Insane ICW Bridges Of South Florida | Sailboat Story 30

[@poppyrex1411]

Thank you for letting us all tag along, couldn't be more excited for your coming adventures....

[@markwadsley7956]

Your a champion Molly, well done on the stainless work and helping Mum and Dad out .

[@Sailboatstory]

Heck yeah. The swabby in action!

[@jaimealexandermeneseshuert6581]

Super nice video!!, and Molly is a super star!!. Of course all of you are a very nice people. Hugs and blessings to Sailboat Story crew.

[@andrewayres7322]

Excellent video, thank you..

[@AprilleShepherd]

Maple Syrup Kisses from Toronto !! Another award winning Sailboat Story Presentation !!

[@Sailboatstory]

Need me some waffles now. :)

[@AprilleShepherd]

Yummy !!!

[@russclark6780]

Best episode yet. I am SUPER stoked to make the jump over to the Bahamas with you!

[@Sailboatstory]

Thanks Russ! Soon...

[@Richdudevids]

so cool i as a little kid in the mid 60' lived in hollywood and fished ever day on the icw non of that crap was there wow,gee how time flys good job on the video,

[@rolandtaitt7155]

The montage at the end was a fantastic ending to a great video! That part of Florida, call it as you see it.

[@andersrutledal2153]

Takk for enda en video med godt humør og et spark til "hilserne" , samme her i Norge. Venter med spenning på neste oppdatering :)

[@jacquelinemalloy4387]

hahaha the beginning part of this video is the best thing ever. "I'm sorry that you have to live with such a douche bag." not where I thought you were going with the end of that sentence but you're ending was perfect and hilarious.

[@fxpthl]

Loved your candid comments regarding the bridge operators. Some people just can't seem to be happy in their work and like to try and spread their unhappiness to all who pass their way. You are motoring quite a bit and I was wondering what kind of gallons per hour you are getting and how much fuel you have on board. Love your precious Molly! She is capturing your sense of humor for sure and that is a good thing!

[@Sailboatstory]

We talk about the cost of motoring in our next video. Good timing!

[@tmwltrs]

Great video as you went thru my back yard from Jupiter to West Palm Beach. It was a lot less hectic in the 70"s and early 80's when I lived there. Keep up the positive attitude and you guys are fun to watch.

[@Sailboatstory]

Tom, thanks for enjoying the video. I was worried I might be insulting some of the (nice) locals such as yourself, so glad that you get our perspective for how it is around there.

[@Jdonaboat]

Good stuff guys keep it up!

[@johnbolongo9978]

Getting close to heading out.....cool stuff.

[@ShibumiCigar]

Nice touch with the sunset!

[@Sailboatstory]

Snap magic. Years to learn.

[@saltysailor9401]

Another Great Video! Good Luck. Florida has emotional problems to say the least.

[@pateallan7764]

You are 100% correct on the conditions on the S. Florida ICW. People wont wave and Bridge tenders are rude. I also Hate, Hate, Hate, the ICW in S. Florida. Thats the reason we sold our 43 MY and currently looking for a sail boat. We want to sail directly South from the Carolina's in the ocean. I've had enough of the bridges. My wife and I like to watch your videos and get a huge kick out of Molly. She's always smiling and chewing gum. Keep up the good work and I'll pray for ya'll a safe Journey.

[@Sailboatstory]

Thanks a ton for the prayers and supports. Really appreciate it.

[@Sailboatstory]

Thanks a ton for the prayers and supports. Really appreciate it.

[@SailingPauHana]

Your videos have evolved so much. We really enjoy them now. We have watched from the beginning and have seen the channel evolve from a channel that we would watch if we just happen to see you pop up, to anticipating and getting excited when we see the notification that Sailboat Story has uploaded a video. Great job you three.

[@Sailboatstory]

Man that's great feedback. Glad to hear that we've got things headed in the right direction. :)

[@tomkelly2024]

I just came across this video and enjoyed it very much. Thank you, brother.

[@Sailboatstory]

You betcha. Glad you liked it!

[@hectorortiz1473]

Another great video!!!

