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ICOM 802 SSB Radio head unit and speaker

We decided to add an ICOM 802 SSB and a Pactor III/USB modem for voice communication, weather data, and email access, especially related to Chris Parker, our weather information subscription service.

We had originally thought that we would buy an Iridium 9555 satellite phone and use OCENS email services. Then we discovered the issue of minutes prepaid for a specific time period which then expire, in addition to the contracted monthly services charges for access. We figure that within 2-3 years of satellite phone use, we will have paid for all SSB equipment, so we opted for the SSB instead.

The cutting in for the instruments

Little did we know HOW MUCH WORK it would be to install and set up, let alone to learn how to use the beast! The install took us 4 days full time, including installing the radio, the modem, GAM antenna, KISS counterpoise grounding system and a number 8 power wire directly from the battery bank. Now we are up and running, testing the transmission and reception of the unit. It is working great!

We bought everything except the antenna and grounding system from Gary Jensen, owner of www.DockSideRadio.com in Punta Gorda, FL. Gary sells kits that include all the ferrite chokes and special line filters that make for a great install. Gary also includes a 50 page book with step by step directions on how to install the unit and set up your radio. We had a bid for $900 to install the SSB, so we decided to try it ourselves and we were successful. I credit this success to Gary Jensen, who was exceptionally helpful via cell phone calls, text messages, and his well-written book. Thank you, Gary!

The completed panel – this was the EASY part!

Our first few days of testing have been on the Marine Channels only, since we are not yet HAM licensed. On day one, we heard from Colorado to North Carolina, to George Town, Bahamas all from Marathon FL. This is a range of about 500-800 miles. On day two, we transmitted with a check-in on the daily Cruiseheimers’ Net. The net controller reported a “Clear Voice and Good Signal” from George Town, Bahamas. So, we are very pleased with our install and our set up.

Our next goal is to install and set up SAILMAIL and we are also preparing for the HAM exams. 

We will see how that goes. For now, we have a working SSB and, from what we understand, that is a big accomplishment for a self-installed unit!

Here are a few photos of the install.

FOR A FULL 38 PHOTO ESSAY, PLEASE SEE THIS on IPYOA.com

I built the transceiver onto a custom shelf for wiring and for the modem

The custom shelf fits under the back of the nav desk

I designed the shelf so it can be dropped for servicing the radio and modem.

This is the magic bullet….Gary Jensen’s book

The finished nav desk where you can see a small section of the SSB shelf to the right under the desk. This install took away zero space!

FOR A FULL 38 PHOTO ESSAY, PLEASE SEE THIS on IPYOA.com

So, if you are thinking of an SSB install, then I recommend that you visit Gary Jensen’s web site and buy from him. He will gladly help you out and make sure you get your SSB rig up and running.

PS:
To prepare for a HAM exam, try this…

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Chuck and Lynn sail into Marathon Florida

Chuck and Lynn Evans of IP-380 CYAN completed their 7 year around the world circumnavigation when they made landfall in Antigua a few weeks ago. On  their way from the Caribbean to the West Coast of Florida, they stopped in Marathon for a visit at Capt Jim’s Harbour Cay Club. I was there in Rock Hall, seven years ago when they were bolting on their wind vane and I asked them where they were going. They said..”WE ARE GOING AROUND THE WORLD!”

Radeen, Chuck, Lynn and Hayden WELCOME HOME !

Radeen and I would read their stories together as the emails and blog posts came in from around the world. We marveled at their adventures and long passages. We emailed them in the South Pacific, loved the photos of them off Sydney Opera House, enjoyed their land travels in South East Asia, and followed them into the Indian Ocean and Red Sea via Pirate Alley, through the Mediterranean and finally while crossing the Atlantic.

Luckily, we were in Marathon as they were heading to the West Coast of Florida and so they came to HCC for a few days, http://HarbourCayClub.org, where fellow IP owner Capt Jim is an HCC owner and where several IPs spend the winter. We all were honored to celebrate their circumnavigation together!

The celebrations on the dock. First dock since the the MED !

