Notes From the Gulf of Mexico

Time to Get This Blog Rockin'... Again.

Just sittin' in a little cafe in Ft. Myers, having breakfast, waiting for the car to get done. Having an oil change and safety check before hitting the road again.

I haven't been blogging lately and have seemed to gotten caught up in all the social networks, building and tweaking the new FantaSea Sailing website, redesigning Pat's Garlic website, putting the show together for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival that starts in August.

 So when I had time to blog, I kicked back and took a walk on the beach. But, today's another day. I'll be taking time to put up new updates and keep you informed about the happenings in the Fort Myers Beach area, rant about things and point you to all the stuff I think is important to me. Wether it's important to you, I won't know unless you drop a comment at the end of the blog post. Remember, you're welcome to do so.

All that social media... I'm wondering if it's all worth it. I know as a business man, I need a presence on 'em, but when it brakes down to man hours vs. productivity it doesn't balance out on the scales. Sure it's fun to connect with all my old friends. It's great to meet new people. I love to see snap shots of peoples lives, hear about the new babies, weddings, kids in jail and issues that are important to people. In fact, I didn't know there were so many causes out there and more being created hourly.

But at the end of the day, I get my sailing charters from the website, rack cards and word of mouth. That's it. So if I'm spending 30 hours a week keeping up on 3 Facebook pages, a Twitter account, Linkedin and Squidoo that's a lot of hours that can be put to better use like walking the beach, catching a few sunsets, holding hands with Pat my wife and enjoying life away from the 13 inch laptop screen world.

So what do I do? Close all those accounts? Break the connection with the www? Close the doors to a new person learning about what I like to do and take away the chance of showing a picture of my dog to strangers? How can I do that? To sit and watch 6 or 7 hundred "Friends" just poof fade off into Cyber Space would be a sad moment, a moment that would break my heart, a moment that would be as freeing as sailing 50 miles off the coast and dropping my cell phone, laptop, iPad right into the ocean and saying, "Ahhhhhhhhhh, now that's what sailing is all about."

A dream... Yes. A reality, I don't think so... Maybe. But for the time being, I want to see pictures of your babies and I want to know about where I can send my money to research the newest way to crack my fingers. It's life as it is right now. It's not going away, and it's going to get better.

Maybe I need to go to school and learn how to do this right. How to crack into your brains and lives in a nice way to get you to care about the "Garbage Patch" in the Pacific Ocean or learn what you can do to save the Gulf of Mexico from Big Oil. I want to introduce you to dolphin and turtle projects and get you to cut the rings off of stuff so plants and animals don't have to deal with it because we are going throw all our crap into the ocean anyway and blame the problem on recreational boats dumping poop from their 15 gallon tanks, instead of pointing the finger at land runoff with pesticides and toxic chemicals.

So we'll continue to share this data with each other. We'll piss each other off with little sound bites and blame it all on Obama or the next guy that sits in the White House like we always do.

BUT we will also share the Love, Peace and Joy that we have in our lives. We will connect with people, places and things that we didn't know existed. We will share our deepest thoughts and give our hearts and Love to the People of the Earth so that we can make a difference. We will hold each others "Cyber Hands" in times of crisis and wonder. We will congratulate, we will pat each others backs and we will continue to encourage each other to press on and make life simple with complicated devices.

I want to also remind you to give up your parts when you die. You don't need 'em anymore and you will be saving 8 lives and impacting 100's of people, just because you became an Organ Donor. Just go to http://www.DonateLife.net. Read, get informed and sign up. Don't forget to tell your family members your wishes too.

Thanks for reading, thanks for listening, thanks for being in my life. WE are all in this together. me comments below. Help me along the cyber path, make suggestions and enjoy every precious moment.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

 

Where Do I Start? With John & Judi Of Course

What's this? I took a breath? It's interesting how life pushes me along and then all of a sudden when I can't do any more and need 30 hour days and I can't get anything done... Then it happens. Almost all of the time. Spirit takes over and wham... I get a cold. I brake something or in this case, my back goes out and I'm forced to sit, stretch and feel grateful that I can move from the bed to the living room and pull my own shorts on. It's the little things in life...

