Read about Sadie Ann’s Voyage Home
Captain’s Log – From the Bridge
10/16/26 • 30.2° N, 81.2° W
Sadie Ann to Winter-Up in Jacksonville, FL
Sadie Ann has found her winter home. While we originally reported she would winter-up in North Carolina, we made the decision to stop her journey home in Jacksonville, Florida instead.
Since our last update, Sadie Ann and crew experienced some unfavorable weather before continuing north to Jacksonville. Our delivery captains continued working through a few challenges that come with moving a new state-of-the-art hybrid vessel toward her home waters. They did an amazing job of balancing progress with the importance of safe and reliable operations.
An issue with the starboard parallel hybrid transmission will be addressed and corrected while in Jacksonville. Identifying and addressing any mechanical issues – big or small – is an important part of getting a new vessel ready for the demands of education, research, and outreach on the Great Lakes. While the miles traveled during this first leg of her journey home were fewer than originally anticipated, the experience has provided valuable insight into the vessel’s unique systems.
Thank you for following along and sharing this journey with us. Supporting the crew and our Lake Superior Research Institute staff has been extremely meaningful and for that we are genuinely grateful. There is more to come as we work toward bringing Sadie Ann home to Superior next spring and celebrating with all of you and the greater Twin Port region. We will make a “big splash” when she arrives.
If you find yourself in the Jacksonville area over the winter months and are interested in taking a “sneak a peek” at her at Beach Marine, let us know and we may be able to line up a tour for you.
— Captain, Sadie Ann
10/16/26 • 28.3° N, 80.4° W
The Sadie Ann Takes the Scenic Route North
The Sadie Ann is back underway! After departing Fort Pierce this past Saturday, the crew set their sights north, traveling along Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)—a route that offers a different perspective on the coastline and a little adventure along the way.
But as any mariner knows, the weather gets a vote, too! Strong winds made it prudent to pause the journey, and the Sadie Ann has temporarily laid up near Titusville, Florida, while conditions improve.
Safety comes first, and sometimes the best progress is knowing when to wait for a better weather window. The journey north continues, one safe mile at a time, as the Sadie Ann works her way toward the Great Lakes and, eventually, home on Lake Superior
— Captain, Sadie Ann
10/16/26 • 26.2° N, 80.2° W
The Sadie Ann Continues Her Journey North
The Sadie Ann is doing well and continues to make her way north! After departing Marathon, Florida, and passing the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, the vessel made it as far as Miami, just shy of Fort Lauderdale.
While progress has been a little slower than planned, the crew and vessel are doing well, and the journey continues one leg at a time. Every stop along the way is an opportunity to check systems, monitor conditions, and prepare for the next stretch of the voyage.
— Captain, Sadie Ann
10/15/26 • 25.2° N, 80.2° W
After a short rest, the Sadie Ann got underway this morning from Marathon, Florida, under calm seas and favorable conditions. Her next leg north took her past one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic landmarks—the famous Seven Mile Bridge, which connects the islands of the Keys.
With the bridge behind her, the Sadie Ann is continuing north toward Fort Lauderdale, making progress on her journey. Stay tuned for more updates as the voyage continues!
— Captain, Sadie Ann
Day 31, 10/1/26 • Marathon, Florida
Sadie Ann departed Tarpon Springs on September 25 and made a short voyage to Clearwater to test the long-awaited aftermarket replacement part. Unfortunately, shortly after departing Clearwater on September 26, the replacement part failed. Despite the setback, Sadie Ann continued safely and arrived in Marathon, Florida, without incident.
— Captain, Sadie Ann
Day 21, 9/17/26 • En route • 29.5° N, 85.3° W
We’re expecting the long-awaited replacement part to arrive tomorrow. Once it’s installed, we’ll take Sadie Ann out for a sea trial to make sure everything is running smoothly and that no other issues have surfaced. With a little luck, we’ll be back underway and continuing our journey very soon.
— Captain, Sadie Ann
Day 11, 9/9/26 • En route • 29.5° N, 85.3° W
A small mechanical component prompted an unscheduled stop at Tarpon Marine Services in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Minor maintenance stops like this are a normal part of any long maiden voyage, and all is well aboard Sadie Ann. We’ll be back on our course home as soon as the replacement part arrives. In the meantime, enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at part of the engine room and the helm station. Thanks for following along on the journey!
— Captain, Sadie Ann
Day 6, 9/4/26 • En route • 29.5° N, 85.3° W
Good morning from the Sadie Ann!
— Captain, Sadie Ann
Day 5, 9/3/26 • En route • 27.9° N, 82.8° W
Sadie Ann made her first overnight passage en route to Clearwater, Florida.
— Captain, Sadie Ann
Day 4, 9/2/26 • En route • 30.7° N, 86.41° W
Sadie Ann has reached the open ocean outside Pensacola, Florida. We’re enjoying a pleasant ride with 15 knots of wind on the bow and gentle 2-foot seas at a 4-second interval. The weather is cooperating, the boat is running well, and it’s a fine day to be at sea.
— Captain, Sadie Ann