On the move

With favorable weather forecast we pulled anchor and made a dawn departure for our 70NM eastward leg to Key West.  Winds forecast to be light out of the NE so we anticipated a day of motor sailing under the main.   A long day of motoring will provide us the opportunity to charge up the house bank after 8 days in the Tortugas. 

While we were the first boat to depart the anchorage, many others were on our stern also looking to take advantage of the favorable conditions.

The first 20NM of the crossing were a slog in 4ft confused seas with a 1knot current on our bow.  Speaking via VHF with other vessels on the same heading we were assured that these conditions were the norm between Garden Key and Rebecca Shoals.   So we plodded on with a promise of better conditions ahead.

The promise held true and by midday the sea state had improved.  By mid afternoon, with the Marquesas off our port bow, we were making 5knots under full genny & main. 

19:00 found us anchored in Man of War Harbor just north of Key West.  We plan to find a marina for a day or two to reprovision and indulge in Key West.