Day 9-10, April 15: Marathon to Key Biscayne Yacht Club

Up early with the sunrise on Tuesday, and off the docks by 6:40 for our long day north. Calm waters and little wind were welcomed, and watching for crab pots was our excitement for the day. It was our first time taking the inside route from Marathon to Biscayne Bay and Key Biscayne Yacht Club.  With a f5 ½ ft draft in the sailboat and shallow spots along this route, we were always relegated to the Atlantic.  When we purchased the Mainship Pilot with a 3 ½ ft draft we knew it would allow us to go places we never could before.  Marathon to Miami was what everyone told us, an uneventful and faster route to Miami than outside on the ocean. It was definitely was, and in site of the club in just six hours, which would have been twelve at least in the sailboat. Kind of liking the “fast lane!”

Our plan was to leave here Wednesday around 10:00, get fuel and head five miles to Coral Reef Yacht Club. 

Best laid plans on a boat are to have none.  Got to the fuel dock with two engines, but a beeping sound continued until the engines stopped, which should have raised the question "why."  After getting the fuel, the starboard engine wouldn’t start, so Captain checked out the starter, but with no luck, so limped back over to our slip on just the port engine. Luckily the slip was still available, and without much wind and without any help secured Never Say Never.  After multiple calls to 20 possible mechanics, finally got a local who zeroed in on our issue and sent over one. He can get the part in by Friday, so we will remain in this lovely place at least another couple of days before moving on to Ft. Lauderdale.  

Probably make a trip to Winn Dixie and ride bikes to No Name Harbor at the end of Key Biscayne where we have anchored in the sailboat. Makes tomorrow a day to explore, relax and prep for Friday.

Grateful for the blessing of a beautiful, safe harbor where help is soon on the way!