So I get time now to catch up the blog and say "Thank You" to the wonderful people that fill my life. To start it off, John & Judi...

In March, I was getting ready, putting my calendar together and had a schedule in place for a sail with a couple from MN. Five days to Key West. One of my favorite trips... Then a whirl wind of a woman called me from Canada. Judi and John have sailed with me in the past, and she saw that I had some time open on the Availability Calendar and she wanted to do 8 days to the Florida Keys.

How could I say no. I've been wanting to sail with these guys again. We spent a 4 day trip together a few years ago and made a great connection.

I enjoy these guys, they sail well and tell great stories. John is a kick and well Judi is Judi. A bubbly, crazy (in a good sense), lady that smiles, laughs and enjoys life.

So on the schedule they went. It was wonderful drawing up an itinerary that put in Fort Myers Beach to Key West to Bahia Honda and Marathon then push up the coast back to Fort Myers Beach.

It all worked out, but the weather window cut out Marathon and we headed back to Fort Myers Beach a day early.

On the way down from Fort Myers Beach to Key West, sometime during the night the weather radar showed a squall moving west and was crossing our path a few miles ahead. It's good to be able to see the direction and speed of storms. That's a little luxury that I think I can afford. At night all I can see with the naked eye is darkness and lightening. So to be able to see the strength, direction and speed is a wonderful tool.

All I did was take some evasive action. I turned west from our southerly heading for about 3 miles and dropped my speed to about 3 knots. Kind of holding our position and let it pass in front of us.

Once gone, back to 181 degrees and on to Key West.

Once in Key West, there is so much to see. John & Judi took a walk about as Alex and I did some boat cleaning, a walk to West Marine for some parts, a couple of repairs and all was well. We enjoyed the sunset at Mallory Square and a rowdy pub called Irish Kevin's. Great food, walks and everything Key West has to offer.

I forgot to mention that durning our trip, Pat and I had our 20th anniversary. In fact the last time I sailed with John & Judi, it was their 10th anniversary. Funny how time works out.

When we woke up, and headed to the bridge for our coffee, they had put up a "Happy Anniversary" sign and we celebrated the day with good friends.

Alex kept us on track and we made it to the Galleon Marina on schedule.

You can see that out there in the Gulf of Mexico, off shore, the water is that amazing blue. It's hard to  capture on camera, but you can get a taste of it. Just a taste.

Did I mention the best place in town for breakfast. Blue Heaven. Where else can you get Lobster Benedict. Good Bloody Mary's and a 90 minute wait. Well worth it. Don't pass it up the next time you are there.

Once we left Key West, we headed out to the Atlantic and took a course of east. Up the keys we went and ended up at Bahia Honda State Park for the night. It's a good anchorage. Holding is good and it's an interesting place. It's between two bridges, the old train bridge and the new Hwy 1 bridge. 9 feet of water and blue, clear water. I could spend a week there, no problem.

The weather gave us a nice window the next day to head north, so north we went. We passed through the 7 mile bridge and weaved around the shoals to Bullard Rock and then headed north for the 22 hour passage to Fort Myers Beach.

Winds were under 10 knots so w popped out the spinnaker sail and enjoyed a beam reach with the help of that big sail using a cruising strap.

It's a good sail and does the job that she was made for. The cruising strap makes it so we can use it without a pole and get some good angle with the wind.

When we dropped the sail, I got a picture of John and Judi and then John's shoulder popped out. Ouch! With luck, it went right back in and we watched him close as we headed back to Fort Myers Beach. He's an amazing guy and I'm in hopes that it doesn't happen again.

The only other casualty on the trip was Judi cut her thumb while drying dishes. But she cleaned up well and I didn't put in a stitch. Lucky for her, and me too.

When we got back the plan was to spend the night in the marina and then sail the next day, but as boats have it we had some mechanical issues that needed to be taken care of and so everyone got to meet Diesel Dan.

So one day short on a passage like this is pretty good in my book. The weather was great, the company was tremendous and what came as clients a few years ago returned as friends and left as family. All I can say is Thank You John for all your great stories, the laughs and insights and taking my blinders off and reminding me that diesels run without spark plugs and electricity. Duh! After that we made it just fine.

