Day 32-34 Gulf Stream - Weather or not

As we navigated the narrow, shallow channels outbound to sea we passed some of the restaurants and cantinas in town.

Restaurant row, Island style!

The Norther’ that brought us to this island of safe haven had stopped blowing. The wind had veered to the east, which meant we had a window of opportunity between weather systems moving across the US. We got underway early morning of the 19th and all was good. Expect for the fact that I missed my morning ritual of huevos rancheros and coffee on the beach, toes in the sand. Breaking routines can be bad luck and I for one, believe that a routine can develop over a three day period. Boaters are as superstitious as baseball players.

You cannot deny the ambience of Lorenzello’s Lobster Station. Fine on-the-water dining. I give it five stars. And to think some people prefer Cancun to this.

The prevailing trades were blowing and once again we had the annoying roll of seas on our starboard beam. I set a northeasterly course to get us out on the Caribbean and into the Northern Gulf of Mexico as soon as possible. With luck we’d only roll for about 24 hours.

Within a hour we found ourselves being picked up in the Gulf Stream current. Our speed went from 10 kts. to 14 kts. but not without a price. The seas and swells influenced by the strong Gulf Stream current quickly grew. We were facing 9-12 ft seas coming from all directions. I call it the Maytag treatment. Shouldn’t have left without my huevos rancheros.

Our little FREEDOM, designed for the coastal waters of Nantucket, was outmatched. I altered course to the West and in time we we worked our way out of the current and things calmed down somewhat. Our speed dropped, which I can live with.

The calm seas of the Pacific side seem so long ago. Thirty-six hours to Miami. Onward to New York. Each day, good or bad ends with a sunset to remember. It’s why I chose the 4-8 watch, sunrises and sunsets.