 We
became friendly with the Hansa crew. They helped us understand
the heritage and history of the Jule III. The captain (Thorstein)
gave Bob a tie and tie tack of the Hansa Yacht Club. Christoph
provided a lead-in to the Kieler Yacht Club ( Jule III's original
home port) where we later learned much from the designer and
owner of the Jule III. Hansa had received damage (i.e., struck a
sunken container) prior to Key West. They arrived at Port
Canaveral without further incident. We wished them a 'bon voyage'
as they left for 'the Bermudas'.
 A
dead manatee! Or so we thought. We saw this really big manatee
near our boat.,but it didn't move. We went to the marina manager
and he attempted to inform the manatee people. Where is the Save
the Manatee Club (SMC) when you need them? Probably suing
somebody. Turns out the big fellow was just sunning himself..
However, manatees don't usually fare well on ocean side of the
barge canal. Hopefully, he made it back home without incident.
 We
stayed a week longer than expected. Our close friend in Melbourne
had a medical emergency and needed our help Our god-kids became
members of the Jule III. Eric and Stephanie worked with us while
their mother was treated in Tampa. Life is good as the treatment
was a success. We enjoyed taking care of the kids. During our
stay in Port Canaveral Ann celebrated her "50th"
birthday. She won't forget this one. Prior to our voyage
north, we met the crew of S/V Oz. They were planning to
leave Port Canaveral at 0100 heading for Charleston via
Fernandina Beach. That was too early for us. We left Port
Canaveral for the Outside at 0645. The ICW was not an option as
they closed the canal locks for two weeks for repairs.
 Samantha
Jane was a reluctant member of the crew during our trip home. She
slept in the sink the first day on the 'outside'. Weather the
first day out was OK. We motorsailed (mizzen and jib) for the
next 15 hours. At 2215 the wind died and brought down all sails.
The mizzen jammed on the topping lift and would not come down!
After playing around with it for a half hour, it finally
released. At 1100 the next day, we approached the entrance to the
St. Mary River. The weather was deteriorating so we decided to
stop at Ferandina Beach.
|
