>We came in the Boca Grande pass last night to anchor at Cayo Costa Island. It was a short day sail from Venice to Boca Grande but very windy all day. We had our first experience with dropping the jib to the deck when our roller furling got fouled and would not bring it in. […]
Archive | 2009
Clearwater to Sarasota Bay
> We left Clearwater two days ago in 20 knot winds. Although that is very manageable wind, the Clearwater pass is narrow making for a rough ride through the jetties with boats behind us turning back. The sail down to Tampa Bay was fast and we anchored at a small barrier island and rode out […]
We’re Off Like A . . .
>We have a new phrase which seems appropriate for our shore excursions. “We’re off like a herd of turtles.” It seems to perfectly describe that 20-minute scramble for sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, maps, camera and correct trolley change which occurs before we set off. In the cockpit, we debate “Take Chewy or Tie Chewy.” If we […]
Waywardness
> Well, I have a number of transgressions to report. 1. Jacob got his ear pierced. Who told him that real sailors sport an earring? Michelle? Vicki? 2. Many of you will forgive the earring as “youthful spontaneity.” However, I must also report that I checked his journal and NOT A WORD. You may want […]
Sun Harbour Marina
>We are currently anchored outside Sun Harbour Marina in Panama City. We see a lot of activity nearby. The Shell Island pontoon rentals and the Betsy Ann Riverboat all take a payload of sunbathers and tourists out on the water several times daily right past our boat. This morning, we walked a few blocks to […]
Gettin’ Around
>We hit Panama City on the Rollerblades. Michelle and I went grocery shopping to stock up, passing through old downtown Panama City on the way. Meanwhile, Randall went to three marine stores trying to track down a part for the water pump. I successfully managed two grocery bags while rollerblading uneven terrain around the marina. […]
Panama City, FL
>We spent Friday on a beautiful beach at Pensacola with Capricious anchored nearby. Saturday morning, we left for an overnight sail taking us to Panama City, FL. We saw numerous dophins but the big excitement was a shark which swam next to the boat for several minutes. Even though he was a fraction of our […]
Former Crew Salute: Jerry Brichacek
>We had lunch on Pensacola Bay and then said bye to Jerry. He has to get back to Drumright, OK, to beautiful wife Debbie who so graciously let him go for a week. Jerry and Debbie are busy repairing their boat’s Ike damage but Czech N Mateis almost ready for their upcoming voyage. We hope […]
The Long Way To Pensacola
>We made landfall Wednesday in Pensacola Florida. We motored into a south wind for three days. Weather reports were indicating possible tropical depression forming in Panama. Since we were making such little progress to Isla Mujeres, we decided to turn east and go with the wind. More favorable wind was so enjoyed that we rode […]
Down to the final details . . .
>We have spent two years getting ready for Friday. We shove off at 2 p.m. for Capricious’ first offshore passage under our direction and begin the Fuchs Family’s yearlong sailing journey. We plan to reach Isla Mujeres within 5 to 7 days with the help of two extra crew, Michelle George (Houston TX) and Jerry […]