After learning how to maneuver up and down the ICW, “inter continental waterway”, in and out of marinas, sail, use the instruments, install the upgrades, it was time to leave Florida. Well not quite so fast, first Sequoia had to get shots, a clean bill of health, and paperwork to be allowed into the Bahamas.

Now all we needed was a weather window to cross the gulf stream and sail to the Bahamas. The gulf stream flows from south to north, and it is referred to as a north flow, opposite to how we reference the wind, just to keep you on your toes. Its 12 hours from Florida to Old Bahama Bay, where we would check in. We wanted to arrive in the morning, so doing some quick math, you will see that we have to leave in the evening. At 7pm, we lift the anchor from South Lake on the ICW, just south of Fort Lauderdale, and started our trip. Under a few draw bridges, by a cruse ship getting ready to head out as well, then out to the Atlantic.

Watching Florida disappear behind us, and no land appearing in front of us was a funny feeling. The seas were pretty fine due to having a great forecast, engines running well, nothing to worry about. Eventually there is a freighter or cruse ship that you need to worry about, well not panic, just keep an eye on. By monitoring their bearing from you, you can see if they will pass in front or behind you. We also get their CPA, closes point of approach, time until this happens, vessels speed and course, so lots of info, even their destination. We always like to pass behind them, especially if there big. The big ones are over 300 meters, and yes, we like to give them a lot of room, well 1 nm. minimum. Cathie and I started taking our turns on watch, dodging a few ships and watching the distance to go click down.

As the sun came up we started to see land, and it turned out to be the Bahamas. We were tired, but mostly from relief that we had made it across. In Old Bahama Bay we checked in, relaxed, installed our solar panels that we brought with us from Florida, swam and walked Sequoia.