2012 Sails Into the Sunset

The final sailings of 2012 were spectacular. The light itself on these short December days has a different quality than that of the warmer months. The air is more crisp and clear, seeming to move the visual horizon miles beyond the dog days of summer. The reflective shimmer on the waters is spell binding. Even the sounds of the gulls, diving pelicans, and broaching dolphins seem more intense. Winter sailing in Florida has a magic all its own.

One of our favorite places to ring in the New Year is the Vinoy Basin in St. Petersburg. This protected small anchorage is surrounded by one of the most vibrant waterfront communities in Florida. High-end shops line Beach Drive, beautiful parks with sculptures, sprawling banyan trees, and a rare kapok tree, world famous museums, and eclectic restaurants. And of course standing guard at the mouth of the harbor is the iconic St. Petersburg Pier – even more beautiful as seen from the water. A decades-old Florida landmark.

Few communities put on a better firework show to welcome the New Year than St. Pete. And no better place to be awed by them than from an anchored boat. Please enjoy and “like” our pix of our year-end sailing festivities – better yet, come and join us as we sail into 2013. And don’t forget to check out our higher res photos on Pinterest.