s/vYOLO Swabs Blog 0028 Day 196 Port Everglades!

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Sunday December 8, 2013  

Miami Municipal Marina Dock B slip 33

December 3, 2013 Tuesday

Blog Entry 0028 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 196

Subject:  Port Everglades.

Let me give you a little background.  Ten years ago I went on my first cruise,aboard Holland American cruise lines. (http://www.hollandamerica.com/main/Main.action?T.mc_id=PPC_HQ_Google_US_Brand)   Which departed from Ft. Lauderdale, Port Everglades.  (http://www.porteverglades.net/).  The picture below shows Captain Steve at the helm with no hands on the wheel .  Yes I know ... but look at the apartment houses in the picture below.  Cruise ships usually depart late in the afternoon, or early evening.  As the ships pass these apartment buildings,  the occupants turn their lights on and off as a way of saying 'bon voyage'.   I had such a good time on my first cruise, I subsequently went on quite a few cruises from various ports.  But never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be cruising through the same port - Port Everglades on my own sailboat.  If you don't believe that dreams come true - you should because they really do!  To be living on a sailboat, cruising  is truly a dream come true!   

Dolphin escort!!!

The entrance to Port Miami.

Yes, the water is really this color and clear!  (See how calm the water is - nothing compared to the last time!)

Sea u later!  Arriving in Miami!

s/vYOLO Swabs Blog 0027 Day 195 Wishing on a weather window.

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Saturday December 8, 2013  

Miami Municipal Marina Dock B slip 33

December 3, 2013 Tuesday

Blog Entry 0027 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 195

Subject:  Wishing on a weather window.

The mooring field was so calm and still - we couldn't believe it!  While I made the coffee, Captain Steve tuned into the NOAA weather station for Miami.  On the ocean, the wind was reported out of the east at 5 miles per hour and seas were about 2 feet. OMG I can't believe the ocean can be so calm here!  After securing the dinghy, I let go of the mooring ball.   As we turned into the ICW we waved to the captain of m/vChampagne Cher  who had been our neighbor for the past 10 days. (http://www.yachtspotter.com/ysp2_ycard.php?foo=20090423)  (FYI  m/vChampagne Cher was previously owned by Tiger Woods.)

Our course, head to the Port Everglades cut to the ocean, then south along the coast 3 miles out  to the Port of Miami.

As we headed out on the ICW, another sailboat was backing out of a slip in the same marina.  We were going a little slow since it would only take us 20 minutes to get to the 17th street bridge (and our last bridge on the ICW) which opened on the hour and half hour.  Well the other sailboat headed south also.  As we got nearer to the bridge I contacted the tender to confirm that the bridge was on schedule to open. ( FYI   I have learned the hard way all about bridges on the ICW and the openings and not openings and the delays and sometimes only one side opens.   I could go on and on but will save it for future postings.)  The operator replied that they were on schedule.  The other sailboat s/vOur Nest contact ed me and requested that they be allowed to pass us because we were faster and they need more time to get to the bridge.   I responded of course.  They waved as they were passing us, and said 'Thank you neighbor were from New Jersey!'  They were headed for Marathon in the keys and invited us to contact them when we got there.  No good deed goes unrewarded!  

Sea u later.  Port Everglades.

.  

s/vYOLO Swabs Blog 0025 Day 193 Preparing to head South, I hope.

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Friday December 7, 2013  

Las Olas Marina, Ft Lauderdale, Fl.   Mooring 9

December 2, 2013 Monday

Blog Entry 0025 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 193

Subject:  Preparing to head Head South, I hope!

Monday afternoon we pulled out all of our charts and guide books and planed to set sail for Miami.  We planned to go south on the ICW to Port Everglades then make to port and head out to sea. The last thing we checked was the weather – it looked good.  Of course everything is weather dependent but so far so good.  

So we readied the boat for the ocean.  I stored all of the dock lines below, just leaving the mooring line.  (I am sure you remember that I learned about lines falling into the water a few weeks ago!)   I tied and/or locked all of the cabinets and draws that were not necessary for the day.  Captain Steve had reinforced the frame around the salon TV, so that was not a concern.  We removed everything from the deck to be stored below, including the bikes, chairs, and boat fenders.  All of which had to be tied down.  Basically put everything in a draw, closet or tied it down.  (Am I having fun yet?)  Finally finished at 4pm, but I had a bit of a problem I secured the galley so well – just leaving the coffee pot and cereal out for the morning.  So I convinced Captain Steve to go to Da Big Kahuna (http://www.dabigkahuna.net/ ) overlooking the beach for happy hour and dinner.  He surrendered quickly!  Off we went in the dinghy.

