Category: Sailing

Blue Water Sailing

Six months ago, we started looking for a boat. Three months ago, we officially bought Sava. Two months ago, we flew down to Florida and moved onto our boat. We’ve gotten used to her, learned how she works and kitted her out with the things we need for our life and journeys on board. Tomorrow is another new experience for all of us: our first “blue water sailing” trip. Destination: The Bahamas.

New Experience: Blue Water Sailing

This is not our longest trip. The sails to, from, and within The Florida Keys were further distance and tomorrow’s should take less time. What sets it apart for us as sailors is that we will not have sight of land for a few hours tomorrow. It is a bit scary but we’ve built up to this and are taking baby steps. We aren’t trying to cross an ocean here, but the Gulf Stream, which has its own set of issues, like pushing us away from where we want to be.

Read moresailin

Sailing The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are much bigger than I could explore in a year let alone the mere 2 weeks we’ll have spent there. I wish we had more time to spend sailing The Florida Keys but this is the time we had and we did a lot in that time.

Our goal was Key West but it is far! We had to break it up and make stops along the way. With a sailboat, you can’t pick and choose where the stops are. A lot of The Keys don’t have great places to anchor. You want your anchorage to be protected from wind and waves as much as possible. We are learning that those are not always easy to find.

Key Largo

This was our first and longest stay. We motored the boat down from Miami in about 7 hours. We drove because there wasn’t much wind that day and we wanted to arrive before dark. Sadly, sailing the Florida Keys isn’t possible without wind.

Map Miami to Florida Keys
Miami to Key Largo Map, for Zoi!
Continue reading “Sailing The Florida Keys”

Domino’s First Month

Domino was one of my biggest concerns before this big move onto our sailboat. She is proof positive of why not to waste time worrying: she is a very easygoing cat and has adapted well to living on board Sava! Domino’s first month as a boat cat is a success.

Domino’s Travels

Domino has been on one plane, train, taxi, boat, and many cars. She has stayed on Sava and 3 condos and my mom’s house. No complaints. Yay Domino!

Domino on The Boat

On the boat, her favorite place – BY FAR – is our bed. That is not a big change from when we lived in a house. She is always there, under the covers, when Sava is moving and usually when the engine is on even when we’re not moving.

Domino's first month as a boat cat hiding in the bed
Domino in her favorite spot: bed!
Continue reading “Domino’s First Month”