1st Snowbirds Northbound Return Journey (Part 3)

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (Day 139)

Departure: Bahia Mar Yachting Center (Ft Lauderdale, FL) (Slip C312) 7:30AM

Special Comments:

• Exiting the inlet, a great farewell by four dolphins to our port side.
• Captain Jacques and I have noticed the NAIAD stabilizers maintenance and service improvement while underway.
• Smooth ocean and uneventful crossing.
• I’m absolutely loving the perforated vinyl window coverings which allows me to see the turquoise waters from the galley and salon.
• Awaiting for the PGA Bridge to open at 2:45PM opening as we had just missed the 2:15PM opening, we remained idled in the ICW. First in northbound line. Idled we noticed another Nordhavn (N55) pass the ICW entrance and bridge holding area. Eventually they turned around and entered the ICW channel and bridge line. Then we were taken back by the Nordhavn owners request (N55) to be in front of us passing through the bridge. Seriously, entitled much?!?

About Palm Beach Gardens, FL:

• “Art in Public Places” program launched (1989).
• Bonnette Hunt Club Lodge known for quail hunting (1968), area now developed into the golf courses for The Mirasol Country Club.
• Casual open-air market, The Gardens GreenMarket open on Sunday’s (8AM – 1PM) is a highly rated local tradition, “Sundays & You”.
• City ordinance originally required 10% of land development be dedicated to green space or landscaped.
• City’s retail market consists of: Downtown at the Gardens, Gardens Mall, Legacy, Midtown, and PGA Commons.
• Coastal vibe does not sit directly on the ocean. A short commute to/from Juno Beach (Palm Beach) and/or Singer Island (Riviera Beach).
• Estimated population census 61,146 (2023).
• First hotel built (1970) was a Holiday Inn, currently DoubleTree Hotel.
• First (1960) official resident, Charles Cooper lived in a shack.
• GardensArt (1989) is a unique program that exhibits the work of locally and nationally recognized professional artists and photographers.
• Handshake between late Roy O Disney (1893 – 1971), CoFounder The Walt Disney Company and late John D MacArthur (1897–1978), Billionaire Business was to build a second theme park here instead of Orlando. Deal collapsed as real estate owner, John would not sell more of his land.
• Has twelve golf courses.
• Hot and rainy summers.
• Home to Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA). Late John D MacArthur (1897–1978), Billionaire Business donated $2,000,000 (1964) towards their home office and golf course.
• Initially to be named “Garden City” by the late John D MacArthur (1897–1978), Billionaire Business & Real Estate Owner. Rejected by the State of Florida, for similarity to Palm Beach.
• John D & Catherine T MacArthur Foundation sold approximately 14,000 acres (1999) to the City of Palm Beach Gardens.
• Largest city (approximately 60 square miles) Palm Beach County.
• Official eighty year old, Banyan Tree was moved (1961) to the city’s entrance for $30K.
• Only 80 miles north of Miami, FL.
• PGA National Resort & Spa, hosts the Cognizant Classic (formerly the Honda Classic).
• Police Department has roughly 127 Police Officers and approximately 85 Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS).
• Prior to development primarily cattle ranches and pine forests.
• Radio Corporation of American (RCA) was the first commercial building permit issued (1960).
• Residency (Frenchman’s Creek) to the late CoDeveloper, Vincent G Marotta Sr (1924 – 2015) of percolating Mr Coffee.
• Slogan, “Growing Together in the Gardens“.
• The Gardens Mall, a two-story and enclosed shopping mall is known for high end retailers.
• The I-95 connects Palm Beach Gardens to Miami (1976) and Ft Pierce (1987).
• Warm winters with mild nights.

Arrival: Soverel Harbour Marina (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) 3:15PM (Slip 116)

Next Stop: Ft Pierce, FL (Friday, 3/27/26)?