Champagne popped, cheers erupted and hugs to all, as they stepped onto the docks after their 8 day voyage from St, Thomas, USVI. Truly amazing was the fact that cruising friends, who sailed the South Pacific with them, saw their post on Facebook and came to join in the celebration. Also here to greet them were…

• Jeff and Marjorie on IP45 FAR NIENTE
• John and Nancy Knight on IP420 ADVENTURESS (formerLY IP40 LARKING ABOUT)
• Hayden and Radeen on IP35 ISLAND SPIRIT
• Glenn and Valerie on IP31 FANCY FREE II
• Lanny and Jim, owners at HCC and guests Charlene and Ed
• Al and Marysea on Captiva, owners at HCC
• Sandy and Bill, guests at HCC

The many flags of the Countries they visited !

Celebrations under the TiKi Hut for sun downers and stories are continuing. Driving in were Capt Jim, IP29 FORTUNA, Keith and Blanca of IP31 TRUE LOVE, Mike and Carol of IP31 NOMAD.

It is hard to grasp the concept of sailing around the world, but as Chuck and Lynn say….”IT IS EASY, JUST KEEP HEADING WEST!”

Chuck and Lynn are amazing people, and they are very FUN to be around. I thank them immensely for their years of sharing their accomplishment of this incredible dream. They are looking forward to moving back to land and returning to gardening, woodworking and painting.Their new home will be decorated with beautiful pieces of native artwork from their circumnavigation. Well done, Lynn and Chuck!

Chuck and Lynn’s Web Site for PHOTOS:
http://www.starsonthesea.com/

Chuck and Lynn’s BLOG
http://sailingcyan.blogspot.com/

Chuck and Lynn’a YOUTUBE Videos
http://www.youtube.com/user/Lexxycyan/videos?view=0

Chuck and Lynn on FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/Lexxycyan

Chuck and Lynn’s photos on IPphotos
http://ipphotos.com/view_user_ads.asp?User_ID=210&Ad_ID=633

Here are some photos of the events…

Capt Jim, Keith, Blanca, Radeen, Nancy and John Island Packet Owners

Chuck gives to Hayden his ocean fishing rig, gaff and fishing book in appreciation for all the support over the years! WOW, this rig and gear was sailed around the world!

Chuck signs his book to us under the author’s signature from 2004

WELL DONE CHUCK and LYNN….world sailors!

Mike (IP 31 Nomad) w/ Lynn and Chuck

Hayden, Carol, Mike, Nancy, Chuck and Lynn

Radeen, Lynn and Marjorie enjoy an evening of visits and stories

Lynn and Chuck, IP380, World Sailors

The harbor full of Island Packet Yachts and World Flags

The famous TIKI HUT where we enjoy gathering at 1700 hrs.

Chuck and Lynn with owners Ed and BJ

Our pet Pelican overlooks one of our sunset gatherings….

It is a true honor to be in the company of Chuck and Lynn and to hear their stories and discussions of sailing around the world. Radeen and I are amazed at how easy they say it really is. JUST KEEP GOING WEST and you will sail around the world. Thank you Chuck and Lynn for seven years of emails, photos, blog posts and adventures, we were there with you the entire time…….and we loved it….Thank You!

LOOK AT THEIR WORLD TOUR HERE

Many of the cities in the world we have visited

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Radeen bikes to Sombrero Reef Beach, Marathon, FL

With the weather 80 degrees during the daytime and 70 degrees at night, it is nearly perfect here in the Florida Keys. Typical days tend to go like this. Up around 7-8, breakfast around 9. Boat work, web work and communications in the AM. Bike riding after lunch to the Post Office, grocery store, scenic Seven Mile Bridge, over to visit friends at other marinas, or a ride out to the beach. By 5 pm, it is “The Cone of Knowledge” or TIKI HUT time to watch the sunset and share stories and libations with good friends. At sunset, it is conch blowing time to alert the natives to the end of the day. Dinner is around 7 pm which is usually cooked onboard but sometimes we take in one of the many fine eateries around Marathon. The day will end around 10 pm as we count our many blessings for good friends, good health, and this simple peaceful lifestyle. Docked at Harbour Cay Club, we can become spoiled because it is so easy to live here. We always enjoy our time in the Keys!

Here are some photos of the past week….