[@duanegallagher1662]

We moved our boat from SW Florida to Oriental, NC. I regretted going across the Okachobee (so) Waterway until now. I'm glad we didn't go around and come up through Miami. Thanks for your videos.

[@zzzxxzzz4797]

Entertainment as always enjoyed . Your last tune selection was a treat listening to while going through the snapshots.😉

[@Sailboatstory]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@CaptainJohnmaddux]

I want to thank you for making my life better; love watching you video John The limo dirver from kansas city

[@CoachBob3]

If you have any "bridge phobias" they're gone now. I love South Florida .. All boaters need to experience it. Love South Beach and Biscayne bay in particular. But it definitely seems to turn into a class warfare based on boat size and flash.... The keys are crowded but more cool and laid back. Love the vids brother.

[@Sailboatstory]

Thanks for watching Ol' Bob!

[@johnjcoxiii8183]

I enjoy your wonderful sense of humor while I am having my morning tea. What is the significance to Cruisers of flying the Jolly Roger?The Old Coastie

[@Sailboatstory]

I thought I was being original with the black flag, but I too noticed that it's a bit of a trend.

[@johnjcoxiii8183]

It is definitely a trend. But what does it mean? As a former Coast Guard Quartermaster Navigator, I am aware that flags and pennants have meanings. But I cannot find the meaning behind the flying of the Jolly Roger by Cruisers.The Old Coastie

[@amarilisveguilla2810]

Hola from Puerto Rico Ben, Tambi, and Molly, you should read Matthew Hoopes comment. Pretty original and funny. Wish you the Best as always. Safe journey to the Bahamas!

[@frig-it]

Love the electro-swing!

[@nathanpearson7175]

I get so excited to see new video posting from Sailboat story, thumbs up. Keep up the great work.

[@TexastrafficCzar]

Great video as usual Ben.... Watch out for the Pirate of Biscayne Bay (salvager) Likes to cut dock lines in the middle of the night. He's the real doooshbag lol....

[@Sailboatstory]

Really? There's such an individual? Man.

[@scs130773]

Douuuuuche!!!! Keep smiling man and remember to give them an obligatory moon when passing.

[@Sailboatstory]

Keep smiling. Keep smiling. aaaaaaand mOOn.

[@supershane1960]

Good video mate, glad you managed to get thru the bridges without losing it. Looking forward to the next one , see you then. Cheers for now... ;-}

[@Sailboatstory]

Shane, I got close man. Really close.

[@lipadier]

Oh boy, can't wait until you do the Bahamas jump. You will miss all these jobos in the no wake zone as soon as the sea gets rough and your lobster-red head gets truly salt sprayed. HAHA. - As ever, great video, great channel, great adventure.

[@jacque7736]

Another good video !By the way, if you want to avoid the BRIDGES on your way back, they are a few possibility to avoid the BRIDGES but, still a lot of nice adventure in front of you.Continue your good job, you are a hell of a good entertainer for movie and a brillant family father keeping the crew in a good mood.Salute from Montreal !

[@Sailboatstory]

Jacques, thanks a ton! Really appreciate the compliment. :)

[@Sailboatstory]

Jacques, thanks a ton! Really appreciate the compliment. :)

[@Sailboatstory]

Jacques, thanks a ton! Really appreciate the compliment. :)

[@murrat]

I enjoyed your trip so far into Miami. So many funny scenes.

[@Sailboatstory]

Glad you're liking the adventure.

[@markwadsley7956]

Loved the slide show.

[@Sailboatstory]

Mark, thanks! Took the ending in a different direction this time. :)

[@lessthantendegrees9560]

Great job as always. We have raced on biscayne bay at the Miami sailing World Cup, in fact it's happening this week ending on Sunday 29th. It's out of Coconut Grove a very chill part of Miami. Go check it out you will no doubt bump into some Olympic medalists.

[@Sailboatstory]

Wow, that's really cool!

[@va7dgp]

A big wave and a bear hug to Molly.

[@whatnameisnotused3]

Dude! You crack me up. By far one of my favorite sailing Chanel's. Thanks for your efforts in making these videos.

