One rocket after another flies into space from Cape Canaveral. In particular, SpaceX sends rockets and satellites on their journeys from there at an impressively high frequency.

NASA isn’t the only one using the huge area between the mangroves. Companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX are also busy here. Since Florida won’t let us go yet, we’re not gonna miss out on seeing a rocket launch up close. Behind a lock and a bridge is an observation post that’s easy to get to by boat.

Just two hours after the anchor sinks to the bottom under the force of gravity, the rocket flies into the sky, defying it. From the bow, we watch the launch, the satellite separating from the rocket, and the carrier segment landing. Even though we have occasionally spotted rockets and satellite chains in the sky during night passages, watching the launch on site makes a completely different sensory impression.

The spark has been ignited, and a visit to the Kennedy Space Center the next day is a must. Luckily for us, there are no cruise ships sending hordes of guests onto the grounds. And truly, it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful day. IIt’s like Christmas at Disneyland for nerds! Decorations and music spread good cheer. Add to that the impressive surroundings with all the exhibits, rocketsand fascinating facts. All of these things are connected with stories about human willpower, the power of dreams, impressive scientific achievements and how teamwork can make the impossible possible. “Per aspera ad astra,” demonstrated through many big and small examples. In times of chaos and unrest, spending an entire day focusing solely on the positive achievements of humanity and individuals proves to be a pure blessing. Perhaps it is no coincidence that the ticket price is similar to the cost of a therapy session.

Having just crawled through the ISS, we return to our own ship that evening and set sail for Fort Pierce. As we leave, we spot rocket parts that are probably from the launch the previous day. The next morning, we arrive in Fort Pierce in good spirits and join the ranks of those waiting to head south.

It could be worse to have to wait. Florida scores highly, especially thanks to its large population of dolphins. Undeterred, they swim in every corner, no matter how inhospitable it is. Nowhere else on our trip were we able to reliably observe dolphins every day. The pelicans and manatees that sometimes float undisturbed in the harbour basin in Fort Pierce certainly contribute to the perfect Florida experience, as do the dolphins. Added to this is the incomparable evening light.

Although we had originally planned to skip Florida, we’re glad we spent time there. We spent our last few days in the USA happily going for a swim, strolling through the farmers’ market one last time, joining the local running club, drinking at the local brewery and making a bonfire on the beach. Then we prepared for the next leg of our journey.

In short, crossing the Gulf Stream towards the Bahamas was one of the most unpleasant experiences we had at sea. Despite choosing a time when conditions were favourable, we were trapped in a washing machine for at least six hours. The entire crew was seasick and felt their internal organs move in every direction. Well, after suffering comes joy. In this case, it was the arrival in calmer waters and clearing customs in Grand Cay in the Bahamas. Time to take down the US flag and start a new chapter.