Dagny's Winter Cruise

09 February 2025
09 February 2025
01 February 2025
01 February 2025
25 January 2025
25 January 2025
20 January 2025
05 January 2025
05 January 2025
31 December 2024
26 December 2024
26 December 2024
23 December 2024
23 December 2024
21 December 2024
13 December 2024
26 November 2024
26 November 2024

The Week That Was

21 December 2024
Allan Gray
We had hoped to only have to spend 3 or 4 days in West Palm Beach waiting for our weather window, but as it turns out we were there for a full week. Although we were anxious to get to the Bahamas this turned out to be a good place to be stuck. As I mentioned previously there are two large public docks that are free and easily accessible by dinghy. At the head of the main dock is a large public park that is beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The city of West Palm puts on free open air concerts every second day; the music varied from a jazz band, to a Polynesian group as well as popular hits by a local group. The streets are adorned with seasonal decorations and there seems to be Christmas music playing everywhere. Even Scrooge would have be in the spirit of the season.

The main part of the anchorage is on the east side of the channel right in front the main dock and the strong tidal current can make anchoring a challenge. As is often the case too many people try and anchor close to the action but some got more action than desired. As the winds and tides shifted there were several incidents of bumper boats as some boats swung wildly at anchor. We had been chased off by one guy the first day we tried to anchor so after a brief discussion we moved a few hundred yards away from the crowd and spent a worry free 7 days on the hook, it made for a longer dinghy ride but it was worth it. By weeks end our GPS showed we had travelled almost 9 miles swinging on the anchor.

Although the wind was constantly over 20 knots for days on end we were confident in Rocky's ability to hold us firmly in place allowing us to explore the area. We rented bikes a couple of days and along
with our friends on White Bird set off exploring the Town of Palm Beach. This side of the waterway is a whole different world, the beautiful 6 mile water front cycle path gave us great views of the fabulous homes that line the waterway. Definitely a different snack bracket. We were determined to keep busy and not let the weather get us down and thanks to great company and a welcoming town we enjoyed our week, but everyone was anxious to get moving.

Finally after 7 days of getting up at 6:30 to listen to Chris Parker's weather briefing we got the news everyone was waiting for. A short weather window was opening up and preparations were made for an early morning departure. If this window was missed we would mostly likely be spending Christmas in the USA. As I may have mentioned in earlier posts the issue with the crossing is the not only the wind strength but also it's direction in relation to the gulf stream. Throughout the week the wind had been out of the north 20-25 knots with gusts to 35 pushing against the stream which runs northward at up to 2.5 knots. Most days the waves offshore were 6-10 feet in the stream with an average 7 second interval. That means steep waves and very miserable conditions, causing many an experienced sailor to provide food for the fish. As we hoisted the anchor in favourable conditions we were glad we had carefully chosen our departure time.

Today's picture is of one of the many seasonal sand sculptures that decorate the park.

Comments
Vessel Name: Dagny
Vessel Make/Model: Sabre 402
Hailing Port: South Lancaster On
Crew: Allan Gray and Bev Bethune
About: Allan is a retired Montreal Air Traffic Controller and Bev is a retired Elementary School Principal.
Extra: After many years of local cruising and Etchells racing we are living our dream of sailing to the Bahamas. Allan enjoys golfing, cycling and skiing. Bev is an active cyclist, runner, aerobics participant and cross country skier.

Who: Allan Gray and Bev Bethune
Port: South Lancaster On