Unexpected trip... our boat insurance renewal came through and it had increased 40% from last year. So, we got some quotes and BoatUS came through as the best value for the dollar. However, they are requiring an out-of-ware survey to bind the insurance. Did some investigation and the closest boat yard that can haul SAILS was Gulf Marine Ways at Fort Myers Beach.

Scheduled a haul out with them for February 28th at 1300... about a 7.5 hour cruise to reach them and due to work Susan and I only have a small window to make the trip.

I was on call today Thursday and had to stay in Punta Gorda till late afternoon... typically, I am free and do not expect towboat calls after sunset... only had one night call since we arrived in late December 2013. So we planned to leave at sunset 1830. The weather was crappy all day and virtually no boat traffic and VHF radio traffic was dead so we opted to leave earlier at 1730.

Had 20 knot winds and current on our nose so we did not make the best time... taking 3.5 hours to go 21 nautical miles averaging under 6 knots and it was raining the entire trip. Still raining now as I write this blog entry. supposed to be nicer tomorrow with some sunshine... although it is forecast to be cooler with high of 70 degrees.

We also opted to not anchor and pulled up to the Cayo Costa State Park docks and tied up at 2100... we will be leaving in the morning at approximately 0800 for the remaining 4-5 hours to Fort Myers Beach.