Night Sail in the Gulf of Mexico

One of the things we wanted to do before the passage to Cuba was to to take Bella Vista our for her first night cruise! We picked a calm, warm night and set out to sea shortly before sundown. We headed west to the open sea on a downwind sail and we were awarded with a beautiful sunset as we sailed toward the horizon. Not long after, we switched on our running lights and the sky and sea went completely dark.

The only thing to be seen in the night was red and green flashing lights marking the channel or solid lights which identity other boats at sea. If you see another boat with a solid red light it means you are approaching their port or left side of the boat and green for the starboard side. Also, all vessels on motor have an additional white steaming light. These lights help to determine right of way as well as which direction to adjust your course if needed. 

It is so exhilarating sailing along the calm glass sea under the stars while slightly rocking in the waves... It heightens your sense of sound to the lapping waves against the boat as well as the smell of the salty air. As we were moving through the water, we noticed several bright lime green particles in what appeared to be bioluminescent organisms... We then started to see hundreds all around us!!! It was amazing. Suddenly, we heard a large object from behind us moving swiftly through the water. It was a brightly lit ocean freighter moving five times the speed as us! We quickly moved aside to allow them through the channel. After that, we were quite aware of our surroundings for the remainder of the trip! 

When coming back into Key West Harbour, we were accompanied by two large Catamaran party boats with the tunes blaring and the passengers appearing to be having a great time. For a minute, I thought to myself how awesome it would be on those boats joining the party... It then slowly washed over me that we just experinced our very own private sunset cruise at no cost which also happened to end in celebratory glasses of wine and music on deck..  Who needs to join a party when you can make your own??? 🏝🍷😁