the heels of the tug. The bad thing is that the tugboat was only going through the next bridge thus putting us “off cycle” for the opening of the next bridge. This may not sound like a big deal but if the current is with you and you’re in a narrow channel on a sailboat that doesn't back up very well life becomes very complicated very quickly. It
The riverwalk
The Stuart riverwalk was a great way to get to the historic downtown area from the marina that we were staying at. took us until 5:20PM before we were able to get a mooring in Ft. Lauderdale. During this part of the trip we saw lots of mega-mansions with mega-yachts docked out front. We keep wondering what did people have to do for a living to make enough to be able to afford these places. Sure is interesting to see how the other half lives! We also noticed however that there were lots of for sale signs along this of the ICW. Most of the area was developed, but we did see some areas left natural, white sandy beaches and lots of mangroves. This is also the area where we saw osprey nesting and lots of signs warning us about manatees.
Co-mingled the residential areas were the homes that appeared to have been built in the early 50’s still existing next to huge mansions with their extensive gardens, pools, and numerous staff to manage the property. You could see that some of these old single-story homes that were placed on the lot to ensure space between homes were being torn down and replaced by property line to property line mega-mansions. As we move closer to Ft. Lauderdale we noticed that
Under the train tracks we go
The riverwalk actually takes you under the railroad tracks as well. It is quite a clever design. both the lots and the houses got bigger. We decided that the truly wealthy ones that had the mega-mansions but also had the beautiful gardens around them.
We decided after such a long day we would stay a couple of days in Ft. Lauderdale. The mooring we picked up was very convenient month, it was located only 1 block from the ocean so we had time to go over and people watch. The city of Fort Lauderdale who provides the moorings also provides shower, laundry facilities and wi-fi connection. Being a weekend the beach was packed with people so it was a great place to spend some time. Sure has been nice to be able to be in shorts and t-shirts on a regular basis now. Sorry to rub it in for those of you in the north, but it is finally starting to feel like what Florida weather should be!
There is a fixed bridge going into Miami that is only 55 feet tall and as our mast is 60 feet, we need to exit the ICW here and sail on the “outside” to Miami. We are definitely looking forward to being a sailboat again – sure
Sunday afternoon concerts
Downtown Stuart has a great venue for concerts right on the water. We heard some great music while staying there as they had groups every Sunday afternoon. hope the weather cooperates.
We had a great day for the outside passage to Miami. The forecast was for 5-8 knots of easterly wind, but it actually turned out to be 11 – 18 knots so had a nice sail south. It was good to shake out the sails and re-assure ourselves that we actually remembered how to sail! The roughest part was when we had to turn into the main channel into Miami as we had following seas which were quite rolly, but made it in good time. Found a great place to anchor where it is quiet and protected from the winds. Spent today wandering around South Beach area of Miami – walked through the art deco area and had a great lunch sitting outdoors in the shade. Miami has a great public transportation system and we are taking advantage of its services.
Both Bob and I have finally had a manatee sighting. You actually don’t see much of them – either the nose or the tail come out of the water and you see a large circle of water around them when they come near the surface. Unfortunately we won’t be able to get a
Farmer's Market
The last Sunday we were in Stuart FL we had a chance to make it to the Farmers Market. Definitely can't be compared to the Ithaca Farmer’s Market but at least it is a start. photo of them so this is one wildlife sighting you’ll have to take our word for. We also are seeing Portuguese man-o-war on the waters here in the Miami area. Bob also had an “encounter” with a manatee. While in Stuart one day unfortunately the dinghy got away from the boat so Bob had to go swimming to rescue it. When he went to put his foot in the water he felt something “big” nudge his foot. We didn’t see anything, but we definitely decided to chalk it up to a manatee. Bob made it to the dinghy and rescued it – unfortunately I wasn’t thinking well at the time and missed my photo opportunity on this one (and he wasn’t willing to repeat it for me). The other thing we are noticing as we move farther south is how much clearer the water is and how blue it is. We are looking forward to this continuing to improve as we continue our trek into the Caribbean.
Today we got to see a few more areas of Miami as we had some errands to do – pick up mail that my sister had forwarded to us and take our
Our home while in Stuart FL
A view of the Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart from the overhead bridge nearby. It sure has been a great place to spend some time. scuba gear in for servicing before we leave the US. In order to accomplish this we had to learn how to use the bus system. They have a very extensive public transportation system and it worked well for us. One of the best services they provide is the ability to call in to get information on what bus to catch from your current location. Having maps on our iPhone also was a big help in navigating through the various parts of town. We were given a great tip about a Cuban restaurant which was about 30 blocks away, but with the use of the bus and good old-fashion walking we had a fabulous lunch – as we keep saying, many of our errands become the best parts of our trip in that they become an adventure in themselves. It was a long day, but a fun and productive one which is a great combination. Bob kept noticing today the number of men of all ages that very naturally help older women across the street or give up their bus seat for them. It was very noticeable that this came very naturally to the Spanish Americans we saw.
We keep
The parking lot
Here is where all the dinghy’s parked in front of the marina while in Stuart. Some days it was like being in a bumper car to fight your way into a spot to “park the car”. getting reminded of how small the cruising community is as we keep running into people that we have met along the way – it is always fun to catch up with others to see what progress they are making and where they are going from here. Hopefully we will be able to stay in touch with some of these same people while in the Bahamas.
One milestone we also realized just occurred was the fact that Bob retired one year ago January 29th – it is hard to believe that a year has gone by as so much has happened since then. It almost seems surreal that we finished projects on the house, sold the house, got rid of our belongings, fixed up systems on the boat, moved on board and are now sitting at anchor in Miami FL. Time has really flown, but we have really being enjoying the trip! This also means that Janice has been retired for 1 ½ years – guess from now on we will be measuring time in units other than years at work, but as time since starting our voyage.
We will stay in Miami for a little while to finish up
Bob in his chariot
Bob has found standing up in the dinghy the way to travel when by himself – it keeps him drier and he can see better. We have heard many do this in the islands to see the water depths better as well. a few more things before setting sail to the Bahamas. Will keep you posted as best as we can once we are offshore – we aren’t sure of our wi-fi connections when in the islands but will do our best to stay in touch.
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judy and Jim
non-member comment
love the pic
you both look great. Enjoying your blog of your exciting adventure.