[@Mikesroadtrip-ec5kp]

When I lived in Miami it seemed like everyone was trying to steal from you. It was crazy.

[@Sailboatstory]

It's a unique place. Let's just say that. :)

[@sailingunsanity5276]

In order to avoid the "suck" of the ICW between West Palm Beach and Miami, we take that part at night when there is little to no traffic on the water and the bridges open on demand. There was always plenty of light from the surrounding buildings, streets, and boardwalks.

[@Sailboatstory]

Now there's an idea. Hmm. Will keep that in mind!

[@kellyseashelly]

LOL! I live in Jupiter! Im so very sorry you had a rough go with the bridge tenders. they are normally a friendly bunch. You are correct... its very congested with boat traffic, its a smaller inlet with a heavy amount of both commercial and pleasure craft. Those first bridges as you enter Jupiter are "on demand" for boat traffic so the traffic on top of the bridge gets backed up really really really fast. I wish they would just go to an allotted time. That would set waiting expectations for both boat & car traffic. ;)

[@Sailboatstory]

I can imagine that the bridge tenders are also dealing with backed up cars on the road as well. I see how that can stress people out when they're on a schedule. The difference though, is that cars have brakes. Meanwhile, us slow and hard-to-maneuver sailboats are down here in the current, amongst a growing number of other boats, all trying not to get smashed up while the tenders are yelling at us to get closer. It's craziness! Eh... I'm still bitter about it I guess. They're still people too - I know. I just wish they were more understanding, but the boats they deal with the most are the S FL power boat / pleasure craft group - I would become rude too if I spent years interacting with other rude and inconsiderate boaters. Yes, usually the on demand bridges are closer to inlets or other areas where boats can get backed up dangerously. I too, prefer the scheduled ones that open on the hour or every quarter hour even, in the more congested areas. I don't know what the solution is. Maybe lighting up the S FL ICW so boats can more easily make the route at midnight with the bridges normally open. Eh, probably not. I'm at a loss.

[@USMCCGAGNG]

I WAS looking forward to going to Florida... thanks for the heads up. I want to see Dry Tortugas though. Visit family in Sarasota area, Venice is nice, and then on to Bahamas. This summer. Maybe we'll catch up to you sometime.

[@alicecoppers8980]

OoMGosh! Ur Funny! No wake zone.

[@Sailboatstory]

Thank you, thank you!

[@Sailboatstory]

Thank you, thank you!

[@Josef_R]

What was the bridge guy saying? I couldn't understand a word of it. Glad you have a kite on the boat, let's see it fly. And I love those scale britches the wife's got on, those are fantastic!

[@Sailboatstory]

No idea! The guy was on a rant about the little blue boat. I'm a fan of the mermaid tights as well. :) Oh Mama!

[@USMCCGAGNG]

You are an entertaining producer, LOL

[@BegToDiffah]

Starting to get "real" now. Fair winds ahead!

[@Rodbod16]

really good. ROD UK.

[@steware]

“I’m sorry that you have to live with such a [bridge tender] Douche bag” Best channel line I’ve heard yet! 😹😹😹 Bottom line is, your boat is required to stay back from the bridge a certain distance and then your boat can only go so fast. You get thru when you get thru....the cars can wait. Ya, they can be jackasses.

[@jessicakirchoff2536]

Another great video and fun music! Good to see Molly in proper offshore PFD with leg straps. Curious and I know your are new sailors but would one go the off shore route and bypass the ICW or is it just too rough off shore at this point. I was holding my breath at that one bridge you coasted under. Freaks me out when ever we did it on our boat going up the CT river and under I95! Plenty of clearance but still. . . Heard the bridge operator say you both can pass at the same time? Salty Mermaid smashed into a bridge because it was not fully opened. I would be concerned about hitting my side stays while sharing the pass through with another boat. (again I am a bridge novice.) Safe travels and following!

[@Sailboatstory]

The bridge tenders are punks. At least the mean ones we met - unfortunately the nice ones were the exception not the norm.