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (Day 140) – Monday, April 13, 2026 (Day 161)

Docked: Soverel Harbour Marina (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) (Slip 116 & Slip 114)

Special Comments:

• (Wed, 3/25/26) Noticing that I didn’t have any bedtime back of the throat phlegm strangulation issues during my nearly week hotel stay. Jacques finally installed Airlock in our berth. We do have a large ozone onboard that we periodically use but, for whatever reason it really impacts my breathing.
• After nearly a week in the boatyard, it’s a good thing our area rugs are washable.
• Phoned nearby residents, John & Suzie S (former M/V Foxy Lady) and neither sound to be in good health or memory.
• Conveniently, within walking distance we enjoyed a Asian fusion dinner at RED PHOENIX (Palm Beach Gardens, FL). Reminiscing about where our journey began in 2023 with our Nordhavn.
• It should be illegal to be here and skip shopping at Carmine’s Gourmet Market (Palm Beach Gardens, FL). One of our favorite places we visited in 2023 and still today.
• Walking back to the vessel, we watched a two different schools of fish surface. Realized fish are sensitive to voices because every time I spoke they would dive in the water.
• (Thu, 3/26/26) We had considered attending the Palm Beach International Boat Show (Palm Beach, FL) however the time to get there, expense, and review of the exhibitors list beared nothing of particular interest. So, we decided not to go after all. Although, by late afternoon Jacques appeared to regret the decision.
• Light crepe breakfast at Angry Moon Cafe (Palm Beach Gardens, FL). Staff knew all the locals by name. Thereafter, we found ourselves running to the bathroom multiple times. Later learned, the Health Department temporarily forced them to close back in February 2026. We agreed that we won’t be attending there again.
• The nearby draw bridge seemed to be malfunctioning so that altered our plans Palm Trans plans to West Marine (North Palm Beach, FL) as traffic was at a halt.
• Stumbled upon a grand opening at Plum Market. Imagine if Sprouts, Wegmans, and Whole Foods had a baby. Very well stocked. Conveniently across the street from the marina.
• Certainly couldn’t miss the opportunity to shop at TJ Max (Palm Beach Gardens, FL).
• By the time, we finished walking the plaza, road traffic was moving so we stopped at the Palm Trans for Shoppes at City Centre. Convenient and inexpensive.
• Shopped at Doris Italian Market & Bakery (North Palm Beach, FL). Awesome place! Of course, we found some gems!
• Stopping at West Marine (North Palm Beach, FL) turned out to be a wasted trip. Everything we were looking for was not in stock. Their response, shop online. No wonder so many brick and mortar places close. Our cashier was the second day on the job, and his trainer was so overwhelmed as corporate office implemented inventory discount between 30% – 90% off select items. Sadly, such did not reflect at the time of checkout so they had to physically go check for themselves.
• Also, struck out looking at electric trek bikes at the Trek Bike Shop of Palm Beach Gardens.
• Rather then catch the bus we hailed a Uber. Our friendly driver, Ali Alauddin also provides private services in a black SUV Cadillac, Lucasa Transport (407-621-1860). Also, available by the hour which is ideal for boaters who need to shop at multiple stores.
• Amazon Pharmacy packages arrived just in time before the marina office closed.
• (Fri, 3/27/26) OMG, somehow entering the salon from the pilothouse steps entering the galley, I turned too soon and rammed right into the refrigerator. Yelp, a knot of my left forehead area and bruised lump on my right forearm. #BoatKisses
• (Sat, 3/28/26) Cold front moving in, the ocean is projected to have 12′ swells, so were staying put. By evening, strong Atlantic winds will pick up into tomorrow (20/+ kn) so Jacques proactively double lined. High surf and gale warnings. Fortunately, the marina is considered a Hurricane Hole. Red Flag warning for wildfires.
• (Sun, 3/29/26) Breezy and wet day.
• We had planned to attend The Gardens GreenMarket (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) but reconsidered given the distance and time requirement of two public transportation.
• (Mon, 3/30/26) Breezy with at least clear skies.
• Nice hot breakfast onboard for a change. Too much dining out for my body.
• YIKES, time to focus on taxes!
• Appears a ocean crossing will be a no go over the next few days in these swells (Tue) 7′ – 13′, (Wed) 9′, and (Thu) 3′- 5′.
• (Tue, 3/31/26) OMG, just realized Easter on Sunday. Where has time gone!?!
