David Dodgen from Florida Yacht Group, Miami, sent us this account of his Summer Sailstice celebration -
'A hearty group of Florida Jeanneau Owners, and members of the Matheson Hammock Yacht Club gathered in Key Largo over the weekend to celebrate the international Summer Sailstice event held on the longest day (or as close as possible to it!) of the year. This coordinated effort is to get everyone around the world to go sailing at the same time on the longest day of the year.
Jeanneau Owners sailed together in Key Largo, FL.
Our Jeanneau owners came from as far away as St. Augustine and Ft. Myers to the anchorage near MM104 in Black Water Sound in the northern Florida Keys. It is a 40 mile sail south from Miami and the winds were perfect with 15 kts on a close reach all the way. Not one tack was required! And the anchorage was quiet and cool at night.
Quiet anchorage for the evening.
We gathered for dinner ashore Friday night, and after breakfast on Saturday morning we went on a 3 hour eco-tour of nearby mangrove hammocks by kayaks. The tour was sponsored by Florida Yacht Group and Matheson Hammock Yacht Club. With nine kayaks we wound our way through some dense mangroves and down beautiful canals on an educational and physical paddle.
Kayaking through the mangroves = hard, but rewarding work.
Saturday night we met again at Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill restaurant for dinner and to watch the sunset over the sound. Although we didn’t see a green flash, the sunset was beautiful. We were joined by an additional 20 club members who drove down to participate.
Sunday morning we were up early and off again with perfect winds and a clear blue sky for the sail home. By all accounts everyone had a good time. We hope to see everyone again next year. Until then, let’s go sailing.'
#howdidyousail Send us your story and photos, we'd love to hear how you celebrated Summer Sailstice 2017!