[@toddreimer1158]

Cutest ninja ever! Sailing under fixed bridges has got to be nerve racking. Sounds like those bridge tenders not only have a "bug up . . ." But I think a whole bridge up . . .! 😇😎😀

[@Sailboatstory]

Yeah, an opening bascule bridge up in there.

[@woodside63]

This is just a comment that I mean to be helpful for cruisers new to the south Florida bridge experience. This area has the most concentrated urban traffic flowing over these lift and bascule bridges that you'll encounter anywhere on the ICW. Take note of the distance Sandflea is from the bridge, which is already standing open, when we hear the bridge operator calling "Southbound sailboat, what are you waiting for?" During the time it takes to cover that much distance and get through the bridge at about 5 knots or so, a slow sailboat will have backed up quite a lot of traffic, in both directions, especially during commuting hours. Vessels requesting passage through opening bridges, especially those which operate on published schedules, should be up close to the bridge before it opens, wait for it to be fully open before entering the fenders and then just get through without unnecessary delay. Bridge tenders in the south Florida area are generally as experienced at their jobs as any elsewhere, and if they are unhappy about your timing or other actions, they are most likely not deserving of your name calling.

[@legend343]

Why didn't you pop out to the Atlantic and sail down those sections that had so many bridges.?? So nice to see little Mollie/Moly involved.. Fair winds to you and your family and especially your boat that'll keep you safe.. Warren s/y Legend

[@fillg]

Don't let 'em get you down, just flip 'em off and cruise on by, you're headed for the Bahamas! Ok, maybe not the first part. :D

[@Sailboatstory]

Haha, thanks for the comment. Hopefully we won't be doing that section for a long time - or ever again.

[@tnpd323051]

I've injoyed all that you have shared thank you for letting me be part of your crew if only through the lens fair winds to you and yours

[@AprilleShepherd]

I loved Tambi's Mermaid leggings - very cool !!

[@joseespejo6707]

Me too

[@Sailboatstory]

Me 3. :)

[@soapstop]

Practically unbearable cuteness from that swabbie of yours :)

[@bhawk31]

I believe you just passed the mooring of another live aboard youtuber couple "Tula's Endless Summer". After you cleared the bridge (1.11) I believe they are right behind the Yacht with the blue covered dinghy. Small world.

[@Sailboatstory]

It truly is a small world for those living aboard and/or traveling by boat.

[@GentlRebel]

Hey guys! Yeah Ben, sorry to say that there are a lot of rude boaters here in S Florida. We usually only wave to other sailors. All others only get a wave in return if they wave first and don't zoom past us, leaving us to roll in their wake. It's a different world here, but hopefully you know now that not all South Floridians are DBs. ;) Great video as usual, we loved it. Cheers and hugs, L & S

[@Sailboatstory]

Thanks fellas. Yep - they're certainly not all bad. :)

[@horrkneeh1713]

P.S. You were getting that treatment, from those CENTRAL Fla. bridge tenders because you have a MAST, one that you should be using by sailing in open ocean. Not in the ICW to keep opening bridges in heavy street traffic areas, thus adding to their daily woes. Hell, they probably, or most likely were sure that you are Cuban!

[@Sailboatstory]

Isn't that racist or something? *Speaking of the mast.

[@rahnlawson9463]

The best thing about Miami is that its close to America

[@kenhollis8598]

hahahahah those jupiter tender duschbags , I cant spell it my excuse is I am laughing to hard....those damn Jupiter bridge tenders, lol

[@kenhollis8598]

No wonder no one waves and its sucky YOUR IN HOLLYWOOD

[@robertcole9391]

LOL.. Don't worry about. Most of us Floridians don't even consider that area to be a part of Florida anymore. It's actually a shame. Wasn't like that 35 years ago. But that was when it all started. And it's gotten worse since then. Next time.. just cruise off shore.. Get's to be time to anchor and look for an inlet. Much easier. :)

[@Sailboatstory]

I think we'll do just that next time we're in the area.

