The Plan for the Trip North

Trying to plan the return trip the following items come to mind.

Looking for crew to go North with me.

I need to stop in Severn River Marina in Virginia on the Chesapeake and get an engine oil leak checked out.The Engine is a Cummins B3.3 four cylinder which is marinized by Trans-Atlantic Diesel in Virginia. The leak is now about a cup per day when running, and I want Trans-Atlantic Diesel to check on it, tell me where it is from, and maybe fix the leak. That will take a few days and I will hopefully drop off and pick up crew there.

Here are the stops I made coming South but now in reverse order. The ICW is measured in Statute Miles and each stop below shows the location on the ICW in STM. Norfolk Virginia is where the miles count from at 0.0 and then to Key West.

1-Vero Beach FL                                             ( STM 951.7)

2-Titusville FL                                                 ( STM 878.1)

3-Daytona FL, Halifax Marina                      ( STM 830.7)

4-St Augustine FL                                             ( STM 778.3)

5-Fernandina Beach FL                                  ( STM 716.5)

6-Brunswick GA                                            ( STM 679.4)

7-Wahoo creek Anchorage GA                   ( STM 630.0)

8- Savannah bend Marina GA                     ( STM 582.4)

9- Ladies Island Marina  SC                           ( STM 536.0)

10- Charleston City SC                                    ( STM 469.3)

11-Minim Creek Anchorage SC                   ( STM 415.5)

12- Barefoot Foot Landing, Myrtle Beach SC ( STM 353.4)

13- Harbor Village NC                                     ( STM 267.3)

14- Surf City, Beach House Marina            ( STM 260.6)

15-Swansboro NC                                            (STM  247.0)

16- Oriental NC                                                 ( STM 181.0)

17-Belhaven NC                                              ( STM 135.7)

18 Alligator River Marina NC                        ( STM  84.0)

19 Coinjock NC                                                  ( STM  49.5)

20 Hospital Point anchorage VA                 ( STM    0.0)

21 Severn River Marina VA                          about  40 STM from 0.0

So if we run the same way it would be 20 days.

The total is 1000 statute miles to Severn from Vero. At an average of 50 miles per day that is 20 days. We might be able to shave a day or two but the weather could hold us up also. The days will be longer, so we may be able to stretch it, but then I need to find other marinas or anchorages. I will check out off shore but that depends on the weather and will involve overnight runs.

Tuesday 2/25/14 – Start 1015, Finish 1301, from Fort Pierce to Vero Beach

Weather/Sea – Sunny 70-80, calm ICW

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

Today was a short trip of 3 hours. We only had to open one bridge the Fort Pierce North Bridge located at STM 964.8 which is next to the marina.

Dutchess crossed under the two Vero Beach bridges which are the 65’ high concrete arch bridges. These are much preferred since we can sail right under them with my 56’ mast.

The Vero Beach Municipal Marine is directly north of the second bridge. In fact you get through the bridge and then immediately make a hard turn to port to go in. I called the Marina but they had no slips, so we were assigned mooring #49. I paid for 4 days  only $13.90 per  day plus tax. On March 1^st I will pay for 30 days and stay here. In April I hope to have new crew to go back north.

Only 1000 miles to sail to get to the Chesapeake.  Any volunteers are welcome. I pay all boat and marina cost, you pay for food only, what a deal.

On Wednesday I brought Dan and then Paul to shore.  They had too much stuff for one trip. They were picked up by Hertz, where they rented a car to drive back to Myrtle Beach.

 

Monday 2/24/14 – Start 0815, Finish 1540, from Lake Worth to Fort Pierce

Weather/Sea – Sunny 70-80, calm ICW

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

We decided to stay in the ICW today because it is more direct. We raised anchor slowly at 0815. Slowly because the black muck has to be carefully washed off or it winds up in the chain locker and stinks.

We again had to open a few bridges but not as many as yesterday.

