Making our final preparations. Put "Knot A Wake" on the trailer today and moved her inside our shop building. We decided not to haul water and fuel. We will fill up on arrival near Homestead. Contacted my insurance company earlier in the week since my coverage was written for inland sailing. They weren't as excited as I am about the our crossing the Gulf Stream. Only would cover us if we sail in a flotilla. Did get an extension reasonably for the Keys.

Only a few more days to wait.............

We are really getting excited about our upcoming cruise. We are ready to live our dream, sailing offshore. After several months of planning our trip will finally become reality. We have made lists of necessary equipment and stores and checked our lists many times. The trailer......new axles and tires. We shall pull the sloop out of Beaver Lake, Arkansas next weekend and pack personal items, food and water. Less these items.......she sails well and sits well in the water and has a well balanced plan. I have made the Gulf Stream crossing a thousand times in my dreams.

Preparing for the cruise. My brother (the crew) and I have been performing maintenance on the boat. New bottom and hull paint, servicing the winches, and stocking up on neccesary safety and navigation equipment. Installed a new Danforth Saturn Navigation Compass in the bulkhead yesterday. We are really excited about trailering the boat to Homestead, Florida and waiting in No Name Harbor or Hurricaine Harbor for perfect weather. Selected Homestead due to its proximity to Bimini and/or the Keys of Florida. Must be perfect for our cruise to Bimini. If the weather doesn't permit the crossing of the Gulf Stream we have a backup plan in that we will sail the Florida Keys.