{FYI Da Big Kahuna is on the 3^rd floor overlooking the beach – really nice view.  Also have a a guy giving out 2 for 1 drink coupons, add the happy hour prices – you can’t beat the prices.  As far as the food is concerned stick with appetizers not a place to go for dinner.}

While in the restaurant, Captain Steve checked the weather radar on his phone – looked good – still a go!

We are very excited!  It was dark when we got back to the boat – not good.  Being on the mooring there are no lights around – it gets really dark and we still had o hoist and secure the dinghy!  Securing the dinghy is easier said than done!  The only thing in our favor is the water was calm and there was no wind.  So I got the big flash lights out and went to work.

Sea u later.  Subject: Art of hoisting the dinghy.

s/vYOLO Swabs Blog 0026 Day 194 The art of hoisting the dinghy.

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Saturday December 8, 2013  

Las Olas Marina, Ft Lauderdale, Fl.   Mooring 9

December 2, 2013 Monday

Blog Entry 0026 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 194

Subject:  The  art of hoisting the dinghy:

 

·        Down the ladder to disconnect the gas container from the outboard, hoist it up and secure it on the deck. 

·        Back down the ladder to secure a guide line to the outboard motor, remove the outboard motor from the stern (back) of the dinghy, hoist it up over the railing, all the while preventing from spinning (which it does – hence the guide line don’t want the engine or propeller hitting Captain Steve in the head or worse scratching the boat; preventing it from tipping (which it does – hence the guide line, don’t want a problem with the gas and oil) and  hoist it over the railing and secure it to the stern railing.

·        Back down the ladder to the swim platform to remove the seat from the dinghy and hoist it up.  Since the dinghy will be  suspended from the stern of the boat by 2 cables when we travel, in order to keep it from swinging (and believe me, it does swing) the dinghy has to be tied in 8 places, 4 of which are from underneath the dinghy, VERY TIGHTLY!  So it is really difficult to tie 4 lines under the dinghy, in the dark, while leaning off the swim platform while one hand holding on to the guide line.

In daylight the entire process usually takes about 30 minutes – well it took us about 50 minutes because it was so dark under the dinghy.  So we decided to get up an hour early in the morning 4:30am instead of 5:30am to finish.  But the majority of the work was done.

Lesson learned – when preparing to travel – make sandwiches in advance!  Or open the galley up – it is easier to secure the galley than the dinghy in the dark or have swim platform lights installed Right, like that’s going to happen!

Oh please let this weather window stay open!  

Sea u later.  Subject:  Wishing on a Weather Window.

s/vYOLO Swabs Blog 0024 Day 190 Reverse Osmosis

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Wednesday December 4, 2013  

Las Olas Marina, Ft Lauderdale, Fl.   Mooring 9

December 2, 2013 Monday

Blog Entry 0024 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 190

Subject:  Reverse Osmosis (some say the synonym for My Life!)

Since this is a very complex and expensive system and something Captain Steve has never dealt with, he wanted a factory authorized service tech to look at the system before he used it.  There are an exorbitant number of marine supply stores and technicians in the Ft. Lauderdale area, supposedly more than anywhere else in the US.  But there are only a handful of service technicians in Ft. Lauderdale and then to find ones who could service our system, AquaMarine Reverse Osmosis system.  ( http://aquamarineinc.net/)   Well there are not many factory authorized service technicians.  Actually not many companies manufacturer reverse osmosis systems.  The problem is that, water makers are very expensive and complex to install.  Although they are relatively simple to operate, these systems do require daily maintenance when in use.   So only about 5% of boats this size has them.  But water maker systems are economical if you are plan to spend any length of time where drinking water is scarce, such as the Caribbean or sailing for extended periods.  Water can cost $5. - $8. per gallon – then the quality of the water labeled as potable water is questionable.  The requirements for water to be classified as potable here in the US, is not the same through out the world.  (FYI Rum costs a lot less in the islands!  Bear coasts $60. a case!  I’m not sure what milk coasts – hopefully I’ll let you know in January!)

Therefore Captain Steve wanted to get the water maker serviced before we left Ft. Lauderdale. 

So we started to go through the very short list of factory authorized technicians in the area.  The second one on the list not only answered the phone but would look at it today.  (www.yachtequipmentandparts.com)    A hour later Captain Steve started the dinghy and went to pick him up at the dock.

For the next 3 hours he went through the entire system with Captain Steve.  A clamp had to be tightened, all the filters were changed and the tech suggested that the gallon meter should be replaced, but can be bypassed (which is what they did).  FYI - The gallon meter measures the amount of water that is being produced.  The meter is not necessary because you can have a good idea the amount of potable water that is being processed by the length of time the system is operating.  This system generates 20 to 25 gallons an hour!  So basically we just have to pay attention to the time that it is running.

