Wednesday, March 23, 2011

5 Day Family Sailing Adventure

March 14-18, 2011
We had fabulous weather this week for our 5 day Family Sailing Adventure and ASA 101-103.
Michael, Mirella, Alathea, and Cassandra from Toronto were treated to the best the Keys have to offer, warm breezes and crystal clear water. Due to the time change and these nice longer days, we were able to really pack in a lot of fun! Long days of sailing, snorkeling, dinghy trips to visit historic Key's landmarks and see local Key's color.

Michael and Cassandra at the helm
Our first day we departed the marina early in the afternoon and set a course SW to the Florida Bay. Passing under Channel Five bridge right at sunset was a treat! And thanks to Michael super yellow sunglass lenses we navigated the lobster buoys safely to our anchorage in Matacumbe Bite well after dark.
Mirella at the helm in Florida Bay, Michael ready to trim the sheets while we practice our sailing maneuvers.
Ever the Fashionista, Cassandra modeling her pink and yellow outfit and matching pink sailing gloves. We might be the best looking crew sailing on the bay!
Cassandra and Michael trim while we practice tacking.
After a long day sailing we arrive at Lignumvitae Key and take a dinghy ride to Robby's Marina. A colorful local haunt where brave youngsters can feed the giant Tarpon!
Brave Alathea holds the fish while this monster Tarpon approaches for the free snack!
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
The pelicans are not left out of this game either, they reach out from behind the latticework and steal the fish, causing quite the splash.

Well fed Pelicans and Tarpon
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
The following day after an early morning sail NE, we stop at a local reef for some snorkeling.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys

Michael takes Alathea to see the coral. Squeals are heard emanating through the snorkel as the colorful fish swim about.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
Mirella and Cassandra enjoying the swim.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
The ladies enjoying a beautiful evening off Tavernier Key with homemade Indian curry. Sailing and swimming work up quite the appetite.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
After another great sail, we arrive at Molassas Reef on day 4 for another snorkel adventure. Alathea and Cassandra prepare to dive in.

Mirella poses by the crystal clear water in front of the reef.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
And clear it was, best visibility in months.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
The girls eagerly wait for Michael so they can jump in.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
Michael swims the girls out to the reef.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
Molassas tower in the background.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
Mirella and I stand watch and prepare lunch for our hungry little swimmers.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
A nice afternoon of sail practice leads us to a beautiful sunset off Rodriguez Key.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys


We gobble up our home made pizza and watch the sunset!
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
Mirella demonstrates that beautiful ladies can be fabulous sailors! I just loved her hat!
Again, Mirella grinning ear to ear behind the helm, she always seems to get the boat sailing a little faster than Michael.
This time Michael gets to play with the lines as the girls read and relax.
Cassandra relaxing while we sail in a steady 16knts of breeze. She has her sea legs now!
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
Mirella and Alathea enjoying the sail.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
Michael aka. MR. 100%, now gets to play behind the helm, also grinning ear to ear trying to sail the boat just a bit faster.
ASA live aboard family sailing vacation in FL and the FL Keys
Mirella, Alathea, Cassandra and Michael at Robby's Marina.

Thank you all for letting me be your host this week. What a spectacular trip, form the sailing, swimming, food and conversation. Playing with the girls was such a treat and they both have such a high degree of natural skill I can't wait to see how they both progress. Keep sailing and making those dreams come true, you are an awesome family. ~ Capt..Edana

Dear Edana and Cour Volant- Thank you for an amazing voyage! We had a wonderful time. Mr 100%, myself and the girls were treated like family. Your cooking was delicious. Fish Tacos Yum!! You are a great teacher and helped us regain our love of sailing. All the best..Mirella, Michael, Alathea and Cassandra



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