Bahia Mar Marina/ Ft. Lauderdale Cruise Review

Cruise Leaders: Nick & Peggy Peterson
Date of Cruise: 12/30/2009 – 1/3/2010
Number of Boats: 9 Number of Drive-ins: 0
Total number of people: 24

Weather: Thursday, warm & sunny (high’s in low 80’s)
Friday: Warm in the AM, Windy & Rain in the afternoon (cold front passing through).
Saturday & Sunday: Cool, Sunny & Windy (High’s in the 60’s – Low’s in the 50’s).

Fun and exciting things that happened: CFC selected a new destination for New Year’s 2010. While a lengthy trip, the marina and city were definitely worth the drive. The famous Bahia Mar Marina is home to some of the world’s largest yachts. We were placed on the “small docks” which were designed to hold boats twice our size. Despite that, the Marina was very easy to navigate, had floating docks and great amenities, and was situated only two blocks from Ft. Lauderdale Beach area with a large selection of shops, bars, and restaurants.

Two boats arrived very early on Tuesday (Nauti Dog and Whazzup), and two more boats arrived Wednesday (Pier Pressure and Blue Moor Money). Four boats (Nacho Boat, Gulfstream, Pam’s Paycheck, and Moore Fun) arrived on Thursday (New Year’s Eve). Gulfstream got stuck on the the ramp at Pompano Beach after his trailer went off the ramp. After using their anchor to elevate the trailer, Terry’s trailer was able to make it up the ramp again. The nice warm day was ended with “Docktails” on the “H” Dock slips. Later, around 10PM, most folks went out to town to celebrate the New Year and watch the ball drop at the Ft Lauderdale Beach. Kenny & Carol Moore’s daughter, Jennifer Moore, accepted a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Kevin Burke, under the moonlight on the beach (ahhhhhh….). So, it was an exciting New Year’s for all.

Friday: Clouds rolled in, but the group gathered for a Potluck Lunch. As usual, there was plenty of food for all. Several watched Football games, and the group went out to the Quarterdeck for Dinner. Rain & showers passed by around 3PM, as a strong cold front moved in. Double J arrived around 6PM (following the rain all the way from Central Florida).
Saturday: The four early boats all departed for home. The day was cool, but still sunny and very nice. 10 people loaded onto Nacho Boat for a cruise to downtown Ft. Lauderdale. As Nacho Boat was approaching the city dock, a body was discovered in the water. USCG and Ft. Lauderdale police were called. Nacho Boat stayed with the body until the Police arrived and began the recovery effort. The crew then headed to lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon at the Museum of Discover, where they also saw an IMAX show on Dinosaurs. Due to the windy conditions, two of the boats decided to re-position their towing rigs closer during the day.

Sunday – The five remaining boats left the Marina prior to 10AM, and everyone headed for home.