And Judi. You're quick wit, laughter and comments always change my life. I look at things differently after spending time with you and you help me make better decisions with your wisdom. Between the two of you, my life is enhanced.

So come sail again or if you just want to come and spend some time with us, you're always welcome. All the dolphins miss you guys already and Pat and Katie really enjoyed you company too.

I'll keep working on the ukulele and I'll have more than 3 songs next time.

Remember: Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

I'm always ready to take your call and discuss "your" custom sail too.

** You can click on any photo to enlarge it in a new window.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

Life is Pretty Darn Good Out Here

Tonight I'm in Key West Florida. This is the last night we'll be here for a while. The Tortugas were great and we sailed into Key West for a few days before heading north tomorrow.

Looks like we'll have a good window to sail. Tomorrow is E 10 to 15 and 2 foot seas. We'll see what happens when we get out there though. Seems like NOAA is hit and miss with the Gulf of Mexico.

We'll be back in Fort Myers Beach Sunday afternoon. It will be good to get Panacea back in her slip and get the salt off of her. She has performed well this trip and is enjoying the sail as much as we have. She is a great vessel and keeps us safe at sea. It's all we can ask for. I'll continue to keep her up and running in tip top shape. I'll do my part, she does hers and we get along just fine.

I'll have some time when I get back to put up some photos and catch you up on all the wonderful things we did while we were out here. So check back often and see what's going on.

The schedule for sailing charters will be hit and miss as the summer months go on, but be sure and give me a call and we'll get you on the water one way or another.

Also keep in mind that we are more than a sailing service. If you have any questions about Fort Myers Beach, call and let me help you with information about our area. If I can point you in the right direction or offer suggestions for dining, etc. just give me a call and ask away. We're here for you.

I'll be back in phone service soon, so call for information about sailing in Fort Myers Beach and sailing on the Gulf of Mexico. There really is nothing like it. Nothing.

Thanks for checking in and keep it up. I'm looking forward to posting some amazing photos here and on the site.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

Where Do I Start... Again

It's been so long since I made a blog entry that I had a hard time getting into my account to post this one. What causes that? As Capt. Ron once put it in a movie, "Nobody knows..."

So I guess I should say that this is just a note to let you know that I am editing video, photos and trying to pull all my stuff together after a month of sailing charters and then I'm going to catch you up on everything.

It's been great. Panacea has new bottom paint, a re-built tranny, new main seal, a re-machined shaft, new PSS shaft seal, new rudder boot, some new rigging and a new Sytex auto pilot along with general maintenance she is purring like a brand new boat.

Alex and I have been to Key West twice and the Dry Tortugas once and are leaving today for the Dry Tortugas and then on to Key West on a nice personal sail with 5 other boats from the marina.  A couple of them left before the front went through one left during the storm and Capt. Dan and I leave today at noon. We're hoping that everyone made it down safely. There's no communication down there, so we'll see tomorrow when we pull into the anchorage and count noses.

So on Panacea for this trip is Pat, myself, Alex and a friend named Glen. We are looking forward to the trip and will post about it later.

I'll have some personal time while on the hook to put together photos for the friends that I sailed with over the month. I've collected some GREAT shots and I'll be putting some up here for you all to see. I've also got some video clips that I'll be editing and looks to be a 10 minute YouTube project. I won't be able to upload anything until I reach Key West on the 18th or 19th.

By the way, at the end of these blogs you can leave comments. It would be nice to see you guys drop a note and say hi. It may even help me keep this thing up and current. In any case try it out and see if it works.

Well I'm onboard and putting the provisions away. Pat's taking care of last minute garlic orders to make sure everyone gets their stuff at the shows. She's been pretty busy too.

Keep in mind that I sail most of the year down here in Florida. It gets slow in the summer and the "real" sailing season is kicking back in mid October. Dates are open right now, so check your calendars and see when you can make it down Sailing in Fort Myers Beach is a real kick. Nothing like a good sailboat ride to calm your Spirit. I'll be starting up Half Day and Sunsets again, so call for information.

Check back in soon for updates and follow FantaSea Sailing on FaceBook.

