We set out from Safe Harbor Marina in Stuart this morning bound for Black Pearl Marina in Jupiter, about a 30-mile run. I was a little nervous about backing the boat out of our open slip with a 20 MPH cross wind and neighboring boats just a few feet on either side, "other boat owners tend to get hot under the collar if your boat bumps into their boat". Fortunately, we got underway without any issue.
The trip down to Jupiter was pleasant except for the gusty winds and a light rain shower.
I had spent several hours yesterday calling multiple marinas in the Jupiter, West Palm areas looking for a slip that we could lay up in overnight (possibly for 3 to 4 weeks until the weather is suitable for passage to the Bahamas). It seems that spending the winter months on your boat in South Florida is popular and dockage is booked well in advance. The Black Pearl Marina in Jupiter agreed to rent us a "wet slip". A wet slip has 6 poles, with rigging that you tie your boat off to, and a rather short, narrow dock to access your boat. Fighting the 20 to 30 MPH winds, it took a dock hand, Connie, and me an hour to get the boat secured. I have a video in this Post of the boat at dock, when you watch the video notice the dock access and try to imagine getting 45 pounds of Cooper off the boat.
Last night I checked the forecast for the open ocean between West Palm and the west end of the Bahamas, (I have a copy of the report below). We decided to leave the boat in Jupiter, drive up to Hilton Head to enjoy the rest of the week, and "Live to boat another day".
Leaving dock this morning.
"Wet Slip Video"
GUANABANAS Restaurant in Jupiter.
