Cape Canaveral to Fort Lauderdale

As we approached fort Lauderdale the gap between the 2-4kt contrary gulf stream and the land became smaller and smaller. We had to avoid the gulf stream at all expense or fight the oncoming current and lose half our speed forward. We buffer the coast tightly, staying within the underwater contour depths of between 20-40ft. In the end we were sailing within 100 m of land to less than 1 NM, and we were still feeling the effects of the current. The wind was of variable strength, and we lost our easterly a day before forecasted. Worse we got a southerly-to south easterly. Occasionally we sailed, mostly as had to motor sail to make time. Weather was still changeable but warm. Emergency fuel was used to top up tank as fuel from Plymouth started to run low. Navigation light was suspected of being broken, and given the rain, decided to install emergency navigation lighting. Lighting worked well. On later inspection masthead lights was fine. Fixed genoa furler and long range VHF radio went down. Finally in Fort Lauderdale where new crew member came to join us and had everything taken care of on our arrival. We finally arrived and all was well with the crew again. Next step is on our way to the Bahamas. Re-provisioning and replacing some gear (ie radio) climbed the mast to check rigging all is well. Unfortunatly we lose two valued crew members, but we gain one scurrilous friend in exchange. Updates to the website and details of our Caribbean adventure soon to be posted. Meanwhile enjoying R & R in our last stop in USA.