We Sold Everything To Buy A Boat
Season 1 - Episode 1
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
We've sold virtually everything we own to buy a boat and live on the water. With almost no boating experience we are transitioning from a yard to a yacht. In this episode we'll sell our house, buy the boat and cruise it 240 nautical miles from Lantana, Florida to a marina in Jacksonville, Florida. We'll take both the Intracoastal waterway and the Atlantic ocean during our maiden voyage upon our new home, Sea Star.
Boat Projects And Docktails, Living At A Marina
Season 1 - Episode 2
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
A marina is a small community filled with like minded adventurous people. In this episode we'll take on some significant boat projects with the help of our new friends and a local boat yard. We'll also take some time to explore the local area near the marina, take in a waterside concert, and win the 2022 Port 32 Cornhole Championship.
MAN OVERBOARD!
Season 1 - Episode 3
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
We're finally driving Sea Star. Lessons from a licensed captain are not only smart but also an insurance company requirement. We're also continuing to prepare Sea Star for what lies ahead; so much to do in so little time. And at last, we're on our own, no captain on board, and a long way from land when: MAN OVERBOARD!
Preparing for the Worst
Season 1 - Episode 4
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Our biggest challenge yet, preparing for Hurricane Ian. This is our first storm on Sea Star and we really don't have a solid grasp of what we're doing. We're leaning on experienced sailors for advice. We'll visit Baltimore for a boat show and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. We'll also explore a local Jacksonville restaurant, museum, and outdoor market.
Alone in the Atlantic
Season 1 - Episode 5
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
We've been working hard to get Sea Star and ourselves ready to explore, and now the time has come. We're leaving the comfort of the St. Johns River and taking on the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway; way out of our comfort zone. The anchorage will be new and the weather testy. We're hoping to make it to Fernandina Beach to explore the city, ride horses, and tour a local distillery.
Preparing for War in Fernandina Beach
Season 1 - Episode 6
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Our shakedown cruise to Fernandina Beach continues. This is our first time away from the safety of the St. Johns River. With the Atlantic Ocean behind us, we're taking some time to explore the city, and historic Fort Clinch is first on our list. We'll also meet new friends in Florida's oldest bar before we return to Jacksonville through the unpredictable Intracoastal Waterway.
Are We Really Cut Out For This?
Season 1 - Episode 7
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
After seven months of preparation we've finally left our marina in Jacksonville for the last time. We're cruising south. This is why we bought our boat. But we don't make it very far when out of nowhere a nor'easter and hurricane Nicole combine to put us to the test.
Dangerous Dinghy Drama in St. Augustine
Season 1 - Episode 8
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
After being sidetracked by a nor'easter and a hurricane, we're back en route to St. Augustine, America's oldest city. With our dinghy finally ready, we'll try it out for the first time to get ashore. Come along as we tour the old city and see some of its amazing sights.
We're Going The Wrong Way!
Season 1 - Episode 9
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
When we say that we're going the wrong way it's because the original plan was to go South, not North. That changed when our son Jonas joined the US Marine Corps in the fall, setting up a December graduation from boot camp. We are so proud of him and would not miss the graduation for the world. Because of that, and after considering many options to be there, we decided to take Sea Star North to Beaufort South Carolina and Parris Island.
Daufuskie Island, Home of the Gullah
Season 1 - Episode 10
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
As our journey north progresses, we continue to meet new people and explore new places. Like Daufuskie Island, home of the Gullah, an African American ethnic group who predominantly live in the Lowcountry region of the Southeast. Their culture is fascinating. We also explore Beaufort and visit Parris Island, South Carolina, the culmination of our trip north.
Hidden Dangers Ahead
Season 1 - Episode 11
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
This episode is three straight days of driving the boat. Unfortunately, I have a cold and Monica has a migraine and we are exhausted. Fog set in as soon as we passed Jekyll Island and entered St. Andrew Sound. Driving the boat solely with charts and radar revealed hidden dangers ahead.
It's Over!
Season 1 - Episode 12
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
After three straight days of cruising, it's time for a break. We go ashore to explore Fernandina Beach, the northernmost city in the State of Florida. After provisioning and a street festival, we cast our lines again and head for Jacksonville where we're invited aboard Sequoia, the yacht of presidents.
We're Taking On Water!
Season 2 - Episode 1
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
We are finally heading south! After months of delays. Then, during our first engine check, we discovered that Sea Star is leaking water into our engine room. Although not currently a tremendous amount of water, if the impeller housing covers where the water is coming from gave way, it would be a nervy few minutes to get the seacocks closed and the bilges cleared. It's decision time.
