We are checking back in with the owners of Famous, a Sabre 48 Flybridge, that departed Maine last September to head south. Below is the continuation of their adventure contributed by Marci and Jerry Ade:
Last September, we traveled from Maine to Charleston, SC, onboard our Sabre 48 Flybridge. Our ultimate destination was Naples, FL, but due to weather and time-constraints, we were unable to make the journey ourselves. We opted, instead, in December to have a captain bring FAMOUS the last leg of our journey, from Charleston to Naples.
After enjoying a heavenly winter boating season in Florida, with trips to Sanibel, Captiva, Useppa, Cabbage Key and Key West, it was time to make the reverse trek North, effectively closing the loop on the journey we started last Fall.
Our itinerary/stops:
1) Naples, FL – departed May 10, 2017
2) Marathon (Faro Blanco, FL Keys) – Life onboard our Sabre 48 – loving the journey! We are at Faro Blanco in Marathon – the first stop on our adventure from Naples. The transit yesterday was heavenly, with smoth seas and warm breezes the entire 5 hours. We traveled at a steady 23 knots – our boats made the journey a pleasure.
3) Coconut Grove (Prime Marina, Miami) – From Marathon, we traveled to Coconut Grove – fabulous town, vibrant, great restaurants, well worth a visit.
4)Miami (Sunset Harbor Yacht Club, South Beach) – From Coconut Grove, we made the easy transit up to Miami. Pulled into Sunset Harbor Yacht Club – another fabulous place! This marina is clean, beautiful, and well-managed. Their pool rivaled the finest resort pools and just outside the gate we were within easy walking distance to all South Beach had to offer. We ate dinner at Sardinia twice – too good not to go again – and breakfast at Ice Box – both right outside the marina, right next to a Publix and a Fresh Market (grocery stores). Also within easy walking distance is the world-renowned Lincoln Road Mall, which is alive all night with beautiful stores, tons of restaurants, and great places to sit and enjoy the local scenery.
5) Bimini (Big Game Club,Bahamas) – From Miami, we made the two hour transit directly East to Bimini. The seas were smooth and the winds favorable. The Big Game Club in Bimini was our destination, however, here’s where we parted company with the Sabre 48 Salon Express, Passion. Staying only a few hours, Jerry and I determined that we needed to head back to Florida to avoid hazardous weather conditions predicted for the next five days. A quick tour around Bimini, then back in FAMOUS for the 2 1/2 hour transit to Fort Lauderdale.
6) Fort Lauderdale (Pier 66) – Fort Lauderdale one night, stayed at the super yacht marina Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six (another fabulous place to pull into port), now we are heading North on the Intracoastal to avoid the 15 – 20 kts winds and 5 ft seas on the outside. Here on the Intracoastal, the channel is deep and smooth as glass and the homes spectacular.
7) Palm Beach (Rybovich) – Right off the ICW, Rybovich is unlike any other marina I’ve ever seen, filled with 200′ and 300′ mega yachts, berthed side by side. The wow factor is enormous! This marina makes the Nantucket Boat Basin look tiny by comparison. An absolutely beautiful facility with marina staff that treated us like treasured hotel guests. We were greeted upon arrival and handed a packet at registration that included two free drink passes, shuttle service into Palm Beach, and access to all the lovely onsite amenities. Our 48′ Sabre looked like a tender boat next to these behemoths! Incredible facility managed by top-notch staff.
8) Vero Beach (Municipal Marina) – Right off the ICW, a short walk, or bus ride, to the beach and restaurants.
9) Daytona Beach (Halifax Harbor Marina) – Right off the ICW, in the heart of historic Daytona.
10) St. Augustine (Municipal Marina) – Right off the ICW, right before the Bridge of Lions, a quick walk to the heart of historic St. Augustine. St. Augustine’s history and vibrant culture make it a great place to visit.
11) Jekyll Island (Jekyll Island Inn and Marina) – This elegant Inn was the exclusive retreat at the turn of the century for the wealthiest in America, also one of the sites for the first trans-continental telephone call and the place where the Federal Reserve was born https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/jekyll_island_conference. We borrowed a golf cart and toured the island, a step back in time.
12) Hilton Head (Shelter Cove Marina) – tucked away on the back side of Hilton Head, down Broad Creek, this marina is nestled into a boating community of condos, restaurants, and shops. We arrived on a Sunday and that night were entertained by live bands playing at several of the fun restaurants.
13) Charleston (Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina) – Located in Mt. Pleasant right next to Patriot’s Point, we arrived on May 22, 2017. Our journey’s end, at least until the Fall, then it’s back to Florida.
Our Sabre made the journey a very pleasant experience. More adventures await!
Closing the Loop on the Sabre 48 Flybridge Famous
Faro Blanco, Marathon, FL
Faro Blanco, Marathon, FL
Faro Blanco, Marathon, FL
Faro Blanco, Marathon, FL
Faro Blanco, Marathon, FL
Faro Blanco, Marathon, FL
Prime Marina, Coconut Grove, FL
Heading to Miami, FL
Heading to Miami, FL
Heading to Miami, FL