Transiting to New Smyrna with the staysail out to try to take advantage of the north winds behind us.
We are trying to get to New Smyrna before 5pm when the marina closes but it doesn't look like we will make it because the tidal current is against us for most of the 10hr transit.
Here we are passing through the Matanzas Inlet area which is a notorious shallow area with lots of shoaling. But it was dredged last year so no problems as long as you stay on the proper track.
There are 3 opening bridges to pass through along this transit and fortunately all 3 are opening on request with no time restrictions. We got through all 3 with no delays.
Several bridges to pass under in Daytona Beach. Daytona has done a nice job designing and decorating their bridges. Very pretty compared to the normal "functional" concrete bridges along the ICW.
Approaching New Smyrna with the iconic red lighthouse at the Ponce de Leon Inlet.
Didn't quite make it to the marina by 5pm but we did make it to the bridge and make the 5pm opening. The winds never came up to the forecasted level which is good now as it is time to enter the marina and always easier with light winds.
Made it to the marina just after closing but it was a straight in shot to the slip and light winds so we docked with no problems.
We decided to stay at the city marina for a week as there are some strong winds and thunderstorms forecasted plus, Rivah has to go to the vet with some anal gland problems so this will be more convenient.
