Sailing in Florida -- a bit warmer than Virginia

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

So, your feet got cold. Mine got cold too on Christmas Day while anchored at Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno, Florida.

But this week-end the Sassy Sailors from S3 (as in S cubed), did a 24 hour round trip sail from Palm Bay to Vero Beach. The weather was near perfect - our first night's anchorage just north of Sebastian was delightful, the calm wind shifted ever so gently a full 360 degrees by first light which made the hourly anchor checks interesting. After a casual wake up and sail to Vero Beach we decided to hedge on an empty mooring. Our person chef made yummy turkey bacon 'n egg wraps for lunch. The downwind sail back north kept us cruising at an 8 knot average. In fact, the winding channel through the Vero Beach section of the ICW became an excellent venue for practicing our downwind racing skills. Just after passing under the Wabasso bridge we held 10.2 knots for quite a while making our jibes smooth,,,,,

 

Too bad the storm got us on the north side of Grant Island. It wasn't a big deal though as we were efficient getting the sails down, anchors set on shore, and comfy down below for an afternoon snack of chocolate truffles, m&m's triscuits and wine. Our new slogan evolved into an interchangeable one: When it rains, we wine! or one could say, "We wine when it rains."

 

Obviously we had a great time, just me, Lauren, Maryanne, Robin and of course, DanDee Bear.....

 

              Pictures will be available as soon as the on board photographers download them,,,, (hint)