Vero Beach to Hobe Sound Anchorage

We spent and extra day in Vero Beach to wait out a storm front. We were able to take care of some more laundry and re-provision prior to the rains and strong winds.  Dwayne rode the free Vero Beach Go Bus through the beachfront area and into the shopping district.  It was a good way to see Vero Beach and get to learn more from the other cruisers on the bus about traveling the ICW and other boating matters.  It rained quite heavily after dark.  Big raindrops pounded the cabin and decks. Gallons of water rolled off the bimini. Carla was happy to see how clean Foreign Affair's decks were in the morning.  The heavy rain saved her a lot of work.  We departed Vero Beach shortly after 0900.

Billboard Boat

This was definitely one of the most beautiful and pleasant days on the water.  The sun was out and temperatures where in the high 70s.   The light breeze allowed us to motor sail with the genoa unfurled for nearly half the day.  We cruised along nicely at over 6 knots and occasionally 7 knots when the wind piped up.  The two bridges we had to pass under opened upon request.  So, we didn't have to waste any time waiting for an opening.   The only place we slowed down was in the heavy traffic and opposing current in the St. Lucie Inlet.

We arrived at our anchorage at 1600 and were settled in and relaxing in the cockpit within a half hour. Two large trawlers anchored near us.  The anchorage was very peaceful and picturesque.  We know it will be much different tomorrow as we navigate our way through the increasingly urban portion of the ICW. We will pass under 17 bridges before we reach our anchorage in Boca Raton.  Worse yet is that many of these bridges are restricted and have set opening times.  On the bright side, the weather tomorrow should be much like today.

St Lucie Inlet