You can also keep up on where we are on the sea by going to the site at: http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com and clicking on the link at the bottom of the page that says, "SPOT" on it. OR you can click here.

More to come soon...

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

Sorry, It's Been Busy...

Hey! I'm still here. For those of you that have written me in concern for me, my life and the well being of Panacea... Thanks. It's been kind of a whirl wind around here and I haven't had a chance to sit in front of a computer and put down my thoughts on the situation and get you updated.

First of all, all is going well in putting the pieces back together again. The rigging is done. The transmission is in. The shaft has been re-worked. The PSS shaft seal has been replaced. The packing gland "Thingy" on the rudder post, you know the one that keeps the water out has been replaces with new heavy duty clamps. The ding in the rudder has been repaired.

PANACEA IS NOW BACK IN THE WATER! The initial sea trial went just fine and she is going on a 10 hour charter tomorrow. We'll put her through the paces and make sure all is well during that time.

This coming week she will get new main sail furling and in a week or so, she will get two new solar panels. Then I'm done. I'll be out of money, so get yourself down here and enjoy the ride.

For those of you looking at the Availability Calendar, you can see that time is booking up fast. We have some small sails coming up and may have room for you on a Half Day Adventure or a Sunset Celebration Sail, so call as soon as you can to get onboard.

We also have a 5 day cruise coming up to Key West and back as well as an 8 day cruise doing the Key West, Marathon Loop. Then a 5 Day Dry Tortuga Trip, so a sailing we will be...

ALSO I may as well remind you that as of December 1st 2011 we will start running Half Day Adventures (4 hour charters) and Sunset Celebrations (2.5 hour sunset charters on a daily basis out of Salty Sam's Marina.

Call me now for information. We are very excited to be offering live music & magic, fresh fruit and free souvenirs on all of our charters.

As always bottled water is free and if you're lucky, we'll have some mixed nuts. I mean that in the kindest way, so no one take offense.

 

 

Panacea is a 43 foot Endeavor. She has over 40,000 miles of sailing under her keel and has a lot more left. You will enjoy an offshore cruising experience and feel the magic of the sea and wind. She is a stable and comfortable ride. Almost 50 feet overall with 6' 7" headroom thru out her entire cabin. Two restrooms and a large 14 feet wide. It's amazing to feel 17 tons of boat push through the Gulf of Mexico.

We are also a full service destination. If you want to know about restaurants, entertainment, where to go or what to see while you are in Fort Myers Beach, give me a call. If there is anything I can do to make your stay on our beautiful island more pleasurable, just call and give me a chance to help you out.

You are never alone when you deal with us, unless you want to be.

Thanks again for checking in with me and I hope to be sailing with you soon.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

 

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

 

Working Hard... Working Hard.

It's been quite a week for Panacea.

I know I need to send you some updates and tomorrow night, I'll be letting you see some of the progress that has been made this week.

New paint, rigging, rudder seal, re-work on the shaft, new seals in the transmission, new main seal on the engine, hull has been waxed and we should be ready to splash tomorrow or Friday at the latest.

It's been quite a ride and I'm looking forward to having new roller furling for the main put on next Wednesday. That means the sail has to be taken off on Monday to be re-worked with #6 luff tape instead of the #8 that's on there now... Whew! But Cool!

In any case, the phone is open, calls are coming in and charters are booking. A very busy spring. I'm thankful and grateful.

Check back in a day or two and I'll have the photos and details of the last week posted here.

Check the "Availability Calendar" on the front page of the website, then give me a call soon.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

 

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

The Project Continues - On Island Time

 

There comes times where I forget where I live. I live on an island. I have charters coming up and Panacea is, all of a sudden in an interesting "re-fit' mode. Not a full blown re-fit, it's just when the dominos fall sometimes one thing follows another and another and so forth.

I have a rigger working on replacing the rigging on the mizen mast that got broken and I have a diesel man working hard, as well as a yard crew doing a bottom job and a charter that is on hold until the work is done. I guess sometimes things just happen.

You can click on the photos to get an enlarged picture in a new window.

In my last blog entry, there was a little accident that happened that caused me to go to another yard. I will be taken care of very well there. They are fitting me into their schedule and are doing fantastic work. I was sent to the right place. I'll use them again.

