Yesterday morning we reached Fort Lauderdale. We checked in to a hotel and waited for Xavante to arrive. Meanwhile we went on a watertaxi around the canals to see the billion dollar houses and the “Venice of America”. It was fun and we stopped for lunch at a restaurant on the way.

Anders, Michael and Bill, (the gentlemen who sailed Xavante across), got quiet rough winds at some points and there were some seasickness, but over all everything went well and they arrived to the marina about 11.30 pm yesterday night. They motored in the canal about 40 miles which took a while since they had to wait for all the bridges to open. We would really want to send them a special thank you for their kindness. They are welcome to come and join Xavante on further sailings whenever they want.

Right now Bengt, Anders, Bill and Michael are trying to get a cruising permit for the United States and deal with the customs. It doesn’t seem to be so complicated, on their way here they didn’t get stopped or anything even though the Swedish flag was up so we hope and believe that the “check in” will run smoothly and that no problems will occur.

We haven’t really figured out our further plans yet, we will probably sail south to Miami tomorrow, maybe we will motor down in the canals or sail outside the coast. Everything is a bit floating (sailor’s joke).


Dinner at the Bahamas before take off.
From left; Bill, Michael, Ove, Malin, Elina, Anders and Bengt




Bengt and Ove in the WaterTaxi




He has two superyachts, just in case.....



The White House of Florida, privately owned mansion.




One day, no land in sight. The next day, skyscrapes and mansions. This really is a journey of contrasts.