Now that we have returned to home port the Captain has had time to review the ship's log for information worth publishing. The trip was a total of 1398 miles, from Longboat Key near Sarasota to Marsh Harbour, Abaco and return with island hopping in between. Normally the shortest route to the east coast of FL is to cross Lake Okeechobee. This route shortens the trip by several hundred miles. East Coast port of entry is Stuart or Palm Beach. Since this wasn't possible due to low water in the lake because of the continuing drought in FL the route took Island Hopper from Sarasota to Fort Lauderdale via Captiva Island, Naples, Marathon, Key Biscayne and then to Fort Lauderdale where the crew waited for a weather window to cross the infamous gulf stream to West End, Grand Bahama about 85 miles.
Due to the gulfstream moving north at about 3 knots (like a river about 35 miles wide) any wind against this current blows up steep seas with waves that are very close together. Having done this once before in a sailboat many years ago I knew it can be very unpleasant. We waited only one extra day for tame sea conditions and it was worth the wait. The gulfstream was like a mill pond. After all it is called "pleasure boating" !
From Sarasota to the port of entry in the Bahamas, West End it was 465 miles. Total engine hours 32.6 for an average of 14.3 MPH. This leg the crew guests were Ian and Joan from Scotland. With them Island Hopper toured another 182 miles in the Abacos in 17.2 engine hours or an avg of 10.6 MPH. Once in the Bahamas the daily runs are short so the cruising speed was about 10 MPH.
Joan and Ian departed from Marsh Harbour to return via Miami to the UK. We will be their guests in Sept on their vessel on the French Canals in the Burgundy region.
The next crew from Cincinnati, Ed and Barb, reported several days later in Marsh Harbour. You will see on the blog the islands visited. Total miles 87 in 10.9 engine hours for an avg speed of 8 MPH. Laid back cruising and anchoring.
Again after a few days for maintenance, Aynsley's family arrived, Husband Tom and Granddaughter ELLA who was 27 months old. Island Hopper stayed in several marinas more than one night so they could scuba dive, swim and tour landside. Total Miles 57 in 6.7 engine hours for an avg. speed of 8.5 MPH.
They departed Island Hopper from Marsh Harbour for their flight to West Palm Beach after which the crew fueled Island Hopper with only enough fuel to reach the US at $6.15 per gallon for diesel, ouch, and headed towards West End.
The return trip stops were the same though we elected to stay an additional day at Key Biscayne to enjoy the beach and the parks and also two nights at Naples to visit relatives. In boating one must enjoy the journey as well as the destination!
Total miles from Marsh Harbour, Abaco to Longboat Key 607 miles. Total miles 1398. the amazing thing is that we never experienced one mechanical problem or grounding. Everything worked which is rare for a vessel that is 5 years old with 1400 hours on her engines. I dreaded the thought of locating a mechanic or other service person in the Bahamas. All of the preparation work paid off with some good luck thrown in.
This trip was a dream of many years, it lived up to its billing. The company of good friends and relatives made this trip very special with memories for a life time.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Ed Daniel's Abacos Video
Friday, June 24, 2011
Ed and Barb Daniel traveled for a week in the Abacos on Island Hopper. Here is a video Ed put together of the vacation. Thanks Ed!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jeCZydDsIE
Ed and Barb Daniel traveled for a week in the Abacos on Island Hopper. Here is a video Ed put together of the vacation. Thanks Ed!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jeCZydDsIE
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tween Waters Marina, Captiva, FL to Longboat Key Moorings, Longboat Key, FL - Homeport!!!!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Island Hopper departed Tween Waters at 9:00 AM for a long run to Longboat Key Moorings. Captain Kevin decided to go on the outside, but after an hour of Seas 2 -3 feet, with close rollers up to four feet and Winds NW 15 - 20, he decided to go on the inside at Boca Grande. The ICW was moderately choppy with Winds 15 - 20. The crew saw Tarpon fisherman, since it is now Tarpon. Tarpon season.
Island Hopper departed Tween Waters at 9:00 AM for a long run to Longboat Key Moorings. Captain Kevin decided to go on the outside, but after an hour of Seas 2 -3 feet, with close rollers up to four feet and Winds NW 15 - 20, he decided to go on the inside at Boca Grande. The ICW was moderately choppy with Winds 15 - 20. The crew saw Tarpon fisherman, since it is now Tarpon. Tarpon season.
Fishing For Tarpon
Numerous Fishing Boats At Sea
.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Naples Sailing And Yacht Club, Naples Florida to Tween Waters Marina, Captiva, Florida
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Island Hopper departed Naples Sailing and Yacht Club at 9:15 AM heading across the river to American Marina for fuel. After fueling at 10:00 AM Captain Kevin pointed the bow towards Captiva Island. Winds were Westerly at 15 knots, Sea 2 - 3 feet. Skies sunny and weather hot!!! Kevin decided to seek the shelter of Sanibel Island for calmer seas by coming up the ICW. After traveling 50 miles, Island Hopper docked at 2:30 PM at Tween Waters Marina on Captiva Island. The crew went for a swim in the resort's pool to cool down in the 93 plus temperature.
