More adventures

Sailed into Fort Lauderdale at 1500 yesterday (Thursday) as planned after a pleasant sail up here. Winds were great, sea not too choppy, and we caught the Gulf Stream so the pace was good, (the Speed Over Ground read 10.4 knots at one point!). The autopilot is also now working great, steering for most of the trip.

 

Unfortunately as we reached the main turning circle at the Fort Lauderdale harbor, (the place where all the cruise ships come in, turn round and moor up) we discovered we had no engine power... engine was working, but it was not pushing us through the water. Tried to get to the nearest quay to tie up under sail, to be told by the US Coast Guard (waving guns!) that we'd entered a federally restricted zone and had to move! So under sail power we had to negotiate two departing cruise liners, and get across the turning circle against the wind, then South down the ICW canal, all the time being shouted at by various Pilots, Coast Guards and Sheriffs boats telling us to get out the way. None of the authorities offered to help tow us, which really puts into perspective how much more friendly the UK waters are!

 

After making it a few hundred meters up the ICW against tide and wind we tied off at another deserted looking industrial quay, (where I very nearly fell in after a knot slipped on one of the mooring lines!). We called Sea Tow (US water based version of the AA) who said they were busy and might be able to get someone out in a couple of hours. Another boat was moored off at the quay next door, which turned out to be a divers boat. Anna walked over and managed to sweet talk one of the divers on board to come and check the propeller. While this was happening another Sheriff pulled up in a car and told us we were in another Federally Restricted Area, having tied up at an unmarked US Navy fuel depot! Luckily this Sheriff was a boat owner and didn't force us to leave straight away.

 

The Diver had a look at the bottom of the boat, and told us the Propeller was completely missing... must have fallen off when we left Key West! This was quite a surprise, as this almost never happens, and wasn't something that had been worked on while in Key West. We didn't have the spare parts on board, so Sea Tow were called again, and eventually came out to tow us to the Hyatt Hotel Marina, finally getting there at about 2000.

 

Another exciting day aboard Eclipse! We're now going to spend the day in Fort Lauderdale, getting the propeller fixed, and doing some other bits of maintenance. Hopefully leaving Saturday morning for Bermuda.