Day 3: The Admiral wants to go home

The day started out perfect as we left Vero Beach and motored north to Cocoa where we planned to anchor for the first time. As the day went on, the east winds picked up to 20 plus miles per hour. By the time we reached Cocoa, the flags were flying straight out on the boats and flagpoles in the area. We have never stayed out overnight on anchor on this boat and we had to deal with wind and tide. We pulled in to the anchorage with about 50 other boats and tried to pick an appropriate spot amongst the other boats and leave plenty of swing room. We dropped anchor for the first time and when it set we were probably too close to the boat behind us. We sat on the bow of the boat trying to determine if we were dragging anchor or firmly in place. After an hour or so of stressful discussion between the Captain and the Admiral, higher authority ruled and we pulled up anchor and repositioned the boat....twice! Finally set, we prepared for a sleepless night of worry. About 10:30 pm the Admiral proclaimed...."I want to go home". Two Tylenol PM's put the Admiral to sleep and we woke up in the morning without incident and calm seas. The Captain was relieved, but the Admiral declared we were heading to Titusville, where they had mooring balls to tie to. Life is good again.