EUROPA slipped her lines in Clearwater April 25, 2009 and took a very casual pace to Florida’s east coast through Lake Okeechobee. Lake levels were down to 5ft. but we made it across without finding the bottom. We departed Lake Worth Inlet at 6:45am on Tuesday, May 5. Easterly winds 5-10 kts. and an easterly swell with waves too close together had us pounding a bit for the first two hours. However, as we approached the axis of the Gulf Stream, the distance between waves increased and improved our ride. Seas subsided to 1-2ft, and we sat back, let the autopilot do the driving, and enjoyed a quiet crossing; arriving at West End at 2:15pm.
Approaching the Bahama Bank, the dark cobalt blue hues of the Gulf Stream slowly changed to royal blue, turquise, then emerald green. No matter how many times you see this site, it always takes your breath away.
We cleared customs, washed the salt off EUROPA, and had our first cold beer. We love Old Bahama Bay, the resort marina at West End; and stay for 3 nights before heading for the Abacos.
