{"id":16021,"date":"2011-04-23T23:02:39","date_gmt":"2011-04-24T04:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/?p=16021"},"modified":"2011-04-23T23:28:04","modified_gmt":"2011-04-24T04:28:04","slug":"marathon-florida-temporary-full-cruise-mode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/marathon-florida-temporary-full-cruise-mode\/","title":{"rendered":"Marathon Florida – Temporary Full Cruise Mode"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We’ve taken a temporary hiatus from the business of yachting to enjoy hanging out with daughter Elyse, husband Todd, along with Emma and \u00a0Ian (shown above).<\/p>\n
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If you spend much time in this part of the world a mud trail will become common, even with five foot\/1.5m draft. This is ideal for keeping the props clean, but a little hard on cutlass bearings and raw water pumps.<\/p>\n
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Keeping a good lookout for extra shallow spots is essential, not to mention wildlife.<\/p>\n
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As you may be aware, this vessel ‘s crew is into galley productions. Emma does her part (above) with a double layer chocolate cake.<\/p>\n
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Both Ian and Emma are photographers, with good instincts, not surprising considering their great grandfather, grandfather, and father are in the same boat (and Dad is a consummate professional).<\/p>\n
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It turns out Marathon, Florida, is an ideal place for enjoying the cruising life. There is a protected harbor, a welcoming community, and excellent cruiser oriented shoreside services. There are also a raft of attractions including wonderful wildlife adjacent to the anchorage.<\/p>\n
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We’ve got eagles,<\/p>\n
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herons, egrets, a variety of smaller creatures, manatees, and even a raccoon scavenging at low tide.<\/p>\n
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Of course warm water and inviting beaches abound.<\/p>\n
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But the biggest draw is the Dolphin Research Center.<\/p>\n
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Just down the road, uncrowded, with friendly staff, the chance to get close up and personal with these intelligent creatures is an experience not to be missed.<\/p>\n
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The thrill for the children, their parents, and grandparents is beyond description.<\/p>\n
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And it is a good chance to study efficient hull forms in action.<\/p>\n
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We estimate a speed length ratio above 2.0 here, perhaps as high as 4.0, yet there is almost no bow or stern wave. We like the color scheme as well.<\/p>\n
We have a high res photo collection by Todd Beveridge here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"