DAY FOUR

It is 46 degrees in Jacksonville Beach this evening. Another 10 hour day but the weather was just beautiful. The water was smooth and the sun bright.

We just docked at beach marine at 6:30. Much too late to be navigating on the water but everything went well. Our first experience at cruising at dusk.

Hope to get started early in the morning for another run. Think Jim and I will both sleep well as we are exhausted.

DAY THREE

This blog will be brief as the high winds have kept us at the marina today. We plan to depart tomorrow as the forecast calls for cold weather but calmer seas. Walked to downtown Brunswick, found a cool nautical lamp at an antique store. Another project to add to my list.

DAY TWO

In boating, some days go well and other days, just as in life, are a challenge. A strong wind came up during the night and this morning our anchor was burried in the marsh. We got is free but were an hour late getting started.

The wind continued at 25-30 knots all day robbing us of 2 knots, tossing us about and consuming much more fuel. We ducked into Brunswick for the evening and will stay here until the winds die down. Brunswick is a beautiful city founded in the early 1700's. See several pics of this beautiful city but take notice of the flags . In that position, they are not a motor vessel's friend.

DAY ONE

Today we started our cruise from Savannah to Marathon in the keys. Today we piloted for 10 hours and covered 73 miles ending the day anchoring on North River at MM 253.

My friend Jim Norris (pic) was a tremendous help. It was a great day with a beautiful sunset (pic).

Two Days to Launch

We are making final preparations to launch SUNRAY, her new name, repairing all of those things that assure a safe trouble free (well almost) cruise. We had planned to drag the dingy behind the boat but instead, placed it on the bow where it seems to fit just right. We also swapped out the 15 HP outboard for a 4 HP which will be much more manageable. (see photo)

Tomorrow, my friend Jim and I will depart Greenville for Savannah, load her with provisions and launch out for Marathon in the Keys on Sunday morning, Jan 1. What a great way to start the new year!

Getting Ready

The Mainship Trawler is undergoing complete preparation for the January departure for the Keys. Her bottom scraped and painted, her hull buffed, the bow thruster motor being repaired at the manufacture, the inverter being repaired and a new name.

Yes, MACH V is now known as SUNRAY after our horse farm. Do not believe I can change the title of this blog but she will now be known as SUNRAY of Savannah, GA.

My friends Bill and Laura have already left for Marathon and are allowing me to track their progress. This will be so helpful as I develop the float plan for our cruise. My friend Jim from Greenville will join me for the Jan 1 departure and crew for me to Miami. I will be joined with a new crew in Miami for the balance of the trip.

This is so exciting as this will be my first long range cruise. I am READY TO GO.

Preparing for the wintering in the Keys

Doing some much needed maintenance on her hull in preparation for a winter trip to Marathon for three months. More on this trip to follow.