The lights from Fort Lauderdale illuminate the coastline off our port beam.  A blanket of darkness has just replaced the last glimmer of daylight.  I’m sitting in the cockpit searching the night sky for the first few stars as our old friend Orion comes into view while Janet is busy tracking a tug and its barge that seems to be on a collision course with us.  Small 2-3 foot seas gently rock 'Charbonneau' as we sail towards our destination, Fort Pierce.  The depth gauge is displaying dashes (meaning that we’re in over 500 feet of water), the winds are 12-15 knots from the east, and our speed-over-ground just hit 10.6 knots as a trail of phosphorescence traces the way we’ve come. 

     I can’t help myself.  I love sailing offshore at night.  The wind, the sound of the water rushing by, the brilliant night sky all make my senses that much more aware.  Tonight is shaping up to be a great sail.  The small seas, winds from the right direction, and the Gulf Stream’s northerly current are unusual for us.  'Charbonneau' normally finds herself fighting both wind and current.  This is special and we both realize it immediately. 

     We spent last night anchored south of Rodriguez Key (east of Key Largo).  We hauled our anchor this morning and pointed our bow north towards Fort Pierce.  When we arrive tomorrow morning, we will have covered 160 nautical miles.  The first part of our trip was spent navigating our way up the Hawk Channel inside the reef that protects the Florida Keys.  We weaved our way around several coral heads near Turtle Rocks in search of deeper water.  Using our charts and reading the depths by water color, our hearts were in our throats on more than one occasion as the bottom seemed to reach up to meet us.  Finally, we were greeted by rolling five-foot swells and crystal-clear blue water as 'Charbonneau' shouldered her way out into the deeper waters of the Atlantic. 

     We've just set a new 'Charbonneau' speed record – 11.7 knots (over ground).  We’re seeing consistent speeds of 10.5 knots and it feels like we’re flying!!   What a night! 

     Well, its 9:00, time for my watch and for Janet to get some rest before she comes back on at midnight.   Oh, how I cherish these moments.

Passage Note – Euphoria quickly changed to a rousing ride.  By 9:30 the seas increased to 7-9 feet and the winds were holding steady at 22, with higher gusts.  The remainder of the trip was less than comfortable and marked by confused seas attempting to board ‘Charbonneau’.  One found its mark and soaked everything in the cockpit (including dogs and crew).  Note to self -- Never write about perfect sailing conditions until well after we’ve arrived! 

Checklists for Offshore Preparation:

• Pre-Departure Checklist
• After Departure Checklist
• Storm Preparation Checklist