Kevin and Debbie ate dinner at Old Captiva House, one of their favorite restaurants in Florida. Another great day on the water.
Island Hopper Departing Naples Sailing And Yacht Club
The BEautiful Homes Of Port Royal, Naples, Florida
Dolphins Being Fed By Fishermen
Sanibel Lighthouse
Island Hopper departed Naples Sailing and Yacht Club at 9:15 AM heading across the river to American Marina for fuel. After fueling at 10:00 AM Captain Kevin pointed the bow towards Captiva Island. Winds were Westerly at 15 knots, Sea 2 - 3 feet. Skies sunny and weather hot!!! Kevin decided to seek the shelter of Sanibel Island for calmer seas by coming up the ICW. After traveling 50 miles, Island Hopper docked at 2:30 PM at Tween Waters Marina on Captiva Island. The crew went for a swim in the resort's pool to cool down in the 93 plus temperature.
Poolside Drinks - Two Pina Coladas With Rum Toppers
Kevin and Debbie ate dinner at Old Captiva House, one of their favorite restaurants in Florida. Another great day on the water.
Naples Sailing And Yacht Club, Naples Florida
Monday, June 13, 2011
Island Hopper stayed at Naples Sailing and Yacht Club for an additional night. This gave Captain Kevin a day to catch up on some boat maintenance and do some law work. While Kevin was on Island Hopper he saw Andrew and Ellen Glasglow from Cincinnati cruising on the river. Small world. Debbie hit the town with sister-in-law Karen Hopper for lunch and shopping. It was a great day to shop in Naples, end of the season sales. Karen prepared a fabulous meal for the crew at her beautiful home in Naples. It was a fun evening catching up and just enjoying family. Tomorrow Island Hopper heads to Captiva Island. One step closer to Tidy Island.
Island Hopper stayed at Naples Sailing and Yacht Club for an additional night. This gave Captain Kevin a day to catch up on some boat maintenance and do some law work. While Kevin was on Island Hopper he saw Andrew and Ellen Glasglow from Cincinnati cruising on the river. Small world. Debbie hit the town with sister-in-law Karen Hopper for lunch and shopping. It was a great day to shop in Naples, end of the season sales. Karen prepared a fabulous meal for the crew at her beautiful home in Naples. It was a fun evening catching up and just enjoying family. Tomorrow Island Hopper heads to Captiva Island. One step closer to Tidy Island.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Marathon, Florida to Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, Naples, FL
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Island Hopper left Marathon Marina and Boat Yard a 7:45 AM to get an early start on today’s 115 mile run to Naples. Captain Kevin said it may be less if he can cut some corners. Hopefully, not in low tide areas or too close of corners. Today’s Seas 1 foot, Winds Variable 5 knots, then West 10 in the afternoon. Another smooth cruise on the Florida Bay. Island Hopper arrived at Naples Sailing and Yacht Club at 3:00 PM. The crew always enjoys being welcomed by Marilyn the Dock master, but it was her day off, so we were greeted by Fernando. Naples Sailing and Yacht Club is one of Kevin and Debbie’s favorite stops. Marilyn is a dear, the club is beautiful and our fabulous sister-in-law Karen Hopper lives in Naples. These are three great reasons to warrant a Naples visit.
NAPLES
Poised between the Gulf of Mexico and the Everglades, Naples belies its wild setting and Indian post past with the trappings of wealth – neo- Mediterranean-style mansions, neatly manicured golfing developments, revitalized downtown streets, lined with galleries and one of a kind shops, and a reputation for lively and eclectic dining. Visitors come for its luxury hotels – including two Ritz Cartons- its fabulous white sand beaches, fishing, shopping, theatre and arts, and a lofty reputation for golf. Yet with all of the highfalutin living, Naples still appeals to families, especially with the new water park and the new Children’s Museum of Naples that opened in 2010.
Karen joined Kevin and Debbie aboard Island Hopper for Happy Hour Wine Time. They went to Sea-Salt Restaurant (http://www.seasaltnaples.com/ ) for dinner and had a fabulous meal. Try the Sea Salt Chocolates. They are amazing.
IT WAS SO GREAT TO SEE KAREN.
Island Hopper left Marathon Marina and Boat Yard a 7:45 AM to get an early start on today’s 115 mile run to Naples. Captain Kevin said it may be less if he can cut some corners. Hopefully, not in low tide areas or too close of corners. Today’s Seas 1 foot, Winds Variable 5 knots, then West 10 in the afternoon. Another smooth cruise on the Florida Bay. Island Hopper arrived at Naples Sailing and Yacht Club at 3:00 PM. The crew always enjoys being welcomed by Marilyn the Dock master, but it was her day off, so we were greeted by Fernando. Naples Sailing and Yacht Club is one of Kevin and Debbie’s favorite stops. Marilyn is a dear, the club is beautiful and our fabulous sister-in-law Karen Hopper lives in Naples. These are three great reasons to warrant a Naples visit.