Hayden, Radeen, Blanca, and Keith with Jimmy at Margaritaville, Key West

Radeen, Keith and Blanca at Key West Sunset Party, Mallory Square IP31 owners of TRUE LOVE

Local resident enjoying a porch railing at the oldest house in Key West

Key West Sunset

Jeff and Marjorie on IP 45, FAR NIENTE, arrive at Harbour Cay Club

Welcoming party for FAR NIENTE Keith, Blanca, Marjorie, Jeff, Ed, BJ, Michelle, Capt Jim, Hayden

Ocean Sailors Nancy and John arrive after sailing a prolonged gale of 35 knots. They sailed 3 days straight from St. Augustine to get here for Christmas!

Home marina friend Kathy, Radeen and Nancy Gary and Kathy are on GATSBY from Spring Cove in Rock Hall

THE CONE OF KNOWLEDGE…aka TIKI HUT where we all gather for sunset, stories and libations

Local pelican stops by for a visit

The birds at the fish cleaning station during a cleaning by Jeff

Marjorie, Nancy, and Radeen as we head out to Lazy Days

Egret waiting for hand outs during a fish cleaning. Jeff is our local Mangrove Red Snapper Fisherman

It is CHRISTMAS….notice the BOW on the BOW

Typical sunset at Marathon, FL

Northeast Maryland Yacht Reunion in Marathon, FL Gary, Loren, Kathy, Fran, John, Nancy

Christmas decorations on a local boat

Manatee Mailbox with a Santa Hat

Christmas Day on the Beach, 80 degrees and sunny with blue skies, Merry Christmas!

a Christmas Day Iguana enjoys the beach

Marjorie and Radeen laughing and working very hard in the kitchen.

Beautiful appetizer trays for our Christmas Dinner Thank you Marjorie

The outdoor Lanai set for 11 for Christmas Day Feast

One of TWO turkeys prepared. Note: This one was cooked on the grill. Great job JEFF

Marjorie, our party planner and wonderful chef, IP45 Far Niente

Jeff, IP 45 Far Niente, the MASTER at Grilled Turkey and Carving. Fantastic Job JEFF

The buffet table set with the feast

Gary and Kathy Sabre 42 Gatsby, friends from home

Spiral Ham, two turkeys, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and much more

Capt Jim and Michelle and Hayden having breakfast al fresco at The Stuffed Pig

Radeen and Marjorie and Jeff enjoying breakfast

As many people have said before, the cruising life is great. BUT, it is the people you meet that make it so interesting and so enjoyable. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all…….

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Docked under a Palm tree w/Christmas Lights up

Destination #1 for this year’s winter voyage has been reached! On Dec 11th, we arrived at Harbour Cay Club, a private marina where our good friend and fellow Island Packet Owner, Capt. Jim owns one of the 24 slips. The unused slips are rented on a weekly or monthly basis to others when available. This club is lovely, with beautifully maintained landscaping, a sunset Tiki Hut, comfortable club house with a second floor condo for rent, laundry room, bath house and free ice machines! This place will SPOIL you for any other marina, making it difficult to move on from here. We have one month booked and our plan is to sail back up to Miami on Jan. 15, where we will que up for our Exuma Bahamas run. For now, we will enjoy a peaceful Christmas and New Year’s. The owners make us feel so welcome here at HCC!

Our Luncheon gathering: Keith, Blanca, Michele, Radeen, Capt Jim, Carol & Mike

Radeen’s cruiser bike. Thank you CAREY

x

While here, we always make a list of boat jobs and spend much of our time working on the boat, riding bike, enjoying the Tiki Hut Sunsets and Libations at 1700 hrs, and just relaxing. When moving the boat everyday for 40+ days and 1,300 nautical miles, it is really nice to simply STOP. That is exactly what we planned and it is exactly what we are doing.

We enjoyed a small Island Packet group luncheon in the Lanai with Mike and Carol, IP31 NOMAD, Keith and Blanca IP31 TRUE LOVE, Capt Jim and Michele IP29 FORTUNA and Radeen and Hayden IP35 ISLAND SPIRIT. What a great afternoon with representation from services such as… Marines, Army, and the Miami Police. Our IP fleet is so interesting!

Here are some photos of the current activities.

It is HOT and SUNNY here in Marathon, so we deploy our sunshade and side drops to block the western sun.

