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Capt. Greg · 09-12-2018, 04:01

Water Music Delivery from Folly Beach, SC to Green Turtle Cay

I have driven my powerboat to South Florida and crossed to the Bahamas on multiple occasions. However, this was the first time sailing my sailboat there-a great adventure and a dream come true. Had a crew of three great friends with me, two outdoorsmen (though not sailors), and a neighbor of mine who recently retired from captaining container ships for 37 years.

We departed Folly Beach at 0930 on 11/28/18 with temps in the 40’s and WNW winds 18-25 knots. We made our way out of the Stono Inlet, set a course of 210 degrees and had a blustery sail on the Atlantic until the wind died out around 1600 on 11/29/18 when we switched to engine power and aimed for St. Augustine Inlet.

I called a buddy and Sea Tow to consult them about transiting the inlet, as we were set to hit it after dark. Their advice, Navionics and vigilant, watchful crew helped pilot us into St. Augustine. Once clear of the inlet, the waterfront of St. Augustine was impressively lit up for the holidays, though it made navigation challenging.

In the calm conditions we proceeded in our 3 hour watches down the ICW, running the boat 24 hours a day. We pulled into Titusville City Marina 11/30/18 at 1436 to refuel and take a quick shower (took on 17 gallons of diesel), and we immediately returned to the ICW.

We made Sailfish Marina on 12/1/18 at 1506, where we took on another 12 gallons of diesel, another shower and lunch. We then anchored behind Peanut Island to await the winds to subside. We weighed anchor 12/2/18 at 0330 and left Lake Worth Inlet at 0400. We were greeted by 18 knot winds from the south. We deployed a full jib and a slightly reefed mainsail and made 110 degrees at 6.5-7.5 knots for our crossing.

10 hours later, we made the banks and sailed for Great Sale. Anchored that evening and slept in, weighing anchor around 0730. Had a fantastic and beautiful sail. Hailed a lobster boat who came alongside us and sold us 7 tails for 20 bucks! We continued on and finally got to Leeward Yacht Club around 1500. Customs had closed, so we scrubbed the boat, then showered. I cooked the crew a meal of sauteed cabbage and bacon, ribeye steaks, and lobster tails.

On 12/4/18 I went for a morning run through New Plymouth, cooked breakfast cleared customs returned to the boat. We cast off and headed for Manjack where we hiked the ocean trail, met up with friends from Folly and we snorkeled the south end of the island picking up a few lobsters in the process. Sailed back to Leeward and varied our diet with tbones instead of ribeyes to go along with the lobster.

12/5/18 One crew member departed and the rest of us headed back to Manjack for snorkeling. North wind of 25 knots had kicked up and gave us a fast sail back to Green Turtle that afternoon. Another delicious meal and a good night sleep was had.
12/6/18 Spent the morning tidying up the boat and went into town to buy gifts for my wife and son. Caught the 1:30 ferry and headed to Marsh Harbor to catch our flight home.

I am looking forward to flying back with my family to spend Christmas aboard Water Music. I will gladly add pictures if someone will inform me how to do so.

Capt. Greg · 09-12-2018, 11:45

1st pics

Capt. Greg · 09-12-2018, 11:48

last of the pics

Lowcountry · 11-12-2018, 10:32

Congrats, Capt.! Watching life go by at Manjack Cay and Green Turtle Club is hard to beat!!

Capt. Greg · 11-12-2018, 14:54

Thanks, Lowcountry! I'm back home right now, flying back to the boat next week with my family to spend Christmas. This cold weather is not making the waiting any easier!

Byrdman · 12-12-2018, 04:45

Looks like a great trip! Green Turtle has a great Junkanoo celebration. I wish I was there again to celebrate this year but I won't be back there until summer.