Journey Back from Cuba - Part 1, Key West

After spending a few days in Cuba, we set off on the trip back to the US.  Having raced non-stop from Pensacola to Cuba, and dealt with the adversity of being dismasted, changing boats, then beating into the weather most of the way, we were ready for a more relaxing trip home.

We decided to break up the trip with a couple of stops, the first of which was in Key West.  We then planned to stop somewhere in the Tampa Bay area - location to be decided en-route.  We left Cuba (Marina Hemingway) on Sunday and headed out for the 90 mile or so crossing to Key West.  Winds were "fresh" at 25 or so, and the seas a healthy 4-6 ft.  The boat liked it and we had to reef down a couple of times.  TraSea has in-mast furling and also has a very large (140% I think) jib.  We made amazing time to Key West averaging over 8.5.kts.  In fact, we figured we would arrive at daylight and actually got into the Bight in the very early hours of the morning.  We decided to anchor between Tank Island and Wisteria Island until daylight and then see if we could get a slip at one of the very expensive marinas.

Wasted away in Margaritaville? ....or just a long sail?

We spend 2 nights in Key West with a slip at Conch Harbor Marina.  This is a great little marina, if you can stand the price - but its Key West, and what the hell.  it is a stone's throw from West Marine, they have free bikes, and its an easy walk to everywhere.  The bar at the end of the dock also has a pool - which was very welcoming!

The obligatory Key West Galleons

While in Key West, our best friends talked us into doing something we had never done before.  Well - as they say, what goes on in Key West stays in Key West right?  And just in case you are wondering what this "first" might be, it was singing Karaoke, which we did in a delightful little gay bar called Bobby's monkey Bar.  I am not sure that was something on my bucket list, but if it is, it is certainly crossed off now!

As you can see, we visited all the usual "haunts" and had a real good time.

We even had time to visit and art gallery and see my favorite painting.  Yes, if I ever have a spare $6k, I will treat myself to this.  I go visit it every trip to Key West - the photo really does not do it justice.  But since I own a boat, chances of me ever having a "spare $6k" are pretty slim!

Two of our crew members, Ron and Julie left us in Key West and headed home.  We were sorry to see them leave, but that four letter word was calling....you know W@RK.  Erghh....I should really have been thinking about it too.....But onward north!