Those Angels that I have are working overtime. I always wonder if I'll get to meet them someday and tell them thanks for all their help and apologize for making them work so hard. They must have a crew working together sometimes to keep me out of trouble.

As you can see by the photos, Panacea is blocked well and they are sanding as of today. They have three quarters of her bottom sanded and have some blisters to fill. Once that is done then they'll re-sand and start painting. They say I should be ready to splash on Wednesday. Now that's what the yard guys say.

As for the diesel guy... He started out pulling the transmission out to fix a leaky seal. Then he found a small leak in the main seal and we decided since the transmission is out it's a good time to go just a bit further and fix that seal. When the shaft was disconnected the end needed some work so we decided to take the shaft out. Once the shaft was being pulled the rudder was in the way, so the rudder had to be removed. When the rudder was being checked out to be removed, it was noticed that the packing gland may as well be replaced. What the hell a good time to do it at this point.

GOOD NEWS! The transmission was pulled, new stuff put in, bench tested and ran for an hour. All is well!

The riggers pulled the pad eye's that were stressed and broken and filled the holes with epoxy and once sanded, the new holes will be drilled and new pad eyes will be in place to replace the standing rigging that got snapped when Panacea was bounced in the sling. It's all looking good.

It's Friday night and the work has stopped for the weekend, so I'll re-do my list and prioritize it so when Monday rolls along, I'll be able to make the right phone calls, in the right order and talk to the right people and move this project along. Everyone is working with me. I'm a blessed man to have the team that I have and am Grateful every moment. Thanks.

Here's just a reminder:  The phone is still connected and I'm taking reservations for sailing dates. Sailing in Fort Myers Beach is amazing this year. The weather is in a zone that I haven't seen in years. Sure we need some rain, but at the moment, and for the past few weeks and the week or so to come, the winds are good, seas are calm and sailing on the Gulf of Mexico it at the top of it's game for the season.

I also want to say thanks to all of you that drop me emails. You are giving me some great ideas and I'll be introducing some new sailing packages in the near future. You can use the link below to leave comments on this page too, so others can chime in and get discussions going. It's up to you, but it would be nice.

In any case, check the Availability Calendar on the front page of the website. Pick a date and give me a call. I'm here for you.

 

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

Killing Time This Week

Or "Panacea is on the hard, freshening up." 

Ok... Here's the story of what's been going on since last Friday... It started out as a normal day with winds from the NE at 20+. Alex and I were getting Panacea ready to take to the yard to pull her out of the water. It was time to put some new bottom paint on before the trips that were coming up and it would be nice to pick up a knot or two.

You know sometimes, well all of the time I feel that Angels watch over us and help us along the road or seas. All we have to do is listen and take a action. First we were sailing in the slip with all the wind trying to make a high tide appointment at 2:30 p.m. We were delayed with a 125 footer blocking the fairway so I called the yard to tell them that we were going to be 15 or 20 minutes late. 

They told us that the wind was high and wondered if I wanted to wait till Monday since I had a very small turning basin and had to back into the lift.  I conversed with Alex and John on the dock, as they were retying Panacea. I decided to push on and take the appointment.

Second, once the fairway was clear I worked out the details in my head on how to pull out and said ok, let's go.  We were just getting ready to cast off and when I put her in reverse, nothing... Forward, nothing... I told them to stand by, cut the engine and went below to check the linkage. It was disconnected. No problem. I hooked it back up and once again we were casting off.

We got to the yard, which was just a few minutes away, realized that since I was backing in that we needed to take the back stays off the davits so they would not hit the lift. Once that was done, I spun her around and backed into the slip with the lift. Once they caught us and worked us in, we were strapped and we got off the boat.

We were watching her being lifted and Alex said he didn't like the way the strap was placed forward on the iBeam. We both knew that they knew what they were doing and so let them do what they do. Not more than 2 minutes later, they lowered the stern a bit and the strap jumped from the center of the iBeam to the back dropping Panacea about 4 feet, landing in the sling, sliding her back and pushing the mizen mast against the lift. Of course the other back stays were in the way, but with 17 tons of boat, they didn't have a chance.

