Acorn To Arabellavideo

Cruising Cabbage Key & Cayo Costa: Finding a Hidden Paradise

March 21, 2025 · 22 min · 36K views · Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa, Florida

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat Arabella transitions from the Caloosahatchee River into the Gulf of Mexico, anchoring near Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa, Florida.7:49 While navigating the shallow waters of Murdoch Bayou, the crew encounters significant wind resistance, requiring strenuous paddleboarding to reach the mangrove tunnels of Cayo Costa.11:35 To mitigate the risk of fouling the anchor on submerged debris or old gear, the crew rigs a trip line using a shackle, a length of line, and a fender to allow for backward retrieval if the anchor becomes snagged.20:31 The crew utilizes Navionics to review anchorage conditions and identifies local wildlife, including manatees and pistol shrimp, the latter of which creates audible snapping sounds against the hull.19:34 Future plans include maintenance on the boat Victoria to prepare for a 70-mile passage toward the Dry Tortugas or Key West, contingent on favorable weather windows.21:44

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