2026 April: West Palm to Vero Beach FL

 6 April 2026 - Monday
Depart: Palm Beach FL anchorage 8:00
Arrive: Vero Beach Private Dock 3:45
Distance: ~ 63 nm
Conditions: SE Wind; < 2 foot seas; clear skies over the ocean

Clark said we needed an early start today for a long trip on the ocean, so I got a sunrise picture!

The anchorage was a little less full by the time we had our anchor up and were underway.

We could see the dredge pipe dividing the waterway a bit more clearly today than yesterday.

A red-hulled boat was advertising fuel as we went by. 

"Pickle Rick" - Marine Diesel fuel

As we approached the inlet, a big freighter appeared from around the corner. Clark thought the ship might be the one we saw anchored out yesterday evening as we came in.

"Tropic Tide" coming in from the ocean

Another boat came from the opposite direction, and from where I was sitting, it looked like the two would collide. Didn't happen!

Then, to make things more interesting, a third boat joined the fray. All was well!

A little further on, we saw a docked cruise ship in West Palm Beach.

Cruise Ship - "Margaritaville"

We made our turn to head out the inlet into the ocean, and we were not alone! A fleet of fishing boats headed out to sea. Clark thought there must be a tournament scheduled. I thought they were just anxious to get out after all the bad-weather days we've had. Given their rush, it was no surprise that we got "waked" big time as the last guy sped by us in a hurry not to miss out on the fish!

Of course our trip out the inlet, due east, first thing in the morning took us directly into the sun!

Fleet of fishing boats heading out

We had to head directly into the sun navigating the channel out into the ocean. Blinding!

Off in the distance we could see the silhouettes of a couple of boats. Clark discerned that it was a tug pulling a barge.

Tugboat "Ruby Coast" towing barge

The 50' + fishing boats weren't the only ones out here. A swarm of little ones were scattered across the ocean as well. I was unable to get a good picture to show the scatter plot of boats!

Small boats on the horizon

On the ocean we had clear blue skies as opposed to onshore where we saw thick, white puffy clouds!

We traveled on the ocean today just beyond the 3-mile line, and in doing so, we appeared to pick up the Gulf Stream. Our normal speed of around 8 knots was boosted to over 9 knots with the help of the Gulf Stream. 

Along the way we passed various populated areas like Jensen Beach where we saw skyscrapers bordering the ocean.

Jensen Beach ocean view around noon time

Other places we saw only small buildings and mostly vegetation.

View of Land - 3+ miles off the coast

Just before 2:00 we entered the Fort Pierce inlet. 

On the southside of the jetty, we saw many people out fishing while enjoying the beautiful calm seas.

Jetty populated with numerous fishermen

A small boat sat on the far side of the jetty to our north.

As we came in the inlet, one boater decided he wanted to "tailgate". We wondered, "Why doesn't he just pass us?"

Too close for comfort at times!

We saw some folks enjoying the beach at the inlet.

Sunbathers

I was capturing a few scenes with my camera upon entering the Fort Pierce area ...

when I heard a strange buzzing noise. I looked around and saw a motorized glider in the sky. It looked like it would be fun, but that sure takes guts. I'd be afraid of engine failure!

Glider sounded like an airboat!

Motorized Glider at Fort Pierce

I am a sucker for tugboats. We passed one on the way in, and of course, here it is in the blog!

Tug "Kathleen" at Fort Pierce

A new bridge is being built here. The height difference is amazing. There will not be a need for a bridge tender when the new bridge is open. I speculate that the old bridge will become a fishing pier like so many others have done.

26' clearance on old bridge
over 60' on the new one

Still under construction

Later, as we passed a less-populated stretch of land, I saw a structure at the end of a spit of land and commented on it to Clark. He said it was a house. I thought it was a billboard. No other structures were anywhere in sight.

What is that?

Well, billboard was closer to the right answer than house, but neither one was the correct answer. Clark finally managed to read the writing on the structure using binoculars.

"Harbor Branch"
"Florida Atlantic University"

We continued to have clear skies and good weather. However, my Weatherbug app notified us of thunderstorms within a 10-mile radius. We saw no signs of it in our travels today.

When we saw the Vero Beach City Marina docks, we knew we were close to our destination. Given that I started to pull out lines and fenders to dock at our friends' house. 

Vero Beach Fuel Dock

However, as it turned out, our friend's boat was not in its slip, so he told us to dock there and use his lines. I quickly had to drop our lines and grab his. Tying up this way was much simpler and quicker than struggling to get ours around poles and such. 

We were greeted at the dock by our hosts, Don and Anna, and our friends, Franklin and Cathy, who also live in the area. Don has added a Hinkley boat to his set of "toys", and Clark was anxious to have a look. No sooner were our lines tied than Don, Franklin, and Clark disappeared to the other boat. 

Meanwhile, Cathy and I caught up while Anna made us all a scrumptious dinner. Somewhat unfortunately, dinner talk consisted mainly of an electrical problem with the Hinkley which Clark was keen to focus on. A few times Anna looked at me and rolled her eyes as if to say, "What can we do with these guys?!"

For dinner we enjoyed a lovely salad and rolls followed by salmon potatoes and broccolini. For dessert, we had our choice of cannolis, apple pie, and ice cream.  Needless to say, we came away "stuffed"!

Weather over the next three days looks pretty darn ugly. Gale force winds and rain are anticipated. Given that, we will stay put until at least Friday. I was wondering how our friends were doing at Marlin Bay when I got a text showing them, at least some of them, having a great time on Mike's fishing boat!

Captain Brian, Jonathan, and Mike
Wow! What a haul!