Harbour Cay Club Christmas Party: Keith, Blanca, Capt Jim and Michele

A lanai luncheon overlooking Island Spirit, what a great place

The IP Battle Flag is raised.

Merry Christmas to Everyone from Harbor Cay Club Island Spirit with Christmas Lights UP

Radeen the Christmas ELF is very busy wrapping and making presents

The Galley of a Christmas Elf making FUDGE, Hot COCOA Mix and Cookies

We are really enjoying ourselves here and we wish everyone a peaceful and calm Christmas season.

Our hearts and prayers go out to our fellow citizens of Connecticut as we all take time to grieve this horrific tragedy. The United Way of Western Connecticut has set up a fund to take donations to help the families. If you want to help, please see these pages:

1. United Way Direct Donation page: https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/
2. The United Way of Western Connecticut:  http://www.uwwesternct.org/
3. Check donations may be mailed to:
   Sandy Hook School Support Fund
   c/o Newtown Savings Bank
   39 Main Street
   Newtown CT 06470

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Exiting Angelfish Creek into Hawk Channel…narrow

Hawk Channel 2012. This is our second time sailing SOUTH in the Hawk, and, once again, it did NOT disappoint us. Flat water 1-2, winds 10-15 and 50 miles of close reaching. Who can ask for more in the sailing world? Not us. We LOVE Hawk Channel. Yesterday, we departed Dinner Key at 1500 hrs and ran down Biscayne Bay to Elliott Cay where we dropped anchor in the dusk. Easy run. In the AM, we were underway by 0700 hrs and transiting Angelfish Creek by 0800 at high tide, perfect. Exiting the creek we found 6 feet 6 inches of water as we passed over the reef. Our boat needs 4 feet 6 inches, so not a problem.

Tides here are only one foot, so there is not much to play with and you sure DO NOT want to run aground at this point. Once out in Hawk Channel, we set sail, a reefed main and a 110% jib due to the 15-20 knots of close beat winds. Lucky for us, Hawk channel slowly turns to the SW which would be cracking off and some easier sailing, and that is exactly what we did all the way down to Channel Five. Overall this is a full 65 mile day and it takes all day, but it is a great sail. From here, it is a simple 24 miles to our winter home of Harbour Cay Club where we will spend one month relaxing, reflecting and planning our first Exumas run. From Rock Hall to here has been 1,260 NM as our log shows. After such a distance, we will be very happy to STOP MOVING the boat and dock for awhile. It is a great life out here, we do love it, but we also love docking…

Here is a photo essay of the leg…

We left the Helicopters on Yachts Behind…..really!

We left the city of Miami Behind…..See YA

Sunset off of Elliott Cay, peaceful

Mommy called….bring the yacht home…so home they go!

Sailing Hawk Channel, absolutely beautiful. Reefed jib to 110%

Come on….salt spray all over the boat….everywhere….errrrr

Salt spray on the windshields, lower and upper…..will hand wash boat at anchor….errrrr

Beautiful sun setting over our bow, as we sail southwest

There it is, Channel Five and the old Flagler Overseas Highway Bridge and the new 65 footer

GOOGLE MAP HERE SAILING HAWK CHANNEL VIDEO HERE We are grateful for a beautiful day of sailing on beautiful blue waters. Tomorrow we will dock at Harbour Cay Club and take a break for one month as we enjoy Christmas and New Year’s there. Thank you for following along..,

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Hayden, Radeen, Henry, Keith and Blanca

The north end of Biscayne Bay could become our winter sailing grounds as it has so many great places to sail to and to explore. We also have great friends here within the IPY fleet, Keith and Blanca who sail IP31 True Love. When we sail through here, Keith and Blanca have gone out of there way to help us and spend time visiting and sharing stories. I know I have said this before, but the IP Fleet is so connected, so supportive and such a family, that we all look out for each other and we always help each other in any way we can. Keith and Blanca are perfect examples of our fleet motto. This factor makes owning and sailing an Island Packet Yacht such a great joy. Team Island Spirit and our buddy boater Henry on IP35 Sans Souci Too, joined us for a great lunch at Flanigan’s in Coconut Grove. What a fun town!