Slaughter in St. Augustine
Season 2 - Episode 2
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Matanzas means slaughter in Spanish. In St. Augustine it refers to the slaughter of hundreds of French Huguenot settlers and soldiers by Spanish troops in 1565 on the banks of what is now known as the Matanzas River. Further south, built by the Spanish in 1742, Fort Matanzas guards the southern approach to the old city. We were able to visit Fort Matanzas, St. Augustine's other fort, and one of the oldest European structures in North America. Really cool!
Exploring Horseshoe Crab Island
Season 2 - Episode 3
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Horseshoe Crab Island is a small island in the middle of the Indian River. It's a place we've been to before, although it took us a few days to realize it. We were there on our paddle boards several years ago. It is known for incredible bioluminescence at the right time of year. It sits just outside of Titusville. The water between the island and the mainland is littered with destroyed ships, remnants of hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
Crazy No Name Harbor
Season 2 - Episode 4
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
No Name Harbor in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne is a party every weekend. Although very quiet during the week, hundreds of visitors stream into the park every weekend. The Cleat and the Boaters Grill, located at both ends of No Name Harbor, both serve food and alcohol. We stayed there for ten days on our way to the Florida Keys.
What's It Like To Live On A Boat?
Season 2 - Episode 5
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
When we sold our house and bought Sea Star we had no idea what it would be like to live on a boat. It wasn't an easy transition but one that we have never regretted. Living on the water certainly has its challenges but it also has its charm. We'll talk about these and take a tour of our floating home.
Is This Safe?
Season 2 - Episode 6
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
We left No Name Harbor at the wrong time on the wrong day. Not a great beginning to our trek to the Florida Keys. But our biggest challenge on this passage is a trip across Snake Creek, a narrow, shallow cut from the Bayside to Hawks Channel. Are those navigation markers really on land?
Marathon to Key West
Season 2 - Episode 7
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Poor planning leads to another run-in with bad weather and heavy seas in Hawk Channel. Will we ever learn? Marathon and Key West on Saint Patrick's Day offer some entertainment and welcome time off of the boat. But we won't be here long, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico beckon.
Florida Everglades By Boat
Season 2 - Episode 8
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
We didn't stay long enough in the Keys; we'll definitely be going back. But now we want to show Monica's parents the Everglades before they have to fly home. Everglades City is our destination. Historic lodges, airboats, and swamp exploration are all on the agenda.
Taking A Break On Marco Island
Season 2 - Episode 9
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
After several months of nearly constant travel, we needed a break. Smokehouse Bay on Marco Island was the perfect place to stop. Marco Island is the jewel of the Ten Thousand Islands area on Florida's southwest coast and the perfect place for us to recharge our batteries.
Spoiled Rotten On Marco Island
Season 2 - Episode 10
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
We've overstayed our welcome; barnacles have taken over our anchor chain. They'll need to be dealt with but first there is more to see and do on this southwest Florida, Ten Thousand Island gem. Eventually we'll have to leave this place but not before we visit its famous farmers' market, get fishing tips from a local, and learn to make our own water.
Not What I Had In Mind
Season 2 - Episode 11
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Every day brings new firsts for us. Leaving Sea Star anchored alone in the Gulf of Mexico and taking our dinghy to shore was frightening. Although our anchor and chain are solid, we were crossing our fingers that she wouldn't float away so we could continue our journey to Punta Gorda. This old city has a vibrant musical scene combined with incredible history which we explored during our time there.
Sink or Swim
Season 2 - Episode 12
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Cayo Costa is a beautiful gem on Florida's west coast; white sandy beaches and sparkling clear Gulf water. But the park took a devastating blow from Hurricane Ian and has still not recovered. We anchored in Pelican Bay and took our dinghy ashore to discover deserted beaches and incredible solitude. In this episode we also invited Firefighter Ray from Firehouse Kitchen to share a recipe that we could cook on Sea Star. The results were delicious.
Locking Through the Okeechobee
Season 2 - Episode 13
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Crossing the southern third of the Florida peninsula by boat required passage through five locks that raised Sea Star up as we approached Lake Okeechobee and put her back down as we left the lake behind us. The lake was beautiful, but the brown water running down the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers told the tale of what was lurking under the surface.
Smugglers Run, Following in the Footsteps of Pirates
Season 2 - Episode 14
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
For hundreds of years the southern tip of Florida has been a hangout for pirates and smugglers. Although most of the pirates are gone, tons of illegal drugs are still smuggled through this area every year. Come along as we tackle the Florida loop, also known as smuggler's run, a boating route that circumnavigates the lower third of Florida through the Okeechobee, down one coast, around the Florida Keys and back up the other coast, to where it started.
