We crossed the Gulf Stream on the 16th with NW winds (5 - 15 nts) that changed to E and SE. This was our first good sailing window since Brock got here. Summer Snow entered the Straits of Florida at 4:15 AM and began "south-ing" to compensate for the flow of the Gulf Stream. We motored with a big south component (sometimes at 3 nts ) until we were well into the stream. Then we turned toward West End and raised our sails. The wind caught hold, Summer Snow heeled, and we were plowing through 2 to 4's at 6.5 to 7 nts while grinning from ear to ear. What a glorious day! We had "green water" running down both sides of the deck as Summer Snow's sheets groaned and the water sizzled on our hull.
We had two buddy boats in view for the first half of the crossing but passed them both as we sliced the water toward West End. At 2:40 Jerry yelled "land ho" as West End's water tower came into view. At 5 PM we were checked in through customs and looking for the local restaurant.
What a poetic description of the crossing. Sounds like you had an exhilarating trip. Good thing we didn’t plan that trip to Florida, we wouldn’t have anybody to show us around.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
John & Lioba