NAPLES
Poised between the Gulf of Mexico and the Everglades, Naples belies its wild setting and Indian post past with the trappings of wealth – neo- Mediterranean-style mansions, neatly manicured golfing developments, revitalized downtown streets, lined with galleries and one of a kind shops, and a reputation for lively and eclectic dining. Visitors come for its luxury hotels – including two Ritz Cartons- its fabulous white sand beaches, fishing, shopping, theatre and arts, and a lofty reputation for golf. Yet with all of the highfalutin living, Naples still appeals to families, especially with the new water park and the new Children’s Museum of Naples that opened in 2010.
Karen joined Kevin and Debbie aboard Island Hopper for Happy Hour Wine Time. They went to Sea-Salt Restaurant (http://www.seasaltnaples.com/ ) for dinner and had a fabulous meal. Try the Sea Salt Chocolates. They are amazing.
IT WAS SO GREAT TO SEE KAREN.
Key Biscayne Yacht Club, Key Biscayne, FL to Marathon Marina and Boat Yard, Marathon, FL
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Island Hopper departed Key Biscayne Yacht Club at 8:15 AM, going to the fuel dock to take on some fuel before heading to Marathon. The skies were sunny and the wind an Easterly 5 knots with Seas 1 – 2. Skies were sunny and it was a smooth cruising day. Island Hopper arrived at Marathon Marina and Boatyard at 2:30 PM after traveling 108 miles. The owners have done a beautiful job renovating the marina. A new pool area will be completed next week.
MARATHON
Marathon is a bustling town, at least compared to other communities in the Keys. As it leaves something to be desired in the charm department, Marathon will probably not be the first choice of places to stay. Outside of Key West, Marathon has the most historic attractions, which merit a visit. Fishing, diving, and boating are the main events here. It throws Tarpon tournaments in April and May, more fishing tournaments in June and September, a birding festival in September, and a lighted boat parade around the holidays. (www.floridakeysmarathon.com )
SEVEN MILE BRIDGE
The Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most photographed images in the Keys. Actually measuring slightly less than 7 miles, it connects the Middle and Lower Keys and is believed to be the world’s longest segmental bridge. It has 39 expansion joints separating its various concrete sections. Each April runners gather in Marathon for the annual Seven Mile Bridge Run. The expanse running parallel to Seven Mile Bridge is what remains of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, an engineering and architectural marvel in its day that’s now on the National Register of Historical Places. Once proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, it rested on a record 546 concrete piers. No cars are allowed on the old bridge today, but a 2 mile segment is open for biking, walking, and Rollerblading.
Kevin and Debbie ate dinner at Lazy Days, the marina’s restaurant. Kevin ordered Grouper Lazy Days style and Debbie ordered Mahi Mahi with the same preparation. Both meals were fabulous. Just another day in paradise.
Island Hopper departed Key Biscayne Yacht Club at 8:15 AM, going to the fuel dock to take on some fuel before heading to Marathon. The skies were sunny and the wind an Easterly 5 knots with Seas 1 – 2. Skies were sunny and it was a smooth cruising day. Island Hopper arrived at Marathon Marina and Boatyard at 2:30 PM after traveling 108 miles. The owners have done a beautiful job renovating the marina. A new pool area will be completed next week.
MARATHON
Marathon is a bustling town, at least compared to other communities in the Keys. As it leaves something to be desired in the charm department, Marathon will probably not be the first choice of places to stay. Outside of Key West, Marathon has the most historic attractions, which merit a visit. Fishing, diving, and boating are the main events here. It throws Tarpon tournaments in April and May, more fishing tournaments in June and September, a birding festival in September, and a lighted boat parade around the holidays. (www.floridakeysmarathon.com )
SEVEN MILE BRIDGE
The Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most photographed images in the Keys. Actually measuring slightly less than 7 miles, it connects the Middle and Lower Keys and is believed to be the world’s longest segmental bridge. It has 39 expansion joints separating its various concrete sections. Each April runners gather in Marathon for the annual Seven Mile Bridge Run. The expanse running parallel to Seven Mile Bridge is what remains of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, an engineering and architectural marvel in its day that’s now on the National Register of Historical Places. Once proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, it rested on a record 546 concrete piers. No cars are allowed on the old bridge today, but a 2 mile segment is open for biking, walking, and Rollerblading.
Sunset At Marathon Marina And Boat Yard
Kevin and Debbie ate dinner at Lazy Days, the marina’s restaurant. Kevin ordered Grouper Lazy Days style and Debbie ordered Mahi Mahi with the same preparation. Both meals were fabulous. Just another day in paradise.
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