Anchorages around North Biscayne Bay

Anchorages and places to visit in north Biscayne Bay are many. Here is a map with an X at places we have explored. Dinner Key to the west is ground zero and where the moorings and docks are located. To the north is Miami Beach and the famous South Beach area, very fun to explore. Then to the east are Virginia Key and Key Biscayne where No Name harbor is located. Open Google Maps and simply look at satellite images of this water. This is a PARADISE sailing are.

Radeen and our friendly Cormorant

Heading into shore in the AM as we were going for a few groceries, we were entertained by this cormorant on a mooring ball drying its wings in the hot Miami sun. We motored right up next to this bird and it was really fun to observe him so closely.  These birds dive under water and swim with their wings to catch fish. They are amazing to watch. Then they have to dry off their feathers for better flying. We see this all the time but it is still fun to observe.

Fork Lift returning a boat to their storage location

So, you want to have a powerboat in Miami? Well, this is how you store it and this is how you get it launched and re-stored. They use a massive forklift and your boat may be on the fourth level 35+ feet in the air. They are NOT tied down, and I have no clue how they don’t blow off in the storms. But this is how they do it.

IP350 WINDSPELL and Bow Decoration

It is getting close to CHRISTMAS and here is proof….our other buddies, Walter and Donna on IP350 Windspell stored here in Dinner Key for a week as they traveled home to family and friends. We found their boat to check up on it and noticed the beautiful “bow on the bow.”  How festive and beautiful!

Tonight we are anchored off Elliott Key in Biscayne National Park, about 20 miles south of Miami. At dawn we will pass through Angelfish Creek into Hawk Channel and sail and or motor the 45 miles down to Channel Five where we will cross back to the north side of the Keys. From there it will be an easy run the next day to Marathon and HCC, Harbour Cay Club, our Christmas and New Year’s destination.

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In the AM, this local paddled by our boat with his dog….FUN

Miami Beach / South Beach Florida is one incredible place to visit by sailboat. First of all, sailors can anchor right off the west shore of Miami Beach and then take their tenders into the Collins Canal and tie up to a small dock right on Dade Boulevard. It is easy to climb out of the canal and walk into town or hop on a local bus for 25 cents and ride it to Ocean Drive. We chose to walk via Lincoln Road Mall and then meandered our way east to Ocean Drive where we turned south and then walked down to 8th Avenue.

The address to walk in Miami Beach, FL

The scene is really fantastic with restored Art Deco Architecture and beautiful street side cafes and sidewalk dining. We simply kept walking south and south and south and eventually needed a break and took time for a nice late lunch. We had a sidewalk table at THE NEWS CAFE, 8th and Ocean Drive, and enjoyed a Cafe con Leche and a Cuban Sandwich while watching the people walk by. Life is absolutely surreal on Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami. The weather is beautiful, the people are lively, the architecture is fabulous, the beach is spectacular, and the pubs and restaurants are top notch. It would be very interesting to live here!

Speaking of living here, we found a one bedroom/one bath efficiency apartment for sale for $105,000 that is rented for $2,000 per month. WOW, what an investment. Living in Miami Beach Florida is a life in contrast. Some people drive a Rolls Royce, others drive a VW, some live in million dollar condos while others live in the city parks. One block is for millionaires while another block is for the homeless. We have never been in a city with so much diversity within such a confined small area.

From a boating perspective, it is easy to anchor off the west shore, and it is a wonderful town to walk and to visit. There is no place in the world like Miami Beach / South Beach, Florida! It is ….FUN…DIVERSE…and …INTERESTING….

Here is a photo essay of the day…

Our anchorage off Miami Beach, at night

Winter Haven on Ocean Drive, typical Art Deco Architecture

Merry Christmas from Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL

THE PLACE: The Royal Palm. If you want ground zero, this is IT

This is a Ferrari parked at the Royal Palm

Here is a Ford Hennesy GT1000, the fastest car in the world. 265 MPH in one mile, 0-60 in 3.7 seconds! http://www.topspeed.com/cars/ford/2006-ford-gt1000-twin-turbo-by-hennessey-ar110584.html

Ford Hennessey GT1000

Ford Hennessey GT1000

Ford Hennessey GT1000

Rolls Royce, one of many on Ocean Drive

These are as common as Chevys here in South Beach at the Royal Palm

Royal Palm and the RITZ, this is where you drive your Rolls

South Beach…..I found my NEW JOB, swimsuit model photographer….DONE

Hey, I can do this. I know how to use a camera. Hey….I have that camera!