The bridges are;                                                               ICW   STM            Time of crossing

PGA Blvd Bridge                                               STM 1012.6         0835

Donsald Ross Bridge                                       STM 1009.4         0900

Indiantown Road Bridge                                STM 1006.2         0934

Jupiter Federal Bridge                                    STM 1004.8         0950

Jupiter 707 Bridge                                            STM 1004.1         0956

Hobe Sound Bridge                                         STM 995.9           1108

Indian River Bridge, new 65’                        STM 984.9           1239

Indian River 707A Bridge, new 65’             STM 981.0           1306

Fort Pierce South Bridge, new 65’             STM 966               1520

Docked in Harbortown Marina at 1540 same slip as  on 2/14/14.  We all had Prime rib in the Harbor Cove Restaurant which is 100’ from the boat slip. Two beers and later 2 rum and cokes and I was ready for bed. My crew stayed at the bar, they are a lot younger.  I was worried because they had to walk on a 24” plank to get in the boat. They made it in all right, but a little hung-over the next morning.

Sunday 2/23/14 – Start 0800, Finish 1730, from Fort Lauderdale to Lake Worth

Weather/Sea – Partly cloudy 70-80, calm,  ICW

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

We decided to do the ICW today because it is more direct and we were tired of the ocean bounce. Dropped the mooring at 0800 and waited for Las Olas Blvd bridge to open at 0815.We went thru 21 bridges today which really slows the progress. If you catch them right it is good, if you are 1 minute late then you can wait for 30 minutes.

The bridges are;                                                               ICW   STM            Time of crossing

Las Olas Blvd Bridge                                        STM 1064.0         0815

Sunrise Blvd Bridge                                         STM 1062.6         0832

Oakland Park Beach Blvd. Bridge               STM 1060.5         0849

Commercial Blvd Bridge                               STM 1059             0903

Atlantic Blvd. Bridge                                        STM 1056             0933

Northeast 14^th Str. Bridge                             STM 1055             0946

Hillsboro Blvd Bridge                                       STM 1050             1034

East Camino Real Bridge                                STM 1048.2         1102

Palmetto Park Bridge                                     STM 1047.5         1134

Spanish River Blvd Bridge                             STM 1044.9         1200

Linton Blvd. Bridge                                          STM 1041.0         1230

Atlantic Ave Bridge                                          STM 1039.6         1248

George Bush Blvd N.E. 8^th St. Bridge        STM 1038.7         1256

Woolbright Road Bridge                                STM 1035.8         1320

Ocean Ave Bridge                                            STM 1035.0         1332

Lantana Ave Bridge                                         STM 1031.0         1400

Lake Worth, Lake Ave. Bridge                     STM 1028.8         1420

Southern Blvd. Bridge                                    STM 1024.7         1518

Royal Park Bridge                                             STM1022.6          1533

Flagler Memorial Bridge                                STM 1021.9         1618

Parker Bridge                                                     STM 1013.7         1730

Anchored in an inlet and cove directly passed Parker Bridge. This is the same anchorage used on 2/15/14.This is now known as the KWAK Anchorage.

Because of the slow trip, I did the cooking for a change. I made Split Pea Soup with one bag soaked split peas, smoked pork chunks and a Kielbasa, 2 onions, 1 bunch celery, 1 potato, small carrots, and 1 large shallot. To thicken the soup a little, I added my secret ingredient, a hand full of oatmeal. It was so good that I ate 3 plates, too much! We had lots leftover for lunch ETC. This is a very quiet anchorage and with the Bulwagga, good holding.

Friday 2/21/14 – Start 0800, Finish 1250, from Miami Stadium to Fort Lauderdale

Weather/Sea – Partly cloudy 75, SE wind 5to10 knots,  seas 2-4-5’

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

We raised the anchor with difficulty, it was again really sucked into the white cement like shell bottom and came up with lots of white mud. The chain was clean however and we only had to rinse off the salt as it came up. By dragging the anchor in the water as we left all the white muck washed off.

