... of Florida, that is.

We escaped "spring break" weekend in Key West and started our crossing to Florida's west coast at 1400 on Sunday. Although the winds were NE, which precluded doing a quicker crossing to Marco Island, we had a good sail for eight hours toward Ft. Myers. Then the wind shifted to NNE and we rolled in the Genoa to motor sail with the staysail and main.

All went well and we enjoyed the almost full-moon night, Pen witnessing the "OMG" moon rising at around 2130. The next morning, while I was on watch and Pen catching needed sleep, the wind shifted back again, and I started rolling out the Genoa. Crash!! The pin at the foot of the forestay (on to which the Genoa is rolled up) broke loose and the whole roller furler apparatus flew out over the port side.

It was an adventure getting it all under control, taking down the sails and tying the roller furler off at the bow so we could proceed under power to anchor. But we got it done, accompanied by some curious dolphins, and safely anchored in San Carlos Bay. This morning we arranged to take Alizee into a boat yard in Ft. Myers Beach around noon for repairs. Looks like we'll see a bit of Ft. Myers Beach this afternoon and evening.