St. Augustine to Smyrna Beach FL

April 3-6, 2009

     Friday April 3 we were able to sail down he FL coast to St. Augustine from Fernandina Beach.  it was a beautifu

l sunny day with winds out of the West at 15-20 knots which turned NW at 10-12 as we proceeded.  It was a bit cho

ppy which gave Sharon some Mal de Mar.  

    When cruising one has to be aware of the sunset and conditions of the inlet to which you are proceeding.  since we had to sail 61 miles to St. Augustine, as the wind dies, we had to add "iron wind", the engine to make it by sunset.  Arriving after sunset even in an area with 

which you are familiar is even risky, but very unsafe to an area you have never been.

      We arrived at the St. Augustine Inlet about 6 p.m. amidst local sailboats racing.  We were anchored just off the old fort by 7:12p.m.  I was sorry that the dingy was still bagged and on deck because we could not go into the old town and explore.  We could hear music playing on shore.  

     We woke early and had the anchor up by 7:50  (0750 nautical time) and were proceeding out the St. Augustine channel on our way to New Smyrna.  The winds were from the N-NE at 10-15 knots.  the winds were from a good direction to try out our asymetric spinaker sail.  we were successful on the second try but when we tacked the sail to the other side, the "Tack" of the sail came loose.  since we had spent almost 2 hours doing this, we put it away so we could arrive on time.  the winds dies down to 6-9 so again we had to apply the "iron wind" to get tot eh Ponce de Leon inlet leading to New Smyrna Beach by sunset. Fishing and pleasure motor craft were speeding in and out the narrow channel as we entered.  Everyone slowed down when we entered a Manatee Protected Zone.  We arrived too late to get a slip in a marina so we anchored in Sheeps

head Cut for the night.  Since we needed to get a few groceries, we obtained a slip the next morning (April 5) at the Smyrna Beach City Marina.  We ate at the nearby Dophin View Restaurant.  We went hunting for an internet hot spot and visited with the locals on the dock.  We had one couple, Rick and Mary Jane Brackett over for an apertif later.  We served them "American Honey".  They are from Nova Scotia: a retired Canadian Mounty and retired school teacher who live on their boat      "Wind Lore" which is a sister boat to the one in the movie "Capt. Ron".  It is the 4th boat in this picture.  Mary Jane gave me a ride to the local Post Office this morning. 

     We plan to leave today , April 6, about 2 p.m. (1400 nautical)  and proceed overnight sailing outside in the ocean around Cape Canaveral and into Ft. Pierce Inlet by 8 a.m. Tuesday.  We will then go via the ICW  down to Stuart, FL where we will spend a few days.