We tried to sail out of the Main Channel but were stopped by security and had to turn around and back into Dodge Island Cut, Lummus Island Cut and out of Government Cut into the Atlantic. The Inlet was very rough. Outside in the Atlantic, the wind and waves were on the starboard stern quarter with a very confusing wave pattern. The boat rolled diagonally and diving into troughs, a very sickening motion. We only unfurled the Jib sail but with the light wind and the rough motion it slatted back and forth. We could not keep wind in the sail. We finally furled the sail and proceeded at 6 knots on the engine.

About 4 miles from Fort Lauderdale Inlet, I tried to stay parallel to the waves which lessened the weird motion but brought the boat further off shore. Then about 2 miles from the Inlet I turned into the waves at about a 45 degree angle and that got us to the Inlet. Again a bumpy ride in the Inlet but that is now expected.

We got to the 17^th Street Bridge just at opening time and followed a Catamaran thru. Called Las Olas Marina and again picked up a mooring for 2 days. They Charge $93.00 for the 2 day mooring.

We showered, after 3 sweaty days it was necessary!   Then we walked to the beach and had dinner at Bubba Gump’s, their specialty is shrimp, of course.

On Saturday, after a lazy morning and a good breakfast we went ashore with the dinghy which you can leave at the marina. We walked Las Olas Blvd. all the way to Cooley’s Landing Marina where I had stayed in 2013 only 4 miles. Then we had a late lunch in Briny Pub Riverside on the New River. The New River winds its way thru Fort Lauderdale with lots of boat traffic. We walked the 4 miles back but about a mile from the Marina I got a cramp in my right leg so we flagged down a bus for the last mile. I stayed in the boat that evening while Dan and Paul walked to the beach.

Wednesday 2/19/14 – Start 0915, Finish 1536, from Miami Stadium to No Name Harbor

Thursday 2/20/14 –Start 0955, Finish 1630, from No Name Harbor to Miami Stadium

Weather/Sea – sunny 75, W wind 5-10, sea 1-2’-

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

We raised the anchor with difficulty, it was really sucked into the white cement like shell bottom and came up with lots of white mud. The chain was clean however and we only had to rinse off the salt as it came up. The chain goes around the windlass and down a PVC pipe into the chain locker.  The chain has a tendency to pile in a pyramid shape and block the PVC pipe. So a crew member has to lay in the Vee berth  with one arm thru a 6x6 hole and move the chain away from the pipe. Someday I will fix that.

We went under Bay Bridge on the Rickenbacker Causeway and entered Biscayne Bay. Dan Martin had done his sail training course here so he was familiar with the area and even had large paper charts.

We planned to spend the day sailing on different points of sail and that is what we did. We sailed on jib and main, close hauled and beam reach, tacking numerous times, and jibing down wind. We hove to and set the stay sail on the Cutter stay and rolled up the jib and sailed on stay sail and main. All good practice but in light winds it was no challenge.

We entered No Name Harbor a concrete walled cove in Key Biscany Park with room for 20  boats.

We anchored in the cove  and dinghied to the wall to pay the $20.00 fee. Put the money in an envelope and drop in box, on the honor system. I saw no one else pay! We walked to restaurant to check it out and came back later for dinner.

The next morning, hoisted anchor and went to the free pump out on the concrete wall. Then we went  out into Biscayne Bay to continue sailing practice. The wind picked up 10 to 15 knots with some gusts.

Dutchess sailed South at 5 to 7 knots with full Main and Jib all morning nice and steady. We constantly tuned the sails to get them to draw better and go faster. They are very old sails and need to be replaced but not yet.  We hove to with the jib backed and rudder over and had lunch, Dutchess layed as a duck on water. On the way back North we put the first reef in the main and sailed with full jib doing 5 to 6 knots.

We sailed to the Bay Bridge dropped sails and motored back into the Miami Stadium Anchorage and anchored for the night. No charges here!