[@sylvanafd86]

Why do you guys stay in the ICW instead of just sailing on the Ocean? Sorry, I'm sure other people have already asked that question, bit I don't wanna look through all comments in every video😐 We admire you guys! Hop we can some day do what you guys are doing!😘

[@Sailboatstory]

It’s more frustrating, but also easier. To make hops outside there are several variables that have to line up right. The biggest ones being the wind and current at the inlets. Conditions can get very dangerous with wind against tide. While it’s relatively easy to time 1 inlet right, timing 2 right is more difficult.

[@kelcomco]

Such a sad, tragic story. From 'best little skipper evah' to just another typical swabby in just a few short episodes. Heartbreaking....What has south Florida done to this once aspiring family? Bermuda Triangle at work?

[@lester007able]

Great video's guys.... Your American flag is supposed to be flown from your stern by the way. Your flag line for quarantine flag ect. should be where your American flag is but on the starboard side. You may get grief about that in the islands... Fair winds an following seas...

[@Sailboatstory]

Your right! Trouble is that we haven't figured out how to mount it to then back stay without it getting all wrapped up. But you are exactly right.

[@glenngutshall5507]

It is a sad fact of modern life, my friend. The closer you get to a large metropolitan area, the more people forget how to be courteous with each other.

[@Sailboatstory]

Glenn, sad but true. What is it about big cities that make people less human?

[@glenngutshall5507]

You tell me brother, then we'll both know!

[@jackandfriends3658]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Molly says, "That was not a very nice Bridge". I love it!!! As to "No waving in high traffic area's". It's a natural phenomenon. I worked in Bagram, Afghanistan for a while. Bagram is a "Flag" base, meaning Spook Central for brass. Almost equal number of officers to NCO's. It was an unspoken agreement that no one salutes out in the open area's, shops, and streets. It would be ridiculous. Imagine very crowded streets for miles and every third person is an officer and everyone is in a constant cycle of up and down salutes every three feet. It would look like something out of a Monty Python skit. Same phenomenon in that stretch of the ICW. Don't take it personal. I'm sure all those folks would absolutely love you in a more personal setting. "Not very nice bridges": You have to see it from the bridge tender's view. Further north, they have a few cars and a few boat's. For them, an approaching sailboat is an welcome break in the boredom. Up north bridge tender: (Imagine a heavy and lazy southern accent) "Why shore Sailboat Story. You come ahead on and if I might say, Yore wife sure do have sexy feet. You have a nice day. Ya'll hear". While the tenders in the area of which you speak have about a billions cars full of frantic maniacs jumping out of their cars with all manner of threat. " Hey you up there! You son of a bitch!!! You just made me miss my job interview! I swear to God, I'm going to find out where you live!!! I SWEAR TO GOD!!! Couple that to every few days some idiot manages to jam his mast into the bridge gears and you've got a big city air traffic controller with nothing but a walky talky. So once again, Don't take it personal. I'm sure all those folks would absolutely love you in a more personal setting.

[@Sailboatstory]

Ha, Oh man! You're a great writer. Tough to communicate comedy through type, but you've got the gift. Loved the comment. :)

[@jackandfriends3658]

Thank you very much and I'm excited. You're getting very close to some great sailing. I've spent a fair amount of time in the Bahama's and one thing I would advise. Food prices vary wildly. See if you can research what cost what and where, it would be time well spent. The bigger Islands all have a Costco-ish outlet and that's the place to stock up. Be careful out there!

[@daneschuck6242]

WOW, somebody needs a beer

[@Sailboatstory]

Me. ;)

[@Jimmy47904]

It's not just you, unfortunately I have meet several people from that area. Always glad when it's time to leave, but there is some good news,...around 2050 south florida will be a underwater attraction.

[@Sailboatstory]

That soon aye?

[@seantwomey9917]

Great work guys and thank you for taking the time to upload these videos. It's very inspirational! :) What boat did you buy in the end I can't remember?

[@Sailboatstory]

She's a 1979 Endeavour 32.

[@stinkybisquit7091]

"Sexy" may be compensating, but at least he has polite with his wake!

[@Sailboatstory]

True that!

[@svswellskimmer5785]

Enjoying your videos and wondering what reference books you are using to transit the ICW?

[@Sailboatstory]

The only one we use for ICW travel is Skipper Bob’s guide to anchorages.

