Boating with Sunset Delight: 2025 November: Arrive Pompano Beach FL

15 November 2025

Depart: Lake Worth, FL anchorage 7:50

Arrive: Private Dock, Pompano Beach, FL 12:45

Distance: ~ 35nm

When I stepped outside to look for the sun, I found it hiding behind the clouds.

I looked for and found the sailboat that had the multi-colored mast last night.

Red, White, and Blue Mast

Because we came in reasonably early yesterday afternoon, we had a spot not too far from the inlet this morning. Often we have had to drop anchor at the most remote portion of the anchorage. Consequently, it was a reasonably short ride to the inlet. Unlike yesterday morning when it felt like we were in a bouncy house, today we did not have to bounce over the waves to get out into the ocean.

As we left the anchorage, we heard a ship's captain calling Palm Beach Security. His accent was so heavy I could hardly recognize that he was saying "Palm Beach". We passed the ship as we headed out into the ocean - "Tropic Lissette" from Kingstown.

"Tropic Lissette"

Looking back at Palm Beach as we headed south, we could see the sun shining brightly on the buildings.

For a short while, I entertained myself taking cloud pictures.

Our travels today took us past Mar-A-Lago and Trump was in town. The USCG was busy on the VHF radio telling people where they could and could not go. As we passed by, thankfully on the ocean, we could see a large USCG vessel patrolling the area.

The Google Maps picture below shows the resort and our position as we approached the area. Fortunately we were far enough off shore that no one gave us any notice.

USCG Vessel "Skipjack"
patrolling Mar-a-Lago Resort area

Clark said he wanted to go on the ocean to avoid that whole area. We were through here one time when he was in residence and planned to leave the resort. Traffic (cars and boats) was stopped. Bridges did not know whether they could open or not. "Is he coming? No, Okay! Open up!" A zoo!

Unlike other days we have been on the ocean all by our lonesome, today we had lots of other boats out there with us (a Saturday). Many of them were small fishing boats like the one shown below.

We could see lots of tall buildings along the shore line, and one currently under construction.

Our destination for today is accessed via the Hillsboro Inlet. To pass the time, we listened to stories on NPR. We had to abort an arson story as we came up on our turn off from the ocean. Hopefully we can finish it later.

We go in by the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse. I could see the distinctive lighthouse up ahead.

I got a nicely lit view of the lighthouse as we approached the Hillsboro Inlet bridge.

The bridge would be opening soon and boats were "pouring in" to the inlet.

One of the boats behind us was a fishing charter. The captain is a "get out of my way" kind of guy, and I was glad we were in front of him and could disappear before he needed to dock just inside the inlet on the ICW.

"Starlight" Fishing Charter

I noticed something unusual floating in the water nearby here.

No idea what this is!

At the intersection of the ICW with the opening to the inlet, boat traffic was wild! Boats were coming in and going out while "Starlight" was making a bee-line to his dock! Crazy!

While waiting for the bridge to open, I had set up my lines and fenders for stopping at our friend's dock. We "raft up" next to his boat at his slip a short distance down the ICW from the inlet. I know from experience that his place comes up quickly and I need to do my lines and fenders asap in preparation.

After getting my lines / fenders set, I could relax and watch the boat traffic. I was glad I had my camera handy as a car came down the ICW! The guy in the back seat had a broad smile and a big wave when he saw me taking a picture. Clark noted that the car had no license plate.

Floating Mercedes

Also traveling through here were a number of PWCs. Saturday's offer endless interesting sights.

Fortunately, our friend Steve greeted us as we came up to his boat. I have no idea how I would manage to raft up to his boat without him there to catch the lines. He said he had just gotten back before we arrived!

We had take out Pizza Hut pizza for dinner. We ate outdoors and watched the various boats go by.