Tuesday 2/18/14 – Start 0855, Finish 1435, From Fort Lauderdale FL. to Port of Miami

Weather/Sea – sunny 75, NE wind, sea 1-2’-

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

We dropped the mooring and motored into the New River Sound to Port Everglades and then out of Port Everglades Inlet and into the Atlantic Ocean.  Fort Lauderdale must be the harbor for Super yachts. We saw hundreds of multi-million dollar yachts and multi-million dollar houses. This is the playground of the rich and famous. I and my little boat can play along and make believe.

I have to go in the ocean, around Miami because there is one low bridge of 56’ on the ICW named the Julia Tuttle Bridge.

We had a nice steady sail and stayed about 2 miles off shore. Because of light winds, we kept the motor running to maintain 6 knots. We entered Port of Miami “Government Cut” at around 1400. The inlet was very rough with the tide running and wakes from power boats that cut in front of us. We angled south into Lummus Island Cut and then Dodge Island Cut to the ICW, which we took south to Bay Bridge where we made a sharp turn to port to get to Miami Stadium Anchorage. We anchored for the night and had a splendid view of the Miami skyline.

Sunday 2/16/14 – Start 0740, Finish 1558, From Lake Worth FL. to Fort Lauderdale FL.

Weather/Sea – sunny, NE wind, sea 1-2’-

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

We left early went thru the Parker Bridge into Lake Worth around Peanut Island and into the Port of Palm Beach, then out the Lake Worth Inlet and into the Atlantic Ocean.

On the Atlantic heading south, we had wind from 5 to 10 knots out of the North East So we raised sails and kept the motor running to maintain about 6 knots. We had a nice steady sail thru small waves, very comfortable. After a six hour sail on the Atlantic we entered Port Everglades Inlet to get to Fort Lauderdale. The Inlet was very turbulent with the tide and traffic. I called Las Olas Municipal Marina of Fort Lauderdale for a slip and was told that they were full, but we could take a mooring. We wound up on the same mooring that Bob and Ann Sherer were on when we found them there in 2013. Cruising is a small world. You keep running into the same people as you go South or North.

The next day, Monday, we took the dinghy to the marina and had showers. Then back to the boat to get laundry then to the marina and I did laundry while Dan and Paul walked to the grocery store. Back to the boat to put things away and then back in the dinghy to the Marina. Then we walked Las Olas Blvd to the Beach to look at the beach goers, lots of bikinis. We had dinner in Hooters overlooking the beach; of course we also looked at the waitresses. We got back to the boat at dusk.

Saturday 2/15/14 – Start 0725, Finish 1445, From Fort Pierce Fl. to Lake Worth FL.

Weather/Sea – South wind, sunny

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

 

We left Harbortown Marina and entered the Indian River heading south. The wind appeared favorable for a close reach so we rolled out the jib and motor sailed until the Hobe Sound Bridge. Then we motored the rest of the way since the wind was right on the bow.

We had to ask 6 bascule bridges to open for us because our 56’ mast does not fit under them. All the new fixed bridges are built with 65’ clearance which allows us to sail right thru.

We went from statute mile 965 to our anchorage at STM 1014, or 59 miles in 7 hr. 20min. The ICW is marked out on sign boards and on the charts in statute miles.

The anchorage is the same one that was shown to me last year by my Cousin Hans Kwak. He and his wife Thea saw us from shore, as we passed them on the ICW. They chased us down in their dinghy and invited us to join them in their anchorage.  A chance in a million!! This is a secluded anchorage, a cove surrounded by private homes very quiet.  I would have never tried it on my own because the charts show 6’ depth and we draw 6.5’, actually we never saw less than 10’.

The last time I anchored here with a 35 pound CQR. I knew the bottom was black mud so I tried the 40 pound Danforth twice. Each time it dragged. Then we set the 44 pound Bulwagga which held fine. So under the black muck it must have a hard layer that the more aggressive Bulwagga Anchor could bite into better than the Danforth. Don’t try to find a Bulwagga Anchor the company is out of business, to bad since they were made in NYS and highly rated by Practical Sailor Magazine. As we raised anchor the black came up on the chain and was washed off. This required stopping at every 5’ of chain, a slow processes. We left the anchor hanging in the water as we motored out of the cove, which washed the black muck off nicely, then we stowed it.

