It's good to be in back Florida, in St Augustine, founded by the Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon in 1513 and where that influence continues today in its buildings and with its old fort, built to repel the English Navy and over which the Spanish Battle Flag still flies!

William had planned a 3-day passage from Grand Cay across the Florida Strait, taking advantage of the Gulf Stream to whisk us north to Jacksonville.

Our first day was delightful, motor-sailing in the light breeze. After dusk, Tony was able to stop the engine as the wind increased and we were soon skimming along at 8 knots. Our good speed continued through the night as the Gulf Stream gradually kicked up lumpy seas.

After dawn and with the wind backing into our faces, we decided to forego a second night at sea and head straight for the coast where we sighted the Ponce de Leon Inlet lighthouse at nightfall. This is the tallest lighthouse in Florida, built in 1887 when the area was known as Mosquito Inlet - for very good reason!

Once inside, we anchored in Rockhouse Creek - during which Tony slipped and fell down the companionway steps - thankfully without injury - then we celebrated our arrival in USA with a glass of Champagne and dined hugely on chilli & rice.

This morning, we left Rockhouse Creek for the run up the Intra-coastal Waterway to St Augustine. As we passed the Matanzas Inlet - a difficult spot where channel is constantly changing - we were only a few yards right-of-track when Alexia 'touched bottom' and stopped dead. Despite the falling tide, William managed to deploy an anchor into deep water and we hauled ourselves off.

We were soon underway again and I write this as we arrive in St Augustine, where we can't go ashore until we clear customs tomorrow at the airport.