[@LOJOMarine]

Another great Video What book was you looking at when you was talking about the canyon

[@Sailboatstory]

Thanks Skipper Bob's Guide To ICW Anchorages.

[@LOJOMarine]

thanks Guys I will Buy this book as soon as I can Please be safe out there will talk soon

[@Sailboatstory]

Excellent book. You won't be disappointed.

[@svseaglobe]

👍👍

[@Zooberdo]

Is there room on your boat for a paintball gun? Could be a nice way to "wave" to people and bridge booths😂 don't let rude affect your mood!😎

[@Sailboatstory]

You're right. I suppose the seemingly never ending stream of rudeness got to me after a while. I suppose that's why most people who live there are so disconnected and lifeless - must be contagious. Still, we're done with that area and are floating in water where I can see starfish on the bottom. Not another boat (or bridge) in sight.

[@scottmaschino1927]

Yup, the joys of passing through or near a big city. Folks in to big of a hurry to take the time to be polite. All those bridges, all that traffic. It has yet to make sense to me if why people run the ICW. All of the aggravation, not to mention the extra cost of running the engine. I would bypass it all and only come in for fuel and provisions!

[@lesabre1972]

radio ahead to the bridge .

[@larrywills5690]

Good morning,Been watching all your videos and wondered who has been putting them together ?Larry

[@Sailboatstory]

Larry, that would be me good Sir. BEN is the editor, chief commentor, and comedic relief. I'm supported by the duo of females "The Cutes" Molly, and "The Looks" Tambi. I'm "The Weirdo" Ben.

[@larrywills5690]

Well I have been trying to do the same but not sure what to do or how to do it...lol. I am not the smartest one in the room when it comes to computers and stuff. Larry

[@surlyvan3007]

What's that last piece of music? Nice and mello!

[@rickjames4882]

The only thing worse than people with money are the ones that think they have money. The fun's about ready to begin though, enjoy it.

[@Mikesroadtrip-ec5kp]

Was that the same bridge the sailingsaltymermaid hit?

[@Sailboatstory]

I don't know! You've got me curious now.

[@williamfiegener8601]

Why didnt you jump out and sail down the coast? I hear that is a lot easier than dealing with the bridges. We will be heading down south latter this year and it sounds like jumping off the ICW is the way to go. Also,. dont fret about the motor boaters, I make it a rule never to wave to them. Stink pots and wakes, who needs them.

[@Sailboatstory]

We just wanted the satisfaction of knowing that we completed the entire AICW from beginning to end. A hard fought battle, especially at the end!

[@novelgrapeq7018]

Did you use a icw chart book? If which one? Thank you

[@Sailboatstory]

We use Skipper Bobs guide to anchorages.

[@novelgrapeq7018]

@@Sailboatstory Thabknyou guys love your vid!!

[@patlandy21]

What is the name of the music (dixieland?) playing at 4:25? Mollie is the cutest little girl!!!

[@terrencebradley5417]

When you addit all up and factor in the 'gators, water moccasins, skeeters and sand fleas, and the occasional cloud of no see ums, then add in the rude and thoughtless people, well shucks, the warm climate just ain't worth all that. I love the PNW even with it's cold water so I'll just keep on sailing the San Juans and Gulf Islands.

[@arone0424]

What is the name of the book that showed you the bridges? SV Anarchy

[@Sailboatstory]

Skipper Bob publication.

[@JNCPoPs]

Why not make the trek from West Palm to Biscayne in the Atlantic?

[@michaelcoontz827]

another great video, but you should really get Molly's tongue looked at before you head out. That picture didn't look too good.

[@Gdindyvideo]

What's your best guess on the % of time on the ICW have you motored vs. sailed?

[@Sailboatstory]

Oh 98/2 I'd say.

[@RedemptionReady]

At 7:30 in, you see why we say F* it and sail to check in at West End, then to Abaco, stay in Hopetown a while then sail south... Florida is the WORST for cruisers. The keys are nice but the part between Georgia and Key Largo, garbage. Not just sailors, I know some motor cruisers who feel the same. Bimini... Is however the only reason some will suck it up and head to south and deal with it.