So we are in great shape!  All systems are a go!

Please send all of your gallon water jugs – I think we might have a new career – selling water!  But I don’t think we should name it after the boat - some how ‘You Only Live Once’ water is not something I would seek out to buy!  Please let me know your suggestions for a name – just click on Comments!

FYI – Boat names:  ‘Just Chummin’ 45 ft fishing boat.

Sea u later!  Headed south!

s/vYOLO Swab's Blog 0023 Day 189 Checking Our TO DO LIST!

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Tuesday December 3, 2013  

Las Olas Marina, Ft Lauderdale, Fl.   Mooring 9

December 2, 2013 Monday

Blog Entry 0023 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 189

Subject: Checking our TO DO list! 

Our plan all along has been to become familiar with handling the boat and all of its systems. And to address any issues on the east coast of Florida which have numerous service technicians and marines.  Then move south along the coast of Florida to the Keys and then around the west coast to Tampa.  Then, if we are comfortable with the boat and systems, head back down south around the keys then east to the Caribbean!   With one major caveat that we are STILL TALKING TO EACH OTHER!!!!!!! 

Well things have been moving along nicely, albeit is slower then we anticipated but we are working through our To DO List!

We reviewed our To Do list and it was pretty much completed except for one major system – the Water Maker!  (For landlubbers AKA ‘llbbs’ Water Makers basically convert salt water to fresh waster – reverse osmosis.) 

Sea u later!    Subject:  Reverse Osmosis (some say the synonym for My Life!)

s/vYOLO Swab's Blog 0022 Day 188 Bimini Weather Window.

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Monday December 2, 2013  

Las Olas Marina, Ft Lauderdale, Fl.   Mooring 9

December 2, 2013

Blog Entry 0022 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 188

Subject: Bimini Weather Window!

Well the next slack tide was at 4pm.  The s/vElCamino told Captain Steve that he spoke to the dock master about being so close.  The dock master said that he never heard of any boats colliding, to which his wife replied “There is always a first time.”  So while his wife napped , he sat in the salon checking the weather and watching our boat through the sliding glass doors.  Captain Steve put the TV though the hatch on the aft deck and watched the football game and s/vEl Camino.   I wanted to keep busy so I made bread and German ptoato salad.  Evey now and then I checked in with my 'go to girl', just to make sure she was still with us.  
I don’t know who won the game, let alone who was playing but I do know s/vElCamino didn’t come near us.   

So we went to bed, after setting the alarm for 3:30am.  When the alarm went off, the lights were on in s/vElCamino so we thought that they had the same idea, set the alarm to check the tide. and the boats.    Captain Steve and I stayed on deck for about an hour all the while none of the boats moved - they were actually pretty far away from each other.  Every once in a while the Captain from s/vElCamino would look out at the boats.  So we set the alarm for 5am and went below.   It seemed I just fell back to sleep when I head an engine that was close. by.  My first thought was that we were too close and s/vElCamino started it’s engines to pull away.  We raced on deck and found the boat was pretty far away and the Captain was securing the deck in preparation to leave!  Whopeeeeeeeeeee he got his weather window!  We wished them good sailing and went to bed!  

Sea u later!  Now to find our weather window!  

YOLO Swab's Blog 0021 Day 187 Good morning world!

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Sunday December 1, 2013  

Las Olas Marina, Ft Lauderdale, Fl.   Mooring 9

December 1, 2013

Blog Entry 0021 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 187

Subject: Good morning world!

I planned to cover the past few days but I will start with the unexpected event of this morning.   

It was rainy and breezy last night so I went to bed early.  Therefore I woke up at about 4am and after sleeping for 12 hours, I I was wide a wake.  Ready to take on the day.  So, as not to disturb Captain Steve I got out of bed.  Just as I turned to get my bathrobe, I happened to look out the window.  OMG that boat is way too close.  I ran out on deck to find a 41foot catamaran s/v El Camino about 3 feet off of our stern.  It didn’t look like it was moving any closer BUT I wasn’t sure so I got Captain Steve up.  He stuck his head out of the companion way and said get dressed I’m going to start the engine! 

GREAT!!  Good morning world! 