Stuart Florida, the House of Refuge, and Muscle Vodka
Season 2 - Episode 15
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Stuart Florida is a boater's paradise and has been a hideaway for seasoned sailors and pirates for hundreds of years. Its Atlantic coast can be treacherous, and for this reason a House of Refuge was built here in 1876. The house was built as a refuge for shipwrecked sailors. We'll tour the house and search for the nearby 1904 wreck of the 190' Georges Valentine, an Italian barkentine that went down in heavy seas at Gilbert's Bar on Hutchinson Island. In this episode we'll also visit the amazing Grace Gillespie, owner and operator of the only sole female-owned distillery in America, Muscle Vodka.
Searching For the Wrecked Remains of Georges Valentine
Season 2 - Episode 16
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
On 16 October, 1904 the 190' Georges Valentine wrecked on the rocks of Gilbert's Bar off Hutchinson Island in Florida; five crew were lost, their bodies never recovered. The ship's grave is in shallow water near the coast. For the second time, we'll attempt to find and photograph the wreck. We're also preparing to leave Florida in a few short weeks. With the help of What.2.Wear.Where, Monica starts her provisioning.
Crossing the Gulf Stream at night from Florida to the Bahamas
Season 3 - Episode 1
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
We've been cruising the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida for almost a year. The experience has been amazing. But now it's time to take the next step, to venture further than we've been before, to put ourselves and Sea Star to the test. We're heading offshore. We're crossing the Gulf Stream from Florida to the Bahamas. And to find a suitable weather window, we're going at night, the darkness adding another level of excitement and fear.
Exploring Grand Bahama Island
Season 3 - Episode 2
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
We've finally made it to the Bahamas. We'll be working our way south and stopping at many of the 700 islands over the next year. We're starting on Grand Bahama Island, in the northwest of the Bahamas. Grand Bahama Island puts us one-day's journey from the States in case a hurricane interrupts our travels, and we need to head back in a hurry. First impressions? Grand Bahama is a tropical paradise. Our marina is great. The food is good. The beaches are empty. Yeh, we like it here.
No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem on Grand Bahama Island
Season 3 - Episode 3
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Grand Bahama Island is amazing. The ocean water is turquoise blue, and the white sand beaches are deserted. It's slow season here and we're taking advantage of the solitude. We're using the time to explore the island's nature and to get to know the local people and their culture. In this episode we're hunting for hidden lobster in the reef at Coral Beach, sampling the delicious food at the famous Smith's Point fish fry, and hanging out with the locals by the food shacks up and down Beachway Drive in Williamstown.
I Have A Secret
Season 3 - Episode 4
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
More trouble in paradise. We can't stay in the Bahamas if our dingy and our macerator don't work. And right now neither of them do. The dinghy is our car on the water, enabling us to anchor off-shore and avoid marina costs. The macerator is the only way to empty our black water tanks. In the Bahamas, there are no pump-out boats. With friends and ingenuity, we'll have to figure out how to get them working.
Sun Kissed Sand and Turquoise Water
Season 3 - Episode 5
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Come with us as we visit the Lucayan National Park. It's a natural wonder located on Grand Bahama Island. The park is home to one of the world's longest underwater cave systems and to Gold Rock Beach, the most beautiful beach that we have ever visited. The immense, beautiful, and amazing beach was made famous by Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and the rest of the Pirates of the Caribbean crew filming scenes from two of their movies here. Lastly, we visit the Garden of the Groves. It's a 12-acre garden located in Freeport. It is known for its winding trails through lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling fountains.
Beach Vibes and Belly Laughs on Grand Bahama
Season 3 - Episode 6
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Searching Grand Bahama for two-dollar tacos and margaritas, an entirely unexpected adventure unfolded. Meeting Tony, our hilarious Lucayan Beach-bum bartender, was a memory that we'll never forget. So was losing our bike lock, a serious problem for us. We use our bikes to get everywhere that the boats won't take us. Not locking them up is too risky.
Seven Hours of Misery
Season 3 - Episode 7
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Now the hurricane season is behind us, we're ready to leave Grand Bahama and head for the Berry Islands, a seven-hour passage further south. We've been watching the weather for a good window to shove off and have picked a day that, although it isn't perfect, doesn't look too bad either. Little did we know that venturing offshore that day would lead to seven-hours of misery.
Off the Beaten Path in the Bahamas
Season 3 - Episode 8
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
You must get off the beaten path to find the hidden gems. Blue holes and mysterious ruins don't meet you at the dock, and the out islands can only be reached by boat. We met friends in the Bahamas that guided us to the Berry Island of Hoffman's Cay. The island is an uninhabited jewel. The deep blue hole there is surrounded by sheer cliffs and Monica was able to summon the courage to jump in from the very top. The island ruins are an ancient structure long since reclaimed by the jungle. Nobody knows who built it and it wasn't easy to get to, but the struggle was worth the visit to this fascinating place.
