Welcome to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States podcast, where we share inspiring stories, practical tips, and the unpredictable nature of life on the water. In this episode, hosted by Bela Musits and co-hosted by Mike Wasserman, we dive into the adventurous journey of Mike Malekoff as he recounts his trip from Georgia to the Florida Keys.

This podcast captures the essence of his experience, highlighting the importance of flexibility, planning, and embracing the unexpected.

### The Journey Begins: From Vermont to the Florida Keys

Mike Malekoff's journey started long before he set sail for the Florida Keys. After sailing from Vermont to the Bahamas and eventually settling in Georgia, Mike planned a celebratory trip to the Keys following his recovery from prostate cancer. The trip was meticulously scheduled for early January, with reservations in the Keys for February and a planned return to Georgia afterward.

### The Challenges of Scheduling and Weather

One of the biggest takeaways from Mike's experience is the challenge of adhering to schedules while cruising on a sailboat. Despite careful planning, the unpredictable nature of weather and other unforeseen circumstances can significantly impact the journey. Mike's trip, which began on January 10th, was planned to be a 10-day voyage with a 10-day buffer. However, cold weather, snow in Georgia and Florida, and strong winds delayed their departure and reduced their buffer days.

### Navigating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)

To avoid rough seas, Mike and his crew traveled the ICW to St. Augustine, which took longer than expected. They encountered a supermoon that affected tides and caused shallow areas, leading to additional stops to avoid grounding. The journey continued to New Smyrna, where they faced a leaking head and had to manage with their second head.

### Mechanical Issues and Weather Delays

Mechanical issues further complicated the trip. In Titusville, a water connection snapped off, leaving them without a working bathroom. Finding parts for a 2005 boat proved difficult, and they spent days waiting for replacements, which eliminated their buffer time. Bad weather and northerly winds affecting offshore currents forced them to wait for calmer seas.

### The Decision to Return

Realizing that crossing to the Keys would be difficult and facing expensive marina reservations, Mike decided to cancel the trip and return to Georgia. The journey back was not without its challenges, including sea fog and rough seas, but they navigated safely using a chart plotter and compass.

### Lessons Learned: Flexibility and Attitude

Mike's trip, described as an adventure rather than a vacation, underscores the importance of flexibility and a positive attitude in sailing. Despite the hurdles, there were enjoyable moments, such as watching a rocket launch in Titusville and surfing alongside dolphins. The experience highlighted the need for backup plans, the challenges of securing marina reservations, and the unpredictability of buffer days.

### Embracing the Journey

The podcast emphasizes that the journey itself is the reward, and focusing solely on the destination can turn an adventure into an ordeal. Experienced sailors understand the challenges and setbacks, while new sailors should be prepared for the unexpected. The importance of planning with flexibility, carrying spare parts, and enjoying the journey cannot be overstated.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States. We hope you found Mike's story inspiring and informative. If you have any questions or would like to share your own sailing experiences, please email us at sailingtheeast@gmail.com. Don't forget to share the podcast and stay tuned for more exciting episodes as we prepare for spring boating.

Happy sailing!

Bela and Mike