2/14/14 – Start 0930, Finish 1145, From Vero Beach Fl. to Fort Pierce Fl.

2/14/14 – Start 0930, Finish 1145, From Vero Beach Fl. to Fort Pierce Fl.

Weather/Sea – South wind, sunny

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

A short trip of 2hr15min to get to Fort Pierce.  After filling with diesel, we got a slip in Harbortown Marina for the day. One reason for staying was to go to Marine Connection Liquidators, a used boat parts dealer. I had been here with Ed Weber on our trip to the Bahamas and we bought some stuff then. This time I wanted to sell some dodger fittings. Dan and I walked 2 miles to get there. I got $10.00 for my parts but spent $20.00 for a light and $10.00 for a 4 lead cable so I can move the Garmin GPS Plotter  to the pedestal.

Harbortown Marina has a restaurant where  we ate dinner, it was very busy since it was Valentines day.

2/11/14 – Start 0920, Finish 1920, From Titusville Fl. to Vero Beach Fl.

2/11/14 – Start 0920, Finish 1920, From Titusville Fl. to Vero Beach Fl.


Weather/Sea – South wind, sunny

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

We first went to the pump out dock and emptied both holding tanks. They hold 40 gallons each and were full. It is the most unpleasant job on a boat.

Then back into the Indian River heading south, follow the dug channel carefully because it is mostly shallow outside the channel. With the wind out of the south east we tried sailing twice but the wind stayed just south of the limits of pointing. The channel is mostly very straight so we motored at 6.6 to 7.0 knots using the Simrad autopilot. We got to Vero Beach in the dark. To get into the Vero Beach Municipal Marina you have to make a sharp turn to port after green buoy 139 and before the fixed bridge. I cut the turn a little sharp and ran into 5 foot depth of soft mud, turned to the bridge side and found the deeper channel.  Dutchess, with her 24” prop and 65 HP diesel, can usually push thru soft mud. Going by flashlight we went from buoy to buoy thru the mooring field to find our assigned buoy #33.  Finally at 1920 we tied off on the mooring ball and could relax. 

Paul Kirk had been cooking the Chicken and rice in Celery cheese soup in the oven for 2 hours so we could eat right away. Good crew, good food, good trip.

On Wednesday 2/12/14, moved to a dock and went shopping for supplies using the Vero Beach free bus. This is a very nice marina, well maintained and landscaped. In fact the entire city is well landscaped.

I plan to stay here for a month in March before heading North again in April.

We went to dinner at bonefish using the free bus. When we got to the restaurant the power was out in the entire area so we could only sit at the bar and drink, no food available. After 1.5 hours and a few drinks the lights came back on and we could order food.

On Tuesday 2/13/14 we planned to sail to Fort Pierce but the West wind was 20 to 25 knots with heavier gusts pushing the boat sideways, and stretching the dock lines very tight.

So I decided it was too hazardous to leave the slip and we are staying here another day. That is boating!

2/10/14 – To Kennedy Space Center

2/10/14 – To Kennedy Space Center

Weather, sunny, nice warm.

On 2/10/14 Monday we went to the Kennedy Space Center to see the rockets and especially the Shuttle Atlantis. Very interesting and well worth the $50.00 entry fee.

You take a bus ride around the launch pads and Vehicle Assembly Building. Then they drop you at the Apollo Rocket display building where you can spend as much time as needed.

Then back in the bus to the Center to see the Shuttle Atlantis and ride in the simulated launch vehicle.

We saw the two, 3D IMAX movies, one about the International Space Station and the other about the Hubble Space Telescope, with all the images from galactic space, very impressive. Will go again on the way back north.

We dropped of the rental car(U-save did a very good job and was very friendly) in Titusville and had the rental car guy drop us off at Kelsey’s Pizza Parlor and enjoyed very good Pizza, then called for a Taxi to take us back to the Titusville Marina.

