Bradenton to Venice Outside (i.e., in the Gulf) Sunday, April 16, 2017

The coastal marine forecast looked good for a morning sail in the gulf with easterly winds around 12kts at least until 1400 when the wind was predicted to veer to southeasterly.

Following a hearty breakfast, we got underway about 0840, made a tight turn in the channel without need of our ailing jury rigged reverse latch, and headed for Longboat Pass. The wind was as predicted so we flew the jib and the main and wished we had a screacher. The prior owner had blown out the screacher and would not replace it for the price we had negotiated for the boat (a screacher is a light head sail that combines the function of a spinnaker and a reaching sail). It is a significant expense and must wait it's turn in our priority list of needs. The engine was secured and we made a comfortable 5-6 kts along our PIM for about three hours even though we were plowing 2 foot seas on the port bow. One of life's unavoidable tradeoffs; when the wind is right the sea is not.

During our three hours of bliss we were visited by another pretty little bird very similar to our previous guest. This time we quickly secured the fans to prevent another tragedy. Although only about 6nm offshore this little bird perched on the starboard side forward of the cockpit and did not move for a couple of hours. It was in the helmsman's blind spot and was not visible from the salon so we had to go out to the starboard stern to check on it. Roger and I had gone back to one hour watches so we could better balance our sailing time and one person not hog it all; so I happened to have the watch when our stowaway, apparently rested, turned into the wind and took to the air in a fluttering of wings that caused it to hover briefly then turned downwind and was gone in a flash headed for the beach. A happy ending and farewell to our feathered friend.

The wind veered as forecast after lunch so we lit off the iron genny, struck sail, and headed toward Venice Inlet arriving at the Crows' Nest Marina about 1600, landed without incident, tied up, hooked up shore power, and spliced the mainbrace. One might notice a pattern forming.

We moored bow on to a McGreagor 26 Motor Sailor named DULCINEA the name of Jean and Gerry's first boat, also a McGreagor. Nostalgia moment.

The Crows' Nest restaurant, acclaimed for superb seafood was booked through Monday so we opted for the Crows' Nest Tavern which was below and used the same kitchen...delicious! Our waitress was a lovely young lady from Maine who provided Roger and Sara several tips on where to go and what to do for their upcoming trip.

There being no further mischief to be had, we retired to Seahawk for the evening routine of cards and blog writing.

Respectfully submitted,

G L Ray, CDR,SS,USNR-Ret