The following morning, the wind was still blowing from the north-northeast when we set off again, sailing buoy to buoy but making sure our track didn’t stay too far from the channel. The catamaran was sailing all the way like an absolute dream. By noon, we were around Duck Key with hard winds blowing, sailing southwest past the Davis Reef. When the 20 mph breezes subsided we found the full main and jib to be the perfect combination. I easily adjusted to the motion of sitting on the starboard, up on the hull, and steering by the telltales: the tracking was smooth, and the helm responsive and quick. By evening, a considerable chop was whipping up at our anchorage at Boot Key near Marathon. The next day we sailed on to Newfound Harbor. We stopped at Looe Key where we tied up to a mooring ball and snorkeled the pristine reef. After Lunch we took a short sail into the anchorage at Newfound Harbor and spent the night. The next day we sailed the final leg all the way to Key West. As we approached Key West I fired up the diesels and motored into the Galleon Marina in Key West Bight. We enjoyed a great meal and libations in the old town of Key West on our final night of the trip. The journey had truly flashed before my eyes, I couldn’t wait to plan a new adventure on these exciting Florida waters.

Further south in Biscayne Bay is Boca Chita.  This harbor is similar to No Name Harbor but a bit smaller and has a faux lighthouse as a landmark.  Here you can tie off to the seawall when spending the night. Again there is a fee collected on the honor system for anyone spending the night on their boat here. There are no services on Boca Chita only a small rocky beach, park benches, BBQ grills, and of course the Faux Lighthouse.

Be careful in Biscayne Bay and pay attention to depth as fines may be issued in Biscayne National Park for groundings. The only entrances and exits from the bay to open water that is navigable by sailing vessels is Old Biscayne Channel just south of Key Biscayne and Angelfish Creek located at southern Biscayne Bay.

If you plan to fish from your boat or dive for lobster (when season permits) you will need a saltwater license (crawfish stamp for lobstering), which you can obtain online, at local bait shops, dive stores, and marinas. Lobstering is prohibited in most of the bay, and fishing regulations are enforced- seasons apply to many species. Divers can fill their tanks at Divers Paradise (Crandon Marina, Key Biscayne; 305-361-3483) and moorings mark popular dive sites in Biscayne National Park (www.nps.gov/bisc/home.htm) For a cultural and historical fix, visit any of the following on your trip: Cape Florida Lighthouse (305-361-8779), the Commodore’s former home, “The Barnacle” (3485 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 305-448-9445), Fairchild Tropical Gardens (10901 Old Cutler Road, South Miami; 305-667-1651) and Viscaya- the home and gardens of James Deering (3251 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 305-250-9133). Be sure to try local Cuban food around the marina!

For more information, the following are all available through Bluewater Books and Charts: Cruising Guide to the Florida Keys by Captain Frank Papy, Florida Keys and Everglades Cruising Guide by Captain Freya Rauscher, and Maptech Embassy Guide to the Florida Keys and Gold Coast 

Florida Keys, FL: Monroe County, which envelops all of the Keys, is also set to participate in the pilot Florida FWC mooring program. Key Largo, Marathon and Key West, all of which have mooring fields, are being explored for potential anchoring restrictions. All three sites have held workshops, allowing the county to gather public commentary on the various possibilities. As is policy in the FWC program, any restrictions on anchoring in the vicinity of mooring fields will need to be approved directly by the FWC.

In past years, anyone who cruised through the Keys noticed the Boot Key Harbour anchorage prior to its cleanup and the placement of moorings by the city of Marathon. Now, rather than dishevelment and abandoned boats, the area has been transformed into an organized mooring field replete with boats that any of us would be happy to live by. The city of Marathon provides a secure mooring, pump-out service, dinghy dockage, shoreside facilities with laundry, bike rakes, trash collection and other services for a modest fee. This is only one instance of moorings improving an area, and overall, as long as restrictions on anchoring are limited to populated regions with a large amount of boaters, a mooring field with its amenities can offer advantages over anchorage.

Sailing from Fort Lauderdale into Green Turtle Cay by way of Great Sale Cay and West End is the preferred route. Once there, an ideal week around Abaco might begin with a departure from Marsh Harbour, on Abaco Island, and sailing over to Hope Town. A famous candy-striped lighthouse is one of three kerosene-powered lights still in the world. From there to the northwest, a village in Man O’ War Cay has preserved its traditionalWest Indiescharm, where snorkeling, bonefishing, and plenty of drinks can be enjoyed. Sail to the gorgeous Baker’s Bay, at Great Guana Cay, and explore the 5.5 mile long, scenic, sandy beach. On Sundays, Nipper’s Beach Bar and Grill hosts a pig roasting with live music and dancing that should not be missed.

