Day #1: With experienced crew Alan and Sally Seymour, of The Lord Nelson Victory Tug Sally W. #42, aboard, we bravely gave up our slip in the cushy confines of Key West Naval Air Station. East into the Hawk Channel we went. The air temperature was 75°F. Normally I wouldn't mention the temperature but seeing as almost the entire east coast is 32°F or below, I do so if only to remind myself how really nice it is in the Keys. Steady waves from the south rolled us a bit. The first opportunity to get on the north side of the US1 highway is at the Bahia Honda Channel. We did so and thereby traded the bumpy Atlantic for the glassy Gulf.
We anchored this evening off the NW end of Marathon. A new (to us) 35# CQR anchor is being put through its paces. It seems well hooked but time will tell.
First days out are always a bit anxious, especially after some major maintenance. The good news is that the engine purred and the bilges didn't fill.
38nm today and 38nm total. DBH