Typical Sidewalk cafe and sofa and chairs to enjoy a coffee or cocktail

OK, time to head home. We rode the tender down the Collins Canal and under the bridges

The sun is setting across the harbor looking west at Miami from Miami Beach

A Carnival cruise ship in front of a bridge, heading out to the Bahamas from Miami Here is a MAP of WHERE WE WALKED as we explored Miami Beach! Click this map and study! What a day, what fun. Imagine, all day to walk around Miami Beach and South Beach, Florida. We are living a dream, and we appreciate every day. Thank you for sharing our adventures together. Tomorrow, we will move south to Dinner Key and Coconut Grove area for a few days.

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The night view from our current anchorage spot

Departing Fort Lauderdale, we motored between two mega yachts, Seven Seas on starboard and Pegasus Five on port. We then passed under the 54. 8 ft. 17th Street Bascule Bridge without asking for an opening. Our mast is only 48 feet plus our aerial of 1.5 feet, so we have a total height of 49.6 ft. We had room to spare but it looked very close. (Note: If you ask for a bridge to open and you did not require the opening, Florida can fine you $25,000!) Next was the Port Everglades cruise ship terminal with one ship docked.

The ICW from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami is only 26 miles long, with 8 lift bridges, and then the infamously short Julia Tuttle Bridge at only 55 feet. That is a BIG error as all other ICW bridges are 65 feet, but this one is 55 feet. Oops! So, tall sailboats need to exit to the ocean at Fort Lauderdale and sail outside to the Miami inlet known as Government Cut. Boats shorter than 55 feet, like ours at 49.5 feet, can stay in the ICW and pass under this low, non-opening bridge.

Here is photo progression of our day from Ft. Lauderdale to South Beach.

Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, launched in 2008 4,370 passengers and 1,360 crew

Now that is a massive ship!

Commercial shipping with containers being off loaded

Welcome to HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA

Sunny Isles lift bridge with an engineer taking a break from working on the system

There it is….the JULIA TUTTLE bridge, built to 55 feet, NOT 65 feet…OOPS!

Julia Tuttle Bridge barge boards showing the clearance of 55 feet, plus a little

Welcome to South Beach and the Collins Canal. Taking the dinghy to town

Thank you for building a new dinghy dock in the Collins Canal! Dock right on the highway

Yes, that is a McLaren….a $500,000 dollar car, only about 100 in the USA! http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/slr-mclaren/

Brand new yacht being cleaned for delivery. Notice the people! This is about 90 feet long.

Miami Beach living on the marina side

Biscayne Bay Speed boat ride, looks fun

South Beach at dusk as the lights come on

Island Spirit at anchor off South Beach

So much to discover and so much to see. Time to view some Art Deco Architecture on Ocean Drive. Travel by sailboat is wonderful. We are very lucky and so appreciative everyday……

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Close up of Seven Seas

The photos for today are of the motor yacht Seven Seas (7C’s), rumored to be Steven Spielberg’s yacht, and Pegasus V which is available for charter. Finally, we show an 86 foot Domino by Riva Yachts, which in this town with these other big players, looks like a dinghy!

It is unreal that an 86 footer, which sells for six million dollars, looks so small. This town is for very high rollers and it is really interesting to see their yachts up close. Here is a photo essay. Note the crew getting ready to rappel off Seven Seas to clean the sides!

Seven Seas Motor Yacht, 87 meters long http://www.charterworld.com/news/stunning-oceanco-motor-yacht-seas-2011-monaco-yacht-show

Side balconies curve out on the upper decks

Seven Seas Motor Yacht

The bow of Seven Seas motor yacht towering over the Hilton hotel

The Bow of Seven Seas and the 17th Street Lift Bridge, Fort Lauderdale

Notice the hotel and the balconies blocked by this enormous yacht!