The Worst Ever!
Season 3 - Episode 9
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Caught off guard again. We were anchored at beautiful, but exposed, Hoffman's Cay in the Berry Islands with a big blow coming in. Time to move the boat and hide. We'd need to be quick to make the shelter of our next anchorage before the storm started. Would we make it in time? Tune in to find out how Sea Star and her crew performs.
We've Had Enough!
Season 3 - Episode 10
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
What does B.O.A.T. mean? We'll get into that in this episode. A little hint: boating isn't cheap. We spent several thousand dollars in Stuart getting Sea Star ready for this Bahamas trip. But we were sitting at a dock then, sailing the boat tends to show hidden issues that the dock doesn't. Some issues can be overlooked, some can't. There are certain things that need to function to continue cruising. With these it's fix it or head home.
Breathing Again
Season 3 - Episode 11
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
The Current Cut is a narrow channel located in the Bahamas. The pointed tips of Eleuthera and the adjacent Current Island are only about 90-meters apart. This meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea is treacherous for boaters who can be swept onto the rocks by the powerful current running between the deep ocean and the shallow sea. Most boats will only attempt this crossing during the very brief slack tide, when there is no movement of water in either direction. The surging current met us head-on as we approached Current Cut in very rough Atlantic seas. We held our breath as we attempted to cross the raging water.
Breathing Again
Season 3 - Episode 12
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Is trespassing a crime if you don't get caught? We didn't think so either. Besides, it was only a construction site, and we didn't do any damage. The goal of this mini crime spree: explore Norman's Cay, an island with a truly illicit history.
There is nothing unlawful about Iguanas, they are native to the Bahamas and on some islands endangered. We hoped we would get to see some in the Exumas. There are several islands where if you're lucky, the iguanas will leave their hideouts and venture down to the beach. We weren't so lucky. The iguanas made us work to find them.
Ready to Quit
Season 3 - Episode 13
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Could it get any worse? One thing after another is breaking; we can't go on like this much longer. We are surrounded by incredible natural beauty and wonderful people but the frustration we feel at the moment is overwhelming. We are ready to quit.
Why is Everyone Yelling?
Season 3 - Episode 14
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
In our opinion the middle Exuma islands in the Bahamas are the jewels of the island nation. The scenery and the people are amazing. In this episode we leave Warderick Wells for Big Major and Staniel Cay. The Big Major anchorage has room for more than 100 boats and is known for Pig Beach, a small beach where tourists flock to swim with the pigs. Staniel Cay is where we found the Thunderball Grotto, named after the 1965 James Bond movie, partially filmed there. Then it was off to Black Point Settlement where we stumbled into a three-day free party. We will be forever thankful for the incredible hospitality we felt on Black Point.
Swimming with Sharks
Season 3 - Episode 15
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
The nature in the Exumas is stunning. On land and in the sea, we are surrounded by beauty, and sometimes danger. Sharks are at the docks, by the reefs, and circling our boat. On more than one occasion we have found ourselves swimming with them. We try our best to keep our distance and to leave them alone, hoping that they'll do the same.
Stuck in Paradise
Season 3 - Episode 16
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
We've been stuck in paradise for over two weeks now. Strong winds have conspired with high waves to hold us down, we can't leave. But what an amazing place to be stuck. We're on a mooring ball by Cambridge Cay, part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. It is without a doubt the prettiest place we have ever been. We snorkeled at the aquarium, explored nearby islands, and hiked the trails and cliffs of this beautiful Land and Sea Park treasure.
Mission Accomplished
Season 3 - Episode 17
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Mission accomplished! We made it to Great Harbour Cay Marina and into the famous Great Harbour Cay hurricane hole before the storm. Gale force winds were predicted for the Berry Islands but fortunately for us we were in the upper Exume Cays and only a couple days sail from Great Harbour when we heard about the storm.
We stayed in the Berrys for one week prior to leaving for Bimini. Before we left and just prior to the storm we went searching for the famous caves on the eastern shore of Great Harbour Cay. They're not easy to locate but we did find them, and we'll show you where they are.
Bimini Blues and Dodging Giant Tankers
Season 3 - Episode 18
On this episode of Yard 2 Yacht:
Bimini is perhaps the most renowned and frequently visited among the Bahamian islands. It's a brief two-hour ferry ride away from the U.S. Yet, we delved deeper into its hidden treasures. We explored a side of Bimini that often eludes most tourists. Our journey led us to the Thirsty Turtle, touted as the world's finest pizza joint. Bimini also marked our final stop of our six-month journey through the Bahamas. Soon, we would be embarking on the daunting return trip across the Gulf Stream, maneuvering through its treacherous waters and dodging towering tankers bound for Florida.
