Arrive in Florida, discover a new anchorage | Ep. 253
The wind falls flat calm while I enter the Old Florida Channel. Fortunately the flooding current assists my labors with the sculling oar and takes me straight to the anchorage off of Key Biscayne. Nice. I drop anchor just before midnight, completing the passage from Bermuda in thirteen days. Following a few weeks of rest I am then headed southwest to the Florida Keys.
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How to Sail Oceans
Kevin Boothby, PhD, documents the forensics of engineless blue-water voyaging. Join his 2026 Bahamas expedition aboard the Gilmer 31 cutter, Ruth Avery.
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In this episode, we are in the Florida Keys as part of our continued sailing journey. We’ll be uncovering hidden anchorages, discussing weather conditions, addressing an AIS transponder issue and exploring remote places.
Discovering a New Anchorage
We come across another sailboat in the anchorage that also appears to have originated from South Riding off the bank. Their boat, a West Sail 32 named Freedom, belonged to Skipper Crest, whom we later meet at No Name Harbor.
Navigation Through Hawk Channel
We navigate the Hawk channel from Florida Rock to Noname Harbor under a light Northly wind which we expect to become light and variable as we get closer. Despite potential challenges, this area offers some of the best boating conditions for experienced sailors like ourselves.
AIS Transponder Issue
An issue with the AIS transponder continues to vex us, particularly after being unable to get a position fix since leaving Bermuda. The external GPS antenna we’ve tried does not seem to help the problem. However, we’re relieved to know it should be under warranty as it was purchased in 2022.
Exploring Remote Anchorages
We decide to anchor behind the flat area, avoiding potential issues with wind and waves from the Northeast. Although there’s no symbol for anchorage on the chart, we call this location Baby Ruth Bay, which makes a good stopover between Biscayne and Marathon if the winds are from the North.
Remote Places in Florida Keys
The remoteness of our surroundings is a nice change, contrasting with nearby city lights and the bustling life we are used to. The water color, shallow depths, and visibility help confirm the chart’s accuracy while ensuring that our journey continues smoothly.
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