April 5 - 11, 2009 -- Back in the US of A

Just before dawn broke, we cast off our lines and made our way out of the dark harbor at West End. We had lots of company in crossing the Gulf Stream, as many boats had also been waiting for this weather window.




This was our last Bahamian sunrise, accompanied by a moderate breeze from the southeast, mostly at our stern.




Just a few miles off shore, as we entered international waters, we saw a familiar sight, a US Coast Guard Cutter patrolling. Shortly, they made a beeline for us, and came along side. They requested we maintain course and reduce speed, so they could come aboard for a “safety and marine regulations” inspection. So, of course, we did.

They launched an inflatable with four young guys aboard, came along side, and deposited two men aboard Monarch on the fly.

The two officers were very polite and checked Monarch over thoroughly, looking in the engine room, bilges, lazarettes, cabinets and cupboards, and gave us a clean bill. Undoubtedly, they were also checking for firearms, drugs and Cubans during their inspection!

After the 30-minute inspection, they departed the same way they had come. Concurrently, the cutter had stopped another US boat for the same check. They stopped all US boats enroute in the area, but did not stop any of the many Canadian boats – they can only stop them if they are in US waters.

The remainder of the trip was uneventful, and we arrived at Fort Pierce. We reserved a slip at Harbor Isle Marina, to leave Monarch for a week. We rented a car, did our Florida road trip to visit Jerry’s Dad, Carl and Nancy Meyers on Marco Island, and finally Marty’s Aunt Zelda and Uncle Jack in Naples. With a vehicle in hand, we also made stops at West Marine, Boater’s World and Publix grocery. We hadn’t been in a car in months!

We had a wonderful Bahamian experience, and anticipate Monarch's return to these pleasant islands in the coming years.