Sunset Island is nearly buttoned up for the summer. The dinghy restoration is complete. We conducted an inspection of the standing rigging including a trip to the mast head. C'est la Vie's water line is rising towards the boot strip as we load on provisions and possessions.
T minus six hours to departure.
The only uncertainty is our next destination. Our hope is to leave here in the afternoon and make a 110NM overnight crossing to the Tortugas. Making the crossing overnight will allow us to approach the Tortugas in the daylight rather than arrive at a often crowed anchorage ringed by reefs & shoals at night.
Unfortunately a small craft advisory remains in effect between SW FL and the Dry Tortugas. The rain and winds associated with the weekend's frontal passage have abated, but the swells linger. We anticipate the small craft advisory will be dropped this morning, but the seas will be lumpy. The primary factor now is the winds. The wind direction is good - the predicted north winds will place us on a broad reach. The issue is the wind speed. The past couple forecasts the wind speeds are trending downward. This morning's forecast for waters beyond 20NM offshore is for winds 10 knots or less. If the seas are lumpy then a bit more wind would aid in smoothing out the ride. Light winds and lumpy seas are not a comforting combination.
We will post an update on our plans prior to casting off the dock. Now back to packing.
Woohoo! I'm glad at least somebody is getting out and cruising. We also have felt the effects of the same front. It's been windy as hell in our marina the last 3 days.
ReplyDeleteHope your travels are comfortable enough:)
Dani