Step 3, Day 4 - Great wind!

This was a great day to sail. A nice consistent 20 kt wind and otherwise nice weather in Biscayne Bay!

So, I had to get up around 3am and re-apply bug spray because the mosquitos were finding me through the hatches we had opened to get some airflow. I managed to walk up in time to re-apply before beocming light headed from lack of blood supply.

I wake up for good around 6am to a beautiful sunrise above the Atlantic visible from across the small, 200yd wide key.

After breakfast, we walked up to the top of the Boca Chita Lighthouse, which is usually closed. The view of Miami was pretty amazing!

I took the helm to bring us out of the anchorage and into the narrow channel as we headed towards Coconut Grove; our next stop. We continued to take turns at the helm practicing points of sail and taking turns grinding the winches and were averaging around 8kts, which is about top speed for a 37 foot catamaran.

Sue taking her turn at the Helm

When we got to the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, we picked up a mooring ball and then, using the Sailing Club's shuttle dinghy service, we took a trip to the clubhouse to take a shower while the opportunity presented itself.

We then walked into the Coconut Grove area to go to one of the Captain's favorite stops; a very good Indian Restaurant. A few other bar stops on the way back and then we finally returned to About Time, but not "in time" to close all the hatches before the rain storm came through. Our fellow students ended up with a pretty wet bed, the salon was pretty wet and we were fortunate that the only thing that got wet in our cabin was my iPad, which is in a waterproof case! We all helped to dry off things and then head to bed.

- Mike

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On A New Tack

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