Time to clean the yacht, notice the crew, this is nearly a football field long

The Bow of Seven Seas and the motor yacht Pegasus V

Look at the scale, look at the crew, they are washing and drying the sides

Notice the Crew, they are cleaning the sides, check next photo

The crew uses mountain climbing gear to hang from the sides and clean the boat

Across the harbor is Motor Yacht Pegasus V, check their interiors here http://www.my-pegasus.com/index.html

Motor Yacht Pegasus V http://www.my-pegasus.com/index.html

Yachts are more important than homes, here the bow hides this home

The tender to tow behind is on the inside with 600hp

This is an 86 foot Domino that sells for $6,000,000 In Fort Lauderdale, it looks small compared to other yachts! http://www.riva-yacht.com/visitors/index.php?page=modelli&lang=en&mod=domino

86 Foot Domino by RIVA

65 Foot Motor Yacht at a home looks so ordinary! 65 FOOTER!!!

Yachts enter the inlet, turn north under the 17th Street Bridge and dock. There are also service yards south of the inlet as well. OK, enough of Fort Lauderdale because tomorrow we will move to the Art Deco Capital of the world, SOUTH BEACH. Maybe I can find some models to photograph! 🙂

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Glenn’s Photo of us as seen from his balcony….very cool

Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the ICW presents a photographic delight, especially in the early am light. Lucky for us, we started off the day with an email from a fellow Island Packet 31 owner who sent us a photo of our boat as seen from his high rise balcony. That was VERY COOL. We stepped outside and looked around and sorta figured out the angle. We exchanged emails and shared our departure time and Glenn was able to take this fantastic photo of Island Spirit as we headed south on the waterway. THANK YOU GLENN, the photos are a real treasure.

Waiting for the lift and backing against the current

Today was also another day of 10 lift bridges in about 22 miles as we planned to make Fort Lauderdale our next stop. The homes and the mega yachts along this section of the waterway are really incredible. The success of so many people and the extreme wealth of so many people, all in one place, is hard to fully grasp. Today with the Internet it is easy to Google a Yacht name and find out who the owner is and what their businesses are. Many famous people call this area home and it is very obvious.

I shot 130 photos today, and many I have taken before. Please enjoy this photo essay of the waterway in are around Fort Lauderdale, Florida. All of these homes are SINGLE homes, not condos or complexes….SINGLE HOMES!

Love the skylights in the Spanish tile roof

Another one of these Gun Gray Colored yachts

Love this one with the boat drive in garage

Beautiful, classy, stately

One Home, but 3 home lots at least….on the water!

Beautiful ivy

The homes on the ends of the peninsulas are the biggest

Building a new mega home

Typical traditional Florida Waterway Home of a few years ago

Three, 350hp Yamahs motors, that is 1,050hp….just a toy Each motor is $22,000.00 x 3 = $66,000 in motors http://www.boats.net/outboard_motor/Yamaha/350HP/Y-F350XCA.html

Who knows the sq footage? 7,000, 10,000 sq.ft.?

James Moran’s Yacht (one of 200) Auto dealerships worth billions For Sale for $42,500,000.00 http://www.boatinternational.com/yacht-sales/28855/gallant-lady-for-sale

Typical waterway traffic, that is buddy boat IP35 Sans Souci Too with us

WINNER! Four 300hp Mercury Outboards, that is 1,200hp….toys Motors are $21,000.00 each X 4 = $84,000 just in motors! http://www.boats.net/outboard_motor/Mercury/300HP/parts.html

Typical Florida Waterway home BEFORE they  build a MEGA home

We saw several of these Gun Meta Gray yachts, interesting and evil looking

Toys….simple…. little ….toys….3 to 4 stories tall

I hate when my Yacht (4 stories tall) blocks the view from my home….ugh

There, that is better, keep the yacht low and off to the side so we can see the home!

Follow My Blog, you can charter me and explore the world http://www.mvcopasetic.com/about.htm

Archimedes, she is for charter also, book here here http://www.superyachts.com/motor-yacht-2239/archimedes.htm

Archimedes, sleeps 8 guests and provides a crew of 10 $$$

WINNER: Can’t Top This: Steven Spielberg’s Yacht called Seven Seas 285 feet long, 45 feet wide, 79,000 gallons of diesel, 10,000hp http://www.superyachts.com/motor-yacht-8582/seven-seas.htm

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