As an old Florida native I’ve sailed for many years along the bays, coast and nearby lakes of Sarasota, Florida. A new goal was to trailer and sail our 26’ Hunter in as many different spots around FL as possible in only 2wks. Well, it’s finally come to an end and what a great time we had sailing in the unique areas we chose. I do need to say that it took a lot of planning and flexibility to make it come out so well in such a short time frame. A really big thank you goes out to the CFYC trailer sailors (and others) that scouted out many of the unique areas in central Fl and shared their info so readily. Our first meeting was at the very nice Mount Dora public docks where our modest adventure began on Friday. Lake Dora is in central Florida, 30mi N of Orlando where we joined the CFYC group.

Mount Dora and its docks were very welcoming.

Three days of gentle breezes and good company followed us in the shadow of the beautiful, quaint town of Mount Dora. The townsfolk showed wonderful hospitality and shared their nearly-new, free dock facilities with a marina right next door. The sailing was a peaceful “10” on our scale with gentle morning breezes pushing us quietly past the towns’ distinctive, old lakefront homes while the melodious church bells rang their morning tunes. Later the restored local train whistled in the background as it meandered through the nearby towns around the lake front. Cool temps, interesting shopping for Kelli, good food, no bugs and the great company of new friends were the icing on the cake for that stay. While the lake depth averaged 10’+/-, Gilbert park ramp proved to be a retrieval challenge for our 26’ Hunter with the lake levels being quite low. We had another stop on our agenda so we persevered and off we went.

A gentle breeze on Lake Dora

Our next ramp, being plenty deep, was a marked improvement at Astor, FL on the St. Johns River. The river was clean and inviting but our goal was to make the Silver Glen Spring before nightfall - so we quickly setup the boat, reprovisioned and pressed on. The river is a busy but diverse place where old FL can still be seen between the new riverfront homes popping up everywhere. Lake George, FL’s 2nd largest lake was about 5mi north but is downstream in this odd Northerly flowing river. When we approached the river and lake junction we were somewhat surprised by the lake’s large size at roughly 11mi long by 6mi wide. Taking a bearing and hoisting full sail in the consistently 10’ deep waters we took the 12kt SE breeze off the starboard stern and sailed toward the general area of the spring outlet. Time was pressing as it was about 4mi NE while the sun was quickly setting. Within an hour with little light and no real marks to indicate the tiny opening we watched the depth finder closely and scanned the lakes’ leeward shore for any signs of life. The typical shoreline is unforgiving with a house only every few miles.

Now where was that tiny inlet??

During the weekend or busy holidays the Silver Glen spring can be very busy with literally thousands of visitors a day. On this windy Monday evening there was not a soul coming or going. Finally we spied the faint spray of a lone jet ski on the shore line who was leaving the spring’s only tiny outlet. We carefully pulled toward the small gap and into about 4’ of water. Noticing faint shapes on the bottom, the water suddenly cleared to swimming pool visibility. Another 1/4mi brought us to a peaceful and surreal anchorage where crystal clear water made the boat seem suspended in mid air. Fish jumped and swam everywhere greeting us to their home. Eagles nested in the ancient Cypress trees overhead and Ospreys were everywhere. Hanging on the quiet anchorage we kayaked, snorkeled and swam until a lazy exit late the next day.

A most peaceful anchorage

The next day we would sail north on a broad reach in a building SE 12-15kt breeze 10mi NE toward Georgetown and then another 10mi N to the remote Oklawaha River outlet. This is very rural Florida, and N of Georgetown the river is surprisingly large. Everywhere you look it’s a bass fishermen’s heaven. We returned that evening to a peaceful anchorage on the sheltered side of an island near the North end of Lake George. A very isolated site, there was no one in view for literally miles. As far as one could see, it was pristine old Florida’s impenetrable shoreline covered with cypress and oaks to the waterline. What an awesome sunset we enjoyed that night after Kelli (well, I helped some) brought us safely into the anchorage.

Hey Admiral hows the helm balanced?

I need to pause and quickly say that as rural and remote as these spots are, we were totally spoiled. Not being big time minimalists, we had all the comforts of home in our plush 26’ retreat. While these amenities aren’t needed to enjoy this route our 2004 Hunter 260 was built for just such inshore/coastal trips. With its forgiving shallow draft swing keel, large bimini, bug screens, pedestal steering, chart plotter and wonderful setup and trailering habits we are very comfy.

Kellis a great sailor/galley chef

We provisioned her with plenty of food, pressurized fresh water, sinks, shower, accommodating head, full galley and queen sized bunk to laze in while our XM radio lulled us with quiet tunes. Kelli’s cooking was unreal with a near gourmet meal each day from her well-equipped galley; I certainly gained some poundage. This is truly a mobile vacation cabin for two. Hey, is it time for another meal yet? I’ll be sleeping off the last one in the cozy back bunk. Try to keep the noise down, eh?:)

Hey you scally wag get up.

The next day the wind turned SW at 10-12kts and it became a 10 mi run upwind.
The boat loves a close reach and with little effort we made it back to Silver Glen in good speed. Hey, every good captain knows when hes found a great anchorage. We relaxed with more of the same peace and quiet in what was to be our favorite cool blue anchorage. Yes it’s as cool as it looks which is freezing at 72degrees for this Fl boy.

Silver Glen Spring head

We had a cheap underwater camera that had been banging around in the hold for a couple years. Unlike years past, I remembered it and took a few shots that turned out surprisingly well. Saltwater mullet, snook, rays and bluecrab mix it up with Largemouth Bass, Brim, turtles and yes...a gator might happen in (although we didnt see any)

Hey, it’s a mermaid.

Pt. #2 will take us 200mi south to our next SW Fl spot that many saltwater sailors will recognize.

Aloha~~~_/)~~~~~
Michael and Kelli
2004 H260
s/v Plan B

Many varieties of sea life in one spot