Bella Gatta comes home
Lou Kizer and I worked our way up and across the northern Abacos. We decided to brave the chilly water and snorkle on the ocean side of Nunjack Cay. Years ago I had caught numerous lobster there and wanted to see if any were left. We caught two to go with our steaks that night. Added with a couple of rum drinks, damn that was good!! Nunjack was a surprise to me because the last time I was there, it was uninhabited. Now there are several homes, a dozen boats and free wifi. Progress in the Abacos.
We sailed up to Spanish Cay and unsuccessfully tried to anchor in the grassy bottom. So we got a slip at the marina and met some great people going south. (We were the only crazies going north.) The weather forecast showed a small window to cross the Gulf Stream in 2 days. This river of ocean flows north at 3 mph, which does not sound like much at first. When the wind blows from the north, the waves in the Gulf Stream get very close together and very TALL. We decided to take advantage of the weather window and the stream’s flow and sail 185 miles up to Ponce de Leon Inlet. It is the first real inlet (although quite small) above Cape Kennedy. Most cruisers cross at the shortest distance to have a minimum time in the stream, but not these 2 salty dogs. We arrived in sunny and cold Florida the next morning. There were frost warnings and strong wind advisories. So these 2 salty dogs rented a car and drove home 🙂
A week later and no crew to shanghi, I drove down to Ponce de Leon alone. I was a little nervous about sailing 36 to 40 hours in the shipping channels by myself. Bought a ton of food, a 4 pack of Red Bull and a good book. The winds held up much longer than forecast, so the boat and time flew. Caught a fat yellowfin tuna just before sunset. He fought so hard I had to sit down to prevent being pulled in. (That would be ironic: fish catches fisherman.) That night it got chilly and even 4 layers was not enough to keep out the cold damp wind.
The last photo uploaded on this website is the last sunrise on this great adventure. I found it particularly beautiful and somewhat symbolic. As this journey that began as an idea 6 years ago was coming to a conclusion, new ideas for new adventures were rising. It is amazing what the sleep deprived mind can create.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people that made this journey so wonderful. My partner at the office, Greg Bottone, that had to work many extra hours to pick up my slack. My staff that had to change their schedules to accommodate mine and listen to the repeated reactions: “Must be nice to take off 5 months………….” Thanks to all the crew that helped me sail safely. Especially Lou Kizer, Bunky Wichmann, Oliver Bjorkson and Richard Beck. Also, Julie Righetti, who collected my mail, took care of the cat and even mowed my lawn. With all this support at home, I never worried while away. I also want to thank all of you that took the time to write me notes of encouragement. I read every one of them and they gave me permission to really enjoy myself.
What is next for Bella Gatta? She will be taken out almost every day this spring and summer. I have promised many sunset sails and intend to keep every promise. Have made arrangements with Make-A-Wish foundation to fulfill any requests for a sail from their kids and intend to do the same with Ronald McDonald House. She will be available to established charities to auction off a harbor sail for up to 6 couples. I have had almost exclusive use of her for a long while and now that is going to change. Steve Michel
