Bellatrix

12 November 2015

Palm Beach, FL

Well, we had the boat hauled at the Hinckley yard in Stuart, the rudder shaft is bent, they didn’t think straightening it was a good idea. We called Catalina, which is in Largo, and they will have to build one, that will take about 3 weeks. While the boat was out we also noticed the new bottom paint was flaking away. We were advised by Interlux to try Micron 66, it’s not working. Ed Harwood called the Baltimore rep and it sounds as though they are going to make good on the paint, they will supply us with 4 gallons of CSC. We are going to continue cruising south, Lauderdale, maybe Miami and the Keys, and then go back north when the rudder is ready.

We caught up with Bev and John Stehman in Stuart and had a wonderful evening together, we will see them again when we go back to Hinckley. The boat will be on the hard for about 4 days and we will have to find a hotel that is pet friendly. We dinked to “Hole in the Wall” at John’s suggestion, a neat little bay with fish jumping everywhere.

We left Stuart on Saturday and anchored in Peak Lake, again at John’s suggestion, and walked over to the ocean side and spent a beautiful day on the beach.

We were shocked by the news of a boat fire at Bowleys and are saddened by our friends losses, fortunately no one was injured. We understand the Bowleys staff, led by Ed Harwood, did a stellar job, training does pay. I hope all of our Bowleys friends will let them know.

Traveling through Jupiter, are the most inconsiderate boaters we’ve ever encountered. No speed limits, they’ll head straight at you and turn at the last minute. Even paddle boarders get no consideration. Usually boats will give sailors a “slow pass” to limit wakes, but not here. We did see Annette and Harry of “Island Breeze” whom we had met in the Bahamas last year.

We stopped at Rivera Beach Municipal Marina for 2 days, laundry, a stop at the VA Hospital for Skip. The Doctor there had done his residency at University of Maryland Hospital, nice guy, good conversation. Skip did some boat maintenance and we visited the “Boat Owners Warehouse” for some spare parts. We met Roosevelt the dockhand again, he’s a great guy, and will do anything he can to help.

Wednesday was Veterans Day, thanks for all of the well wishes. We understand Randy Robinson, Jr.is home from the Middle East, thank you Randy for your service to your country. Mom and Dad must be glowingly proud.