Melbourne to Titusville March 13-14, 2013

Melbourne to Titusville 

ICW kicking up under strong north winds

We had originally planned to stop in Cocoa after a short run from Melbourne, but with the high winds and towing the dinghy we decided backing into a slip might be a bit too ambitious so we elected to press on past Cocoa and get near or into Titusville.  Although there are a number of nice anchorages in Cocoa, a favored one on the south side of the causeway didn't look very appealing and with the poignant reminder of last nights episode still fresh, we elected to pass.

Towing the dinghy seemed to marginally effect our fuel consumption.  It was really bouncing around back there so we were worried about damaging something but we had little choice.  I slowed down to about 5 - 6 knots during the worst stretches so it was a long day.








Plugging away into the howling wind we next decided to scrutinize a few anchorages south of Titusville, the Space Center Causeway being one that we thought we'd be able to manage.  We saw a few boats in there but they were really bouncing around and it didn't appear to be that large of an anchorage, so dialing back "adventure" to a more moderate level we by-passed that one as well.

Our next option was the mooring field at Titusville adjacent to the marina itself.  We thought we might grab a mooring ball more easily then entering a slip given the weather and of course that unhappy dinghy tethered right behind us.  Picking up a mooring is conceptually a very easy procedure.  You just grab a short line sitting on top of the mooring ball with an eye hook at its end and pass your dock line through it.  Then fasten the dock line to the boat and your snagged, securely bound to the mooring ball.

Typical mooring ball in calmer conditions

In practice (like so many things) it can be somewhat more complicated.  With waves, wind and a large boat susceptible to both, the ability to get close enough to the ball can present a challenge.  Add in the relatively high free board of our boat, and the more modest arm length of the mooring ball grabber (Mary), one can imagine one of those slapstick movie scenes emerging.  So with all that in mind we talked ourselves out of it and I called the marina and told them our situation and need of a side tie dock (since we had the dinghy off the stern).


They were most accommodating and found a spot for us.  Entering the narrow channel the dock was thankfully right there in front of us.  Did I mention that the wind and current were pushing us right into the marina and dock to the extent I had the engines idling in neutral?  Another one of those moments where your in control of an almost out of control large boat.  Unforgettable!  But being an old salt now (right?) I was able to get close and work the shifters so we just kissed the dock.  We had 3 of the 4 deck hands trying to keep us from squashing the dock pilings because of the wave surge and wind, while the fourth made a heroic effort to save our dinghy from being wedged under the dock.

End of C dock.  Marina entrance visible to the left

In a few minutes we were securely tied to the end of C dock.  Rocking in the surge for sure, but we had out 5 strategically placed fenders so weren't experiencing any apparent damage.  We moved the dinghy to the slip right next to us since it was getting battered around.  The winds and surge held steady and then began to lessen quite dramatically in the evening.  We of course said, "Great! We'll put the dinghy back aboard tomorrow morning before heading out".  So we left the dinghy where it was in the slip next to us.  And sure enough at 3am the winds began blowing strong out of the north again, right in through the marina entrance rocking us around.

The day was very windy and we calculated our chances of getting the dinghy aboard and getting off the dock (the wind was pushing us into the dock) were maybe not quite zero but close enough to dissuade any thoughts of leaving.  So we stayed another day.  I took advantage of the lull in travel and I got my bike off the boat and road about 4 miles through town to the local Ace hardware store where a seasoned cruiser named Mary help me gather up the necessary parts to re-assemble a functional snubber.

The boat was really banging on the pilings when I returned so we tried deploying additional fenders and re-situating the ones already out.  Even used a towel to help ease the scrapping.  It was marginally successful but as the day wore on the winds began to diminish as well as the surge.

Necessary planning tools:  Pepsi , Christmas ornament, sleepy dog 

We spent a few hours in the afternoon planning out the next days journey to Daytona.  It was getting pretty nice out if a little cool, but we decided to walk the mile or so to the Dixie Crossroads to try their sumptuous sea food delights.  Very good!

The next morning we were determined to leave and so after coffee we pulled the dinghy around from its slip next to us, deployed the davit and raised it.  But we couldn't get it properly situated over the cradle.  I think its because we had the crane adjusted in the wrong position effectively preventing us from swinging the dinghy over far enough to sit in the cradle correctly. Old Salts indeed!  So back down it went and on the tow line.  This presented a mild problem since I had to back away from the dock to turn and head out the entrance to the marina.  We came up with a plan to secure the dinghy to the port side which was the side away from the dock.  I'd back it out and then once we started forward out the entrance Mary would loosen the line holding it to the side of the boat.   And so we backed off the dock, and pivoted in the fareway adjacent to C dock and then out the marina entrance.  As we were headed out towards the ICW, I put the boat in neutral and took off the line securing the dinghy to the side.  And I tossed it in the dinghy on the first try so no dangling lines to foul a prop.  The tow line is poly so it floats.  All, in all another exciting episode.  Wish I had pictures of it.

Thus begins the segment of the trip to Daytona through Mosquito Lagoon and endless hours of flat water and little islets for the bulk of the day.

By the way, great place to stay, Titusville Marina!