Key Largo/Key Biscayne

by Ron

We had a weather window to move North and left Marathon for Key Largo. It was a Calm, Comfortable Cruising Day, very nice after battling our way back to Marathon from Key West. We saw a sea turtle and a family of dolphins, three adults and two babies swimming right in front of the boat.

Reserving dockage is still a challenge. We weren’t able to reserve our first choice of marina in Key Largo. So we had a choice between docking at a marina that had a very narrow canal and water with skinny water at the entry. Or marina that had a sharp left turn into a long canal, that they called the “crash corner” which they give you very specific instructions on how to radio your approach. We opted for the narrow canal with skinny water and came in as the tide was rising. Well, turned out water wasn’t really the issue but we called the canal, the Canal from H_ _ _! We came in and saw noway two boats could possibly pass each other, we could practically jump from the boat right into the backyards of the houses along the canal and there were cement walls lining the canal and rocks along the bottom of sides. There was current and wind and it took your total focus to stay in the center of canal or you’d easily blow right into the wall and possibly hit a rocky bottom, despite white-knuckling his way through the canal, Ron landed the boat perfectly.

We cut our stay short to take advantage of a weather window to travel on the Atlantic to our next destination of Key Biscayne. The forecast was winds of 15 mph and waves 2.5 ft. We expected it to be a little rocky compared to our last cruise. I was able to get down to the galley to make our usual deli sandwich lunch but as is often the case, the waves and wind picked up in the afternoon and we were never able to eat lunch. We were happy to spot the lighthouse, knowing we were close to our destination. We were rewarded with a great slip with a great view of Coral Gables, South Beach and great sunsets at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club.

The water turned to a beautiful turquoise color as we got closer to Key Largo and the Reef, we were told that was because of the Gulfstream and bottom color.
One night at Pilot House marina and restaurant with the Canal from H_ _ _ and a restaurant featured on Drive-ins, Diners, and Dives. The food was very good, the Beer in the Rear Chicken was excellent with its carmelized BBQ sauce.
Thanks to our friend who loaned us his car, we called it the Mike Mobile, Key Largo turned out to be a provisioning stop. We usually order groceries on Instacart and have them delivered to the Marina. But it’s a real treat and a blessing to be able to pick out your own groceries, too. We stocked up at Publix, Walgreens and Key Largo Fisheries for fresh Grouper, and used a gift card from our employees from Christmas.
We saw this lighthouse off in the distance on our approach into Biscayne Bay. Cape Florida Lighthouse located in Bill Baggs State Park is the oldest standing structure in the Miami area. The park offers miles of trails but the ones we hiked were located right on the shoreline. The beach here in Key Biscayne is considered the 8th best beach in the country. This is where No Name Harbor is located, where many boaters wait to cross to the Bahamas. We decided to pass on that side trip.
Sunset over Biscayne Bay. Key Biscayne is an island paradise. The Village is mostly residential but has its share of beautiful beaches and resorts. Its the place to go to get away from the big city life of Miami. Many of the residents use golf carts to get around. We took advantage of the shuttle service called “FreeBee” an electric modified golf cart that gives you a ride wherever you want to go in the village
Really enjoyed docking at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, they had a beautiful new clubhouse, great pool area, and beautiful sunsets. We’ve been asked about dockage rates at YC, this one was cheaper than Pilot House but most are comparable to the local marinas and many times a little less. On the east side of FL we are expecting to pay $3-$3.50 a foot for one night.
Pitching tents for overnight on front lawn
S’mores served in a chafer!
KBYC is a very social club, the building is less than 3 years old, and has an excellent chef and staff. They had a number of events during our time there.

On Friday night there was a Kids overnight, where they set up tents on the front of the clubhouse lawn. Parents and kids played games, and families spent the night at the club. They served s’mores, a little different than how we do them at home and breakfast in the morning. We noticed the tents were down by 8 a.m. and everyone went home right after breakfast, probably so the parents could nap.
One of their club traditions was to have a “Fleet Review” with the outgoing Bridge. This involved a 70′ Marlow yacht docked right next to Flying Colors. The Bridge were dressed in their formal uniforms on the aft deck of the boat saluting as member boats, and the sailing school paraded by to honor their year of service and yes of course there was a party in the clubhouse after.




Our last night in Miami area, brought us to South Beach. We explored the Brickell area and went to a trendy Asian/Med Fusion restaurant serving up small plates on the 40th floor of East Hotel called Sugar. This rooftop restaurant was a beautiful garden overlooking the intercoastal, food was amazing! Next stop: Fort Lauderdale

5 thoughts on “Key Largo/Key Biscayne”

  1. Most amazing!
    The canals I’m sure were sketchy, but we know that the Commodore’s navigation of the SCYC HI-LINE Liska’s Canal has given him plenty of practice. LOL!
    Staying at yacht clubs must be amazing. When we visit them by road it’s fun.
    Thanks for sharing 1st mate, navigator, and the sounding board for the Captain.
    Team Flying Colors is truly shining bright!
    Dan

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  2. Again, thanks for the update. What a wonderful way to tour from harbor to harbor. Hope you’re getting your exercise for all that wonderful eating. Stay safe.

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    1. Well, the first mate is only doing this Loop once but if we did do it again, we would have a completely different boat with stabilizers. Not that this boat hasn’t been great, it has, its comfortable and had cruised great but we would become serious crusers if doing again, thus a serious ocean going vessel.

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