Fernandina Beach, FL (Amelia Island)

We left anchorage at 7:15 a.m. on 29 March and cruised to Fernandina Harbor Marina, located in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, which is a quaint Victorian seaport. The cruise to here was beautiful, although the winds picked up about the time we were ready to dock—never fails!! Our friend Tom Clare was there to greet us and to help us get tied up. We met Tom and his wife Gerry in 2003 while they were in doing the Great Loop from FL to TN and were staying at Fort Loudon Marina.

There were three other “Looper” boats docked here who are also doing the loop (Double SS, Stargazer, Harmony). Tom Clare arranged for us all to meet for dinner on Thursday evening at an Italian restaurant in the lovely town of Amelia Island, which was just a short walk from the marina. We had a great dinner, and we enjoyed meeting new folks and hearing about their experiences.

Access to downtown Amelia is right across the street from the marina. It is a pretty town with many unique and interesting stores. There is also a train station and a train that runs parallel to the marina.

Directly in front of us were several docked shrimp boats. Not many of them left while we were there. The weather may have kept them from going out.

Our plan to leave Fernandina Harbor Marina on Friday was delayed a day due to very high winds and uncomfortable seas. Since we were there an extra day, Gerry Clare volunteered to take us on our own private tour of the island. Gerry is a realtor and knows all there is to know about the island. We thoroughly enjoyed her driving us around and telling us all she knows about the area. It is a beautiful island and one we recommend seeing by boat or car.

Later in the evening, we joined Tom and Gerry for dinner at their home. We had a delicious dinner and a nice evening chatting and discussing, what else, boating. Tom and Gerry will be starting the next phase of their Loop on April 7th, and will be in Charleston for the AGLCA Rendezvous, and we look forward to seeing them again and cruising with them up the east coast and on into Canada.

A small cruise ship came in on Friday afternoon and docked behind us. This area is popular for small cruise ships and for local cruises that can be arranged there at the marina.

We left Fernandina Harbor Marina on Saturday morning (31 March) along with the other Loopers. This picture shows Ginger and Laura on Stargazer getting fuel and preparing to depart Fernandina Harbor Marina. It was a beautiful morning with very little wind and calm seas! We cruised about five miles to Cumberland Island and anchored, and we are so glad we did. More on this later.