Captain Steve had the poles out when I came up on deck.  We pushed s/vElCamino off about a dozen times.   I wanted to wake them up – I felt the since we were here first that they should be on watch and we should be sleeping!   Well we stood vigilant to about 8am when the tide changed and we seemed to be in sync.   So Captain Steve and I took the dinghy to the dock to buy the news paper and milk.  And as we were getting into the dinghy the captain of the catamaran appeared and said “gee were pretty close!”   I said No S—t.  we have been pushing you off since 4am.  He really looked surprised and apologetic!  He actually asked “what can I do?   Should I let more line out?”  Are you kidding then you would have hit us for sure!!!!”   He moved his dinghy around to the stern (back) of the boat to act as a bumper but catamarans have a big hole in the back so it might work if one of the pontoons were to threaten us but other than that it is not going to do much good.    Thankfully the current changed and the wind pick up, so we were all pointed in the same direction.  FOR NOW!

sea u later!  the tide changes!

s/vYOLO Swab's Blog 0020 Day 184 OK so what's next?

s/vYOLO You Only Live Once Swab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Thanksgiving Day  

Las Olas Marina, Ft Lauderdale, Fl.   Mooring 9

Thursday November 28, 2013

Blog Entry 0020 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 184

Subject:  OK What’s next?

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

So the way I figure it, there are 86,400 seconds in a day and it only takes a second to say “Thank you,” you have 86,400 opportunities to say it.  But it takes no time to be thankful!   

Sea you later!    

YOLO Swabs Blog 0019 Day 183 Jupiter Inlet

s/v You Only Live OnceSwab’s Log Blog

Posting Date:  Wednesday November 27, 2013 Las Olas Marina 

Ft Lauderdale, Fl.   Mooring 9

Sunday November 17, 2013

Blog Entry 0019 Sailing Seniors Adventure Day 183

Subject:  Jupiter Inlet.

I checked the charts and our reference manuals including the Waterway Guide (www.waterwayguide.com), paying special attention to water depth and obstacles, especially shoaling.  The trip looked  pretty straight forward, even though it was very busy with the Sunday boating traffic. [As a side note:  According to my friend Lamar who was on the French boat in the Americas Cup a few years ago.  Sunday boaters are worse then Sunday drivers.  You can always identify the ‘Sunday Sissy Sailors’.  Those are the boats with their fenders still hanging over the side while underway!  The 'Sunday Sissy Sailors' 'don’t pay attention to anything but themselves and don’t know the rulesof boating.  So word of caution when you see a boat with the fenders hanging; steer clear and give plenty of room.]  I am sorry to say there are a multitude of 'Sunday Sissy Sailors' in Florida, especially on the ICW.  

The area near the Jupiter inlet is very narrow, very crowded with not only boats but kayakers, paddle boarders and people swimming.  The area is further complicated by 2 bridges, both of which open on a schedule.   Meaning that you have to wait for the bridge to open at the scheduled time, therefore you have to wait for a few minutes to a half hour or more.  During this time as other boats arrive it gets crowded, and nerve racking slowing down, moving backward, turning around, making sure the water is deep enough.  But Captain Steve has nerves of steel. 
Just when  we thought we were in the clear, there was a red nun (buoy on the right) marking a sandbar which extended well into the middle of the ICW (which at this point is only about 100feet wide) just prior to rounding a curve to starboard (right) to intersect with the inlet channel.    Just as Captain Steve started to move towards port (left) in order to avoid the sandbar, he was cut off by a small high speed power boat, that came flying out of a port (left) side channel.  Since sailboats do not have breaks and there was no place for him to go; Captain Steve was forced to throw the boat into neutral, hoping the boat would stop before running into the sandbar.  Fortunately it did!  As soon as the power boat passed, Captain Steve quickly put s/vYOLO in forward and went around the red nun, into the inlet channel.   Captain Steve pointed out that across the channel was a yellow SeaTow boat. (http://www.seatow.com/ )   He said that the boat pulled out from the dock as soon as he saw the speed boat cut us off.   As the SeaTow captain turned and headed back to the dock - he looked in our direction, shook his head and waved.  Captain Steve said:  “That SeaTow boat was  just sitting at the dock, waiting there for us to run up on the sandbar and get stuck.  I’m glad that I disappointed him!”

Then we continued on to wait for the bridge opening.  

When waiting for a bridge opening, we have learned to just get in line; maintain a safe distance from the other boats and stay well with in the channel.  Although it is easier said than done.  Having to wait for bridge openings (if they do open – some get stuck) either by request or scheduled can make the trip unnerving and tedious.  I will cover the bridges of the Florida ICW in many more posts – I most probably could write a book on them and our experiences.

But not to scare you I have included pictures of waiting for a bridge opening on request further down on the ICW.   The ICW could be wider (but this does not mean the the channel is as wide - sometimes the channel is only 50feet wide)  but everyone is in line, maintaining a safe distance, patiently waiting for their turn except the speed boat!

Sea u later.  OK Now what’s next.