• Another day of working on taxes surrounded by palm trees.
• Jacques going to the office to pick up mail, noticed the other Nordhavn’s (M/V Silver Hammer, N4053) starboard door open so he strolled over to introduce himself. Apparently, electronic technicians onboard who quickly removed their socks and shoes once eye contact made (kinda late buddy). Sadly, the owners aren’t there.
• (Wed, 4/1/26) Our stern neighbors left early this morning. It appears they were under contract.
• We had lunch at Duffy’s Sports Grill (Palm Beach Gardens, FL).
• Provisioned at Publix Super Market at Oakbrook Square Shopping Center (Palm Beach Gardens, FL).
• Noticed the fuel truck here filling someone’s vessel so Jacques inquired about the current price, $5.45 today and yesterday was, $5.85.
• Jacques tried to engage with our stern neighbors, M/V Tami Ann but, beyond “yulp” of a response they appeared to have no interest talking.
• Fantastic news, of the Bahamas reducing their entry fees, effective today.
• This evening, from our location we could not see nor hear the Artemis II rocket launch. Only a white trail. Wonk, wonk!
• (Thu, 4/2/26) Overcast and rainy day.
• Jacques did some engine room checks and cleaning.
• I did some interior cleaning.
• (Fri, 4/3/26) Happy Good Friday today!
• OMG, first thing this morning dealing with IBX Caremark prescription issue. Lord help me!
• (Sat, 4/4/26) Just two slips from our port side, we couldn’t help but, notice the true definition of luxury yachting. A crew of four (1, Captain, 2 Deck Hands, & 1 Stewardess) onboard a sleek baby blue hull vessel. A elderly couple boarded, roughly 65+. The female in formal attire by boating terms with her pearls on looked onward to the stern. Before, the first line was even detached the Stewardess offered her a hot washcloth. Off they went!
• (Sun, 4/5/26) Happy Easter!
• (Mon, 4/6/26) Marinas able to accommodate our 6′ draft were booked due to a tournament in Ft Pierce, FL. No marina availability in Vero Beach, FL either. So, we briefly considered extending our stay here for another week, but with medical appointments lined up for next month, we need to throttle forward. At this time, we decided on a overnight anchorage.
• OMG, still dealing with this RX insurance dilemma! Everyone is placing the blame on another party, meanwhile payment received and deposited on their end. UGH!
• Well, we were going to push off tomorrow, 4/7/26 for Faber Cove Anchorage, Ft Pierce, FL (Mile 966.5/East of Daybeacon#188). However the local weather doesn’t look favorable so now we’re staying.
• Well, finally got the RX insurance dilemma resolved! Consistently, conveying the sense of urgency being on a blood thinner failure to take the RX as prescribed will result in a hospitalization costing thousands of dollars along with another medical complication. Combined with it’s against the federal law to collect a COBRA premium and not provide the coverage as purchased.
• (Tue, 4/7/26) Rainy morning!
• Since, extending our stay we had to move two slips to our port side. Apparently, the slip owner is due to return tomorrow. Somehow, slip holders/owners may receive a credit from the marina office for renting their slip during vacancy.
• (Wed, 4/8/26) YUK, rainy day! Our trip to the Post Office at the nearby mall got rained out.
• (Thu, 4/9/26) Well, like everyone else we also had to remit our taxes before Wednesday’s deadline, 4/15/26. Although, a first that the Post Office was located in the local mall, The Gardens Mall (Palm Beach Gardens, FL).
• Weird to walk a mall but, fulfilled some light shopping.
• Dinner at PF Changs (Palm Beach Gardens, FL).
• (Sat, 4/11/26) At 3:15AM this morning we were awoken by a sound. As if a dolphin was tramped or a diver under hull. A bubbling sound. Fortunately, we stern into our slip which prevailed well with a port side finger pier. This allowed Jacques to check the through hulls. Further investigating in the Engine Room, Jacques was able to identify the issue.
• Hard to believe that this time last April was our Splash Day at Pleasure Cove Marina (Pasadena, MD). Also, when we began living onboard full-time. Today, marks our 1 Year NomadIversary Day.
• (Mon, 4/13/26) Watching for our weather window to depart this week. So, in preparation, we provisioned at Publix (Palm Beach Gardens, FL).
• Standing at our Uber pick-up location, noticed Gale P Nordy (M/V Worknot, N60) here. By the time, we returned from early dinner, it was closed up.
• Early dinner at Red Phoenix Sushi & Authentic Asian Fusion (Palm Beach Gardens, FL).
  

Next Stop: Thursday, 4/16/26 (Northbound Ocean Crossing)