2/7/14 – Start 0900, Finish 1700, From St. Augustine Fl. to Daytona FL.

2/7/14 – Start 0900, Finish 1700, From St. Augustine Fl. to Daytona FL.

2/8/14- Start 0930, Finish 1530, From Daytona FL to Titusville FL.

Weather/Sea – north wind, very foggy and rainy, with low clouds both days.

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

Left St Augustine following the Matanzas River part of the ICW thru Fox Cut and into the Halifax River to the Halifax River Marina in Daytona Beach. The next day we proceeded into the Halifax River, Indian River North, the Mosquito Lagoon these all have dredged channels to form the ICW, then thru the Haulover Canal into the Indian River to the Titusville Marina.

Both days where dreary and foggy with strong North winds and low visibility. We sailed from Buoy to Buoy and many times could not see the next buoy when we passed the last one. We had a light chop on these waters because these  inland waters do not have a long fetch.

On 2/9/14 Sunday was a day of rest as prescribed it turned sunny and very pleasant. We went for walks and did laundry. Tomorrow we go to Cape Canaveral Space Center to see the rockets and especially the Shuttle Atlantis.

2/5/14 – Start 0900, Finish 1650, From Fernandina Beach Fl., To St. Augustine Fl. two nights

2/5/14 – Start 0900, Finish 1650, From Fernandina Beach Fl., To St. Augustine Fl. two nights

Weather/Sea – No wind, light fog, cloudy

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

Finally leave Fernandina Beach no issues getting thru draw bridges. Arrived at St. Augustine and took mooring ball for first night. Beautiful view of the city from the Dutchess. Dinner onboard consisted of spaghetti with sausage. Next morning moved over to the other side of Bridge of The lions and docked at St. Augustine Municipal Marina. We researched issue with oil in the engine room appearing that we used a quart on short trip. Took walk in St. Augustine to purchase oil absorbent pads and food supplies. Removed old oil soaked pads and installed fresh pads, ran engine and checked for leaks. No leaks were apparent. Weather was not conducive to sightseeing so went to restaurant called A1A Ale Works. Food and service was very good and price was reasonable.

2/2/14 – Start 1030, Finish 1930, From Brunswick Ga., To Fernandina Beach Fl.

2/2/14 – Start 1030, Finish 1930, From Brunswick Ga., To Fernandina Beach Fl.

Weather/Sea – No Wind, Heavy Fog

Captain - John Kwak

Crew – Dan Martin, Paul Kirk

Left dock at 1030 in light fog. Fog got heavier as we headed out. Ok on Radar and GPS to just before bridge. GPS malfunctioned and John relayed compass bearings to Dan from Garmin below deck to get back to Brunswick Landing Marina as fog had increased to 50 foot visibility. Checked cable connection to external  GPS  antenna and reconnected wire splice to fix the problem.  Headed back out after fog lifted at 1230. The plan was to go off shore for a quick trip south to Fernandina Beach. However, as we got close to the Atlantic the fog was too thick and had to turn around for an ICW Passage. Entered  ICW at 1400, low tide at 1546. Jekyll Creek very shallow with 7’ at times but was able to make it thru with no issues. Made it thru to Jekyll Sound but again got fogged in which required GPS and radar to make sharp right turn into Andrew Sound. No visibility until about 1 mile up the Cumberland River at which time the fog lifted. Fogged in again by Crooked  River, which required navigation by GPS and radar. Sunset   before the Navy Degaussing Range. Deep water in Cumberland Sound and lighted buoys were much appreciated in current conditions. Dan was stationed at the bow relaying where green and red buoys were located to Paul and Paul relayed location to John in order to navigate.  Turned into Amelia River as  fog cleared a little but still had to navigate thru fog to find Fernandina Marina and docked for two nights. All of the crew  had a much needed cocktail and then went to a sports bar to watch Seattle win the super bowl.