07 April 2011
This week Sunshine Coast Adventures was pleased to host the super nice Gordon family from Decatur, Georgia. Devin's goals were to complete ASA101/103 initially this trip, then do some practice lake sailing this summer near home, then go for ASA104 later in preparation for taking his family on a bareboat charter trip in the British Virgin Islands. We are happy to report that Devin worked hard and achieved the first goal... congratulations! Kim and Brayden learned a bunch too, including terminology, steering, sail trim, and knot tying! They will make for top notch crew on their next sailing adventure.
Fresh easterly winds in the beginning of the trip led us to start the adventure early and make a fast passage down under the Channel 5 Bridge in Islamorada. First night at anchor was spent in Matecumbe Bight. Next morning a chance to snorkel near an abandoned quarry, followed by some some practice tacking and jibing on the smooth water of Florida Bay. Second night spent at Shell Key on the inside mooring ball. Third day saw us sailing "jib and jigger" (jib and mizzen, no mainsail) up the Intra-Coastal Waterway toward the Snake Creek Bascule Bridge. We made the noon bridge opening and then sailed downwind in Hawk Channel being pushed by southwesterlies all the way back up to our home waters near Tavernier. A brief but intense squall line chilled the air and wet the decks with a bit of fresh water as we came to anchor near Rodriguez and Dove Keys off of Key Largo. Fourth day we snorkeled the beautiful clear blue waters at Molasses Reef and then anchored in the lee of Rodriguez Key. We were joined by no less than 17 other boats (sail and power), most of whom were gone by dawn, making their way to the Bahamas or perhaps further up the coast before the summertime comes.
Thank you very much Gordon family for a great 5 days!
~Capt. Jeff
Dad coaches Son on the helm....
Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications
...while Mom relaxes in-between jib sheet trimming duties.
Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications
The Key Largo glass bottom boat and Molasses Reef light form the backdrop for our intrepid snorkelers.
Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications
Beautiful clear blue water; visibility >60 feet. Happy snorkelers here.
Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications
Brayden checks for traffic while holding a steady course.
Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications
The whole family about to take an evening kayak ride to the island.
Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications
We saw lots of big smiles this week! :)
Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications
Dear Jeff,
Thanks for the amazing trip. What a way to totally unwind. We learned so much! I can't wait for Brayden to share pictures and knots to his class.
Thanks again,
Kim, Devin & Brayden
For more information on our ASA sailing classes and instruction in Key Largo, FL. Please visit our website at www.sunshinesailing.com
We offer live aboard ASA sailing courses in the Florida Keys for couples, singles and women. We also offer sailing classes and sailing charters for families that would like to learn to sail in a friendly environment. During a typical live aboard sailing course, we mix in some snorkeling and some fishing while sailing. It makes for a perfect learn to sail vacation.
To read testimonials about our Learn to sail vacation packages and our sailing instructors at our Key Largo location please click here
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