First Sail

Athena was moved to her new residence on Saturday, October 7th.
What an awesome and thrilling day....
The motor down Big Marco River was beautifully sunny like any perfect day in SW Florida.
We had lots of food and a great lunch.
Vicki made yummy vegetarian sandwhiches.

After motoring down Big Marco River, we took Athena out for her very first sail since I became hers just one year ago this month.
Out we went through Coon Key Pass and into the Gulf past Coon Key Light.
Engine off, sailing away...
Oh, but someone told me never to go sailing on a schedule...
It was a perfect day.
But, the rest of life called,
we had to turn around...



As we returned, the final part of the trip into the marina became quite an adventure as the motor faulted and the decision was made to sail into the marina....
There are no words to explain how tricky this was, and we were darn lucky we were coming in while still on an almost full moon high tide...


The challenge was awesome. I'll be sorry the day I forget.
Vicki, thanks for being the depth sounder!!!
Russell, you are an amazing sailor and it was just awe inspiring to see you in action :)
My hero, my mentor :)