Coastal Cruising: Bay Breeze & Aquavit

Among Marvin's favorite memories is fishing in the Content Keys in the 50s and 60s with his dad and grandfather. This year's visit to the Keys aimed to be a sail back to revisit the Keys backcountry.  Zydeco leads the way -  with "Fat Albert" Homeland Security's surveillance blimp  From Marathon we departed for East Bahia Honda Key. It is a significant white-crowned pigeon roosting island - furthest east in the lower Keys. Following sistership Zydeco 's expert navigation through shallow waters departing East Bahia Honda Key, we cruised along with Linda and Michael to Tarpon Belly Key and keys in the Spanish Channel. Short routes gave us time to explore a bit by dinghy and join up for sumptuous wine and dine boat visits. Exploring Tarpon Belly Key by dinghy While there wasn't time for fishing, we enjoyed the birdwatching and exploring the man-made canals of Tarpon Belly Key that are remnants of a failed shrimp farming operation. We had excitement and anxiet...

Marathon Sail...    A marathon is 26.2 miles and good runners can complete it in 4-5 hours. But from St Petersburg to Marathon in the Florida Keys by boat is over 200 nautical miles, taking ~48 hours of continuous sailing. For lazy fair weather cruisers like ourselves, and adding in "liming" time with friends, it takes days.  Bay Breeze berthed with sister Shoalsailer, Zydeco, in Fort Myers Beach St Petersburg is one of our favorite ports. The vibe of the city reminds us of Manhattan, but cleaner, with better climate and palm trees, although, sadly, too many homeless people. Museums and art galleries, restaurants, farmers market and a generally liberal progressive attitude is all comfortable for us. That we have a trusted boatyard for maintenance on Bay Breeze at Sailors Wharf in Salt Creek Marina District is a very attractive feature.    It was a treat to meet Courtney and Tommy to catch up on their careers over lunch at Doc F...