Aaron is correct in concern over Cuba. The current goes easterly at the point we were becalmed, and next stop would have been Havana. Summerwind would fit right in with those ’57 Chevys.
The problem with the engine was I forgot to start the fuel pump, but we don’t need to broadcast that oversight.

The trip back was even more exciting. A fellow from Atlanta, Brandon Smith, who I met only once, agreed to fly down to Mexico to help bring Summerwind back. He was interested in getting bluewater experience, and boy did he. Mike is correct in that clearing in through customs only took 20 minutes, but clearing out took 2 days. We met with the customs offical on Thursday to complete the paper work for an early Friday departure. We were told to return on Friday morning. We showed up at 8:00am only to be told to come back at 10:00. At 10:00, we were told the paper work was still not complete. When we asked how long it might be, we were told either 15 minutes, 2 hours,. or 1 day. We then came back at 1:00 pm to check and were told to take all of the stamped paperwork to the main immigration office on the island, and get seven (7) copies stamped and then return to the dock. But, we now had our passports in hand, and after exiting the small office at the dock, we planned our escape. Let’s just leave it at the Mexican authorities still think we’re in Mexico.

Leaving Isla Mujeres, we ended up sailing behind the Black Pearl, which was going out on a tourist sail – yes – that Black Pearl. If I would have told my wife, she would have flown down to see if Jack Sparrow, (Johnny Depp) was still in attendance.
Before leaving we, topped off the fresh water tank (65 gal), the fuel tank, and 2 jerry cans of fuel.
The first day had 15 kt winds from the east, and with the strong northerly current, we were averaging 7+ kts. Later in the day, the water stopped coming out of the sink, and we discovered the fresh water tank had been pumped dry into the bilge. From 65 gallons to zero in one day – another $10 fix didn’t work. we counted the bottled water and figured we could each have 3 bottles per day for the next 5 days. Fortunately, Brandon was in the Army for 10 years, including jungle warfare training, and I think actually enjoyed the challenge.

Then the wind died for 3 days – now we were going through the diesel. After praying for wind, we finally got it on the 3rd day – straight out of thr north, and right on the nose. Maybe I should improve my attendance, to improve communication with prayer. We reviewed the charts and determined the closest port we could get to the quickest was Clearwater, and that’s where we went. We arrived with 7 gallons of fuel, and 3 water bottles left.

It gets better. I did the paperwork before leaving the US to simply call in on returning, and give my boat registration number to clear Immigration and Customs. This is to streamline the process. I called the number I was given after returning to Atlanta, which was in Miami. They told me to call immigration in Savannah, which I did. They told me to call immigration in New Brunswick, the closest port in Georgia to Florida, which I did. They told me to call the Atlanta office, which I did. They told me to call the Atlanta Airport, which I did. They got their supervisor, who said I would need to bring the boat to the curb at the Atlanta Airport. I explained the size and cost of moving a boat overland, and he said someone would call me.

I’m still waiting on the call, and therefore, not really here.

Bob

ps – I’m sailing the boat from Tarpon Springs to Destin, leaving on June 18th, a 3-day trip. Anyone want to come along, you’re more than welcome.