Thanks To Those Who Got Us Started

This posting should have happened a long time ago, but better late than never.

Our launching point for the circumnavigation was Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. But before we could launch, we had to get the ile de Grace from Bodkin Creek, Maryland (between Annapolis and Baltimore) to Florida. Jon and I owe a special thanks to all who helped us get our boat there before the winter set in on the Chesapeake Bay.

November 14-15. We left Bodkin Creek November 14th for a 24 hour sail down the Bay to Norfolk. We were joined by Jon's brother Paul, his wife Darlene and Mary Houghton, our sailing friend. As predicted, it was an easy sail, and we actually had to slow the boat down so as not to arrive at night. Here we are after tying up the boat in Little Creek Marina, Norfolk, Virginia. Jennifer stayed on the boat for a week to re-rig our reefing system for the main sail.

November 20-22. The second leg began November 20th with Jon, Jennifer, Mary Houghton, Terry Burke and Gary Nyland. With high winds blowing us against the dock, we precariously left Norfolk and motored straight into strong headwinds until we could turn southwest after passing the Chesapeake Tunnel and Bridge. This journey included navigating between the notorious ship graveyard of Cape Hatteras and the Gulf Stream, and then later passing Cape Fear. It was a cold, wet and hard journey with a lot of rock and roll. We had seas to our quarter stern and were sailing at 8-9 knots and surfing waves at 14 and 15 knots. It was the closest to flying a boat as I have ever come. A big thanks to the hale and hardy crew.

December 11-14. The third leg did not begin until mid December. Jennifer did not make this trip and so Jon was joined by the very experienced captain and friends, Geert van der Kolk and his wife Olina Jonas, as well as Steve Lieberman and Jeff Sanders. This was another very difficult leg due to rough sea conditions and head winds. After a tough beat down the coasts of the Carolinas and Georgia,we finally made into the wonderful town-operated marina of Fernandina Beach, Florida, which is just north of Jacksonville. Thanks to the crew and we sincerely hope the chilly and wet experience will not preclude you from joining us again in calmer waters and nicer climes!

December 28-30. Jon and Jennifer made this 300 mile leg on their own. It would be the longest sail we had taken together with just the 2 of us---a good test to see how well we might do on our own. Here is a photo of Jon as we left Fernandina. He's extending the Man Overboard Pole before we head into open water.

This was a straight shot south southwest and we were never much more than three miles offshore so it did not feel too risky. We took 3 hour watches and made it into Ft. Lauderdale mid-morning on New Year's Eve. Driving the boat up the canals through downtown and past more mega yachts and mansions than I could imagine was possible, was a new experience for both of us. But we ended up in a wonderful boat yard, Lauderdale Marine Center, where we made final adjustments to ile de Grace prior to departing. The gang at Just Catamarans -- Johan and Raf -- did an amazing job helping us with cabinetry, final maintenance and various upgrades. Nance and Robertson's Rigging installed a much needed preventer, made further upgrades to our new reefing system, and provided much-needed advice. Silvio and John helped with last minute gel coat repairs. JT Haldren, who commissioned our water maker and gave us much good advise and moral support, remains in touch with us, and we hope to see him on the waters sometime!

We were joined New Year's eve by David and Kate and were able to spend a few days together as a family for what will be for us a long time. It was too short, but lovely. Jon's aunt Johanna, cousins Dominique and Michael and Michael's partner Artur joined us one day. Thank you Artur for taking these photographs.

Life had come full circle, because 30 years ago Jon went to his aunt's house in West Palm Beach before walking the docks in Ft. Lauderdale looking for sailboats that were looking for crew. Jon spent 1978 and 1980 crewing on other peoples's boats. Now, for the first time in his life, he had his own boat and was its captain.

At the lunch, seated from left to right, are Johanna, Michael, Dominique, Jon, David, Jennifer and Katie. Prior to leaving a few weeks later, we were visited by Michael's sister, Christina and her two sons. It was great to have family support as we neared our departure. Thank you again Artur for taking the photos!