Went out last Monday via the Boca Grande pass. Just past the first red buoy the engine sucked an air bubble and died. We threw out two anchors. The wind and seas picked up as Steven worked on the engine. The bowsprit went under a few waves (the bowsprit sits about 7 feet above water) and we lost an anchor due to chafe. The engine came alive and Steven used all his strength to pull the anchor plus 100 feet of chain. We motored back in and anchored at Cabbage Key. We have been making repairs since and plan to try the pass again tomorrow. The float plan will be the same as before.

The day got away so fast today and we didn’t want to start out in the dark. Found more cracks in the stainless that needed attention. Heading out tomorrow morning. Called ahead to Fleming for a mooring ball in Key West. Working the timing so that we don’t arrive at night.

We’re still getting the boat ready for our first passage. The to-do list is still massive. Hardly anything is getting complete due to the lack of proper tools, tools failing and early closure and limited selection at the local hardware store. We’re trying hard not to get stressed or frustrated. Steven is mounting the windlass as he reinforces the bowsprit. I’ve prepared the car for longterm storage. We still need to install the new fuel filter and bleeding screw, replumb the engine to prevent it from flooding, install the newly welded chainplate that somehow has a new crack, install the rudder bolts, replace the boomkin stays and turnbuckles, fill our jerry jugs, drop the car off, hoist the dinghy and secure the cabin for sailing. All of these projects are in some state of completion. Hopefully we can wrap up soon. Birthday time is fast approaching and what gets done gets done. It’s time to go sailing. We plan to raise anchor tomorrow afternoon, Sunday morning, at the latest. We will be at sea in route to Key West with no communication for 24-36 hours. Our sole means of help will be our VHF radio. We had the option to either renew our SPOT tracking device or replace some of the rigging. The rigging was more important. We will post when we leave Boca Grande and when we arrive at Key West. The weather looks nice and we plan to sail most of the way. We will probably take watches which means one of us takes the helm while the other sleeps or rests. There are a fair amount of crab pots to watch for as well as boat traffic. I wonder how long it will take to install the autopilot?!