Cayo Costa with WR17 Friends

On this trip, my two friends Jim and Ricky sailed out from Bokeelia, on Pine Island east of Cayo Costa, in their Windrider WR17s and rented a primitive cabin at the Cayo Costa State Park. On previous trips, the overnight plan was to anchor just off shore at Pelican Bay (shown here) and sleep on the boat. However only Ricky can equip his WR17 for anchor beach sleeping. I met them Friday sailing out of Placida. above photo credit: jrody

Launched out the quiet cove of Eldred’s Marina in Placida FL, on the north side of Charlotte Harbor. The sail out first crosses the ICW, intercostal waterway, just north of Boca Grande causeway bridge, then past Little Gasparilla Island and out into the Florida gulf coast. Very nice south reach down the sugar sand coast with the winds 8 to 10 knots out of the east, with calm water on the lee of the shore on to the Boca Grande Pass. The wind dropped off just before the pass, so it was a bit slow going. Had to crank up the motor to get through the pass on the outgoing tide.

Instead of the beach head at Pelican Bay, s/v embouchure was moored in a berth at the park dock. So we got together at the cabin for a meal, watching the sunset and telling tall stories. I hiked back to the dock and slept on board.

Not a bad hike between the docks and the cabins, maybe a mile. Clean air, to clear the head, and time to call home for a check-in. Back to cabin for breakfast and day sailing plans. Saturday we launched the tris and set out on Charlotte Harbor. Sailed about, photo ops, even dropped a fishing lure when the wind dropped off somewhat. Then back to the beachhead for a cold one and snacks.

Sailed back to Placida on nice 10+ knot north east wind. Was able to trim the sails for “auto pilot” and skim easily about in the 7 to 9 knot range. So smooth, got the cam out for a quick video clip.