Tuesday & Wednesday March 24-25, 2026
TUESDAY
We left New Smyrna Beach with plans to make a solid 50+ mile run to Fort Matanzas, where we’d settle in for a two-night stay. But Mother Nature had other ideas… and she wasn’t about to wait. As the thunderstorms started building, we made the call to drop anchor in Daytona and call it a day.
Thankfully, the worst of the thunder and lightning stayed offshore, so we mostly dealt with wind and steady rain. Not exactly a postcard evening—but honestly, not bad either. Overnight turned calm and quiet, and the anchorage settled into one of those peaceful, gentle nights that make you forget the earlier drama.
WEDNESDAY
Today we picked up and continued on to Fort Matanzas. Along the way, we cruised past such a wild mix of scenery—massive waterfront mansions standing proudly beside charming old Florida homes, with your everyday houses sprinkled in between. It’s always amazing to see that kind of contrast all in one stretch.
The weather behaved much better for us today, just a quick passing shower to keep things interesting. Once we arrived, we dropped anchor alongside several other boats enjoying the same stop. About two hours in, though, we realized we were creeping a little closer to shore than we liked—never a great feeling—so up came the anchor and we gave it another go. Round two was much better.
Of course, just as we were getting settled again, the wind picked up and shifted with a few showers rolling through—because why not keep things exciting?
We spent some time talking about this incredible journey… what we’ll miss when it’s over, and what we definitely won’t. Funny how both lists can be pretty long.
And just like that… three more sleeps until we cross our wake 🥰
Discover more from Sea U Later's Great Loop Adventure
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