[@Sailboatstory]

Makes sense. Now that we've done it - Makes perfect sense.

[@USMCCGAGNG]

I worry about your sails and rig since they haven't been worked much then you're going right to it in the blue. Be careful, do some sailing closer in then go when you're comfortable. My two cents.

[@Mikesroadtrip-ec5kp]

watch sailingsaltymermaid vlog 21 about the 2.21 section looks just like where you where going through. I could be wrong.

[@robertaderholdt890]

I think that bikini bathing suit I suggested a wile ago would have helped with those bridge tenders! ( and don't forget to shave your legs)! ha ha

[@Sailboatstory]

Robert, you do have a point.

[@chasemixon6327]

OK, so I've heard so many people complain about all the bridges down there, why not just go into the Atlantic and sail?

[@Sailboatstory]

Depends. So many variables. Schedule, season, weather, boat condition, confidence, ability, safety gear, experience, current, commercial traffic. Probably a different answer from anyone you ask, but for us we wanted the imaginary accomplishment of knowing we completed the entire AICW from beginning to end.

[@chasemixon6327]

That makes sense, just seems a bit silly to stay in it to me. If weather was not an issue, I would jump out every chance I could and duck in at night...? Weather being the key factor to me. Thanks for the quick reply!

[@Sailboatstory]

Sometimes. You can't plan on just ducking in. Depends on the inlets. Some inlets are death traps at different tide states. Everything is very case by case and much if this lifestyle is very dynamic. It takes a balance of forethought and in-the-moment decision making to come out on top. Too much of either is a dangerous thing. Those are my thoughts as of 2 seconds ago. :)

[@chasemixon6327]

LOL Funny. Just Plan funny!

[@bayardtaylor4704]

So why not test your ocean sailing skipping the bridges along the coast of Florida. You can do it. I have faith n u

[@arielblumenduft3293]

what did the bridge troll say? it's kind of hard to understand when you're not fluent in grumpy.

[@Sailboatstory]

No idea. He probably spit half-chewed whopper all over his bridge button.

[@southerntexashomestead5028]

The West side is the best side. That's why I lived on the west coast of Florida. Folks are much more friendly on the west coast. ♡ Perhaps the stress is due to the rude people who come down from up north with their attitudes of entitlement & selfishness. Maybe they figure they can be rude cause they will never see you again. Hope they never need help out there. Just saying.

[@Sailboatstory]

Generally speaking, it does kinda seem like the left side of FL is a bit more pleasant to be in. Wish I knew why that was though.

[@doug1030]

Why not sail down the coast ?

[@allynonderdonk7577]

South Florida is a hive of scum and villainy! The good people were beaten into submission long ago by nair-do-wells, and the scum thrives. I know lots of boaters in Florida that are super good people, but I know where you are coming from on the non-friendly, non-waving people there. When you come from a small town and you don't know how to not be helpful, kind, and upright individuals it can be a real shock to hit South Florida. When I went there long ago I coined this phrase about Miami. I felt like "The Little Mermaid in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre!" Just watch Miami news on the television about 11pm and you will know what I mean!

[@Sailboatstory]

Geez. Holy crap, this video has produced some wonderful comments from you guys. LOVE the Little Mermaid quote. Oh man that's great. And it does feel much like that!

[@hooligan6a]

Never sail thru Miami. Always go outside. Too many bridges .

[@Sailboatstory]

To me, it's not the bridges that are a problem. Maneuvering through bridges is really just is a matter of exercising common sense, patience, and boat handling skill. The real problem are the hordes of Floridian boaters who seem to be utterly devoid of common sense, patience, and boat handling skill. Regardless of this, I do agree with your general thought and being outside is typically far more pleasant than dealing with bridges and goofball boaters, but the decision to make progress inside is often a matter of weather forcing the choice rather than simple preference, in my opinion.

[@mrjsmoss]

Nobody in SE Florida is actually from there. It's a zoo and needs to be treated as such. I've lived for 45 years on the SW coast and love it. We rely on the alligators and pythons to keep that area contained.

[@Sailboatstory]

Ha. Simple. Elegant. I like it!