For some relaxation, sail from there to Green Turtle Cay and take advantage of the resort facilities at the Bluff House marina, including live music, amazing beaches, deep-sea fishing, and diving opportunities. Head back towardsAbacoIsland’s Little Harbour- here, a narrow sandy spit separates theAtlantic Oceanfrom the harbor. (A group of artists has lived here since the 1950s) At this point the more curious traveler can still find a multitude of historical and other sights at Green Turtle Cay’s village of New Plymouth. Make sure you stop by the inlet at Treasure Cay, where you can walk barefoot along the beach.

Charter This Boat!

Call Us at 1.800.327.0228

Charter This Boat! Call Us at 1.800.327.0228

Across the street from the Port is the Radisson Hotel with casinos and wonderful restaurants. You can purchase a day pass at the hotel to have access to the beach, water sports, pools, and musical entertainment. The hotel will provide you with beach towels.

While in Port Lucaya don’t forget to visit “Pier 1” Restaurant where you can see their shark feeding from your table. Or take a cab and go to The Lucayan National Park and/or The International Bazaar both are worth the ½ to 1 hr drive.

If you bring children under 90 lbs., please buy a personal flotation device (PFD, i.e., life jacket) well before your departure to make sure that it fits properly and the child is accustomed to wearing it for extended periods of time. Although we can provide Coast Guard approved PFD’s, our experience indicates that these models are not particularly comfortable, and no child acclimates readily. Please advise before hand if you require our PFD’s for children.

Ship’s Store
At the Ship’s Store, located at our marina in Ft. Lauderdale, you will find T-Shirts, Polo Shirts, Sweat Shirts, Hats, Sun Lotions, Sun Glasses, Film, Disposable Underwater Cameras, Sailing Gloves, Charts, Cruising Guides, Ice, and all the rental items listed below.

Charts and Guides
We have the latest, most recently updated cruising guides for the Bahamas and Florida Keys for sale for $39.95 and $19.95, respectively. Because of wear, tear, coffee stains and old courses scribbled on charts that are left on board, we do NOT provide navigational charts. However, we do offer over 25 different detailed double sided, waterproof NOAA charts covering all the Keys and Bahamas for $21.95 …a two-for-one (front and back) deal.

Snorkeling/Diving/Fishing Gear
The crystalline waters of the Bahamas make snorkeling inevitable…and Pennykamp State (underwater) Park, on the southeast side of Key Largo, has the only living coral reef on the continental United States. Bring your mask and fins, or we can outfit you for $25.00 per week, per set. Hawaiian Slings or Pole Spears are available for rent for $20.00 per week. For those who wish to spend more time underwater there is a SCUBA Dive shop close by that rents tanks and BC’s. They can outfit you for an unforgettable diving adventure. Be sure to mention that you are chartering with Fun In The Sun so that you get a discount. Deep Sea Fishing Rods with Reels are available for rent for $30.00 per week. We have lures for sale and bait is available close by.

Kayaks/Windsurfers/Coolers
Take advantage of some of the other toys we offer such as novice to intermediate Wind Surfers and Tandem Kayaks. Both of these are available for rent at a price of $175.00 per week. If you decide you need some extra cold stowage, you may rent a 72-quart cooler for $20.00 per week.

Provisioning/Shopping/Restaurants
A Winn Dixie supermarket, with everything you need, is located about a mile away right next to a very good liquor and wine store. A gourmet and health food market is just down the road (for those first-day vine-ripened tomatoes and fabulous breads). A West Marine outlet is located about a third of the way to the supermarket, Border’s Bookstore is just across the bridge, and a rather fancy mall is a short walk. The beach is just a little farther. We are surrounded by restaurants (South Western, Italian, French Caribbean, Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Burgers, and Subs) with prices and sophistication ranging from budget to elegant.

Captains
Coast Guard licensed captains are available at $175 per day. They can accompany you for the first day or two to get you used to the boat or help you across the Stream, or stay with you for the week. Ask us for resumes and a phone interview.

Fun In The Sun Yacht Charters wants your sailing vacation to be a memorable experience filled with good times, fair winds, warm water, and bright sunny days. If you have any special requests we will do everything possible to accommodate you to the best of our ability. Whether you are on your way to the Florida Keys or getting ready for a Gulf Stream Crossing make sure you set your watch to island time, kick back, and enjoy yourself!

Experience the thrill of true blue water sailing across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas. Sail the Florida Keys and snorkel the only living coral reef in the continental United States.

Fun In The Sun Yacht Charters has been in business since 1979 and is the oldest charter company in South Florida. All of our yachts are meticulously maintained. We offer personalized service, from reservations to chart briefings and mechanical checkouts. You will be dealing with the owners of the company every step of the way. New yachts are available as well as more economically priced “seasoned” yachts. Dinghy and outboard are always included. Excellent charter destinations are available from our Ft. Lauderdale base. Bimini, Grand Bahamas, Dry Tortugas, Key West, Miami Beach, are just a few of the destinations available.