You can click on a photo to enlarge it in a new window.

The lift was rocking back in forth so badly that the tires were lifting 2 feet off the ground. We saw all of this over our shoulders as we were running away to get clear in cast the whole thing went down.

It was a heart dropping experience. The owner of the yard said he blew a seal and sent me to another yard to be pulled. Of course it was too late for Friday so Panacea sat on their dock until Monday when she was pulled, pressure washed and blocked. She dried out today and tomorrow she is going start the sanding process and have some blisters repaired.

I have the riggers getting the parts together to replace a couple of stays and plates. While she is up I'm having a Perkins guy come in and pull the transmission out to fix a seal. May as well change a couple of hoses while I'm at it and I'm going to install a new electric head in the aft cabin.

A couple of port lights were cracked in the accident so they will be ordered and replaced when they come in.

Within the next couple of weeks I'll be replacing the roller furling on the main sail and shoot I think I'm going to put on a couple of solar panels to keep the batteries charged while on the hook in the Dry Tortugas. I've got a couple of trips heading down there the first of May as well as Key West.

So when you hear those Angels and there are road blocks put up, pay attention. I know I'm going to listen in the future. How many times do I have to learn this lesson. We're here to learn you know.

So lots of work going on. Panacea is glowing from all angles. She's an exciting vessel to sail on. She looks like a duck out of water on the hard. Boats are meant to be cradled by water not a few sticks. All of this work is important to make her better than she is right now. I Love her a lot and I'm excited to share the cruising experience with anyone that wants to feel what it's like to cast off those lines and play on the sea for a few days.

I'll continue to keep you updated on her progress and drop some photos here so you can see how wonderful she is.

Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico is a fun way to spend a day or two on the water. Remember when you are this far south, you will want to go sailing in Fort Myers Beach. There is so much to see and enjoy. I can promise you that you will have a great time and we are looking forward to showing you our neck of the sea.

Look online at the Availability Calendar to see if I have some dates open for you, then call me so we can talk in real time and get the planning of your trip scheduled. 1-888-582-9046.

You will come as new friends, but after you spend some time, you will leave as family. We cherish our sailing family which means you'll be back... Again and again.

If you live here in Fort Myers, remember you can use my boat like your own. I have some special packages. You let me know when you want to go out. I'll keep your 43 foot sailing vessel, clean, safe and ready to go at the ring of a phone.

Thank you all for all of your support.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

Early Sailing With Jimmy

February 28, 2011

It's hard to believe that Pat's Birthday has come and gone, and yet it took a while to celebrate.  We started a week or so ago and it took us from Fort Myers Beach, FL to Myrtle Beach, SC.  I loved it all we toasted, we laughed, we played, we sailed, we just enjoyed friends and family.  It was all good.  I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Now I'm typing this on a 737 heading south.  A few moments ago, I was using the head and trying to keep my balance reminding myself that I need a sign in the heads on Panacea that read, "The Captain Requires All Passengers Take a Seat."  My bad.  But I clean too, so it wasn't too bad.

When I got back to my seat, I popped on some Jimmy Buffett on the iPod and settled into thinking of sandy beaches and warm sunsets on the hook.  II think I dosed a bit and when I cam back to a conscious state, I was thinking about my old friend Jimmy Thomas.  My best friend in high school and through a good part of my adult life.  I just saw him last June at my Dad's memorial in California.  I miss that guy and need to re-connect.  That will be done this year.  It's a good goal.

Anyway, I remember a time where Jimmy and I took my 26 foot, (well it was really 23, but 26 was the overall with bow sprit), McGregger cutter rigged, retractable, trailerable boat.  Her name was Undine and we sailed great and bounced like a cork.  She was light and carried some sail.

Jimmy and I decided to take a Pacific crossing well, l a trip from Long Beach CA to Catalina Island.  I checked the charts, after I bought one and made sure the compass was correct.  This was a big jump for me.  I was a coastal sailor and considered this an open ocean crossing.  I mean it was 27 miles to Catalina and my first time across the "pond." What did I know, it was the early 70's and I'd been sailing on lakes for the past 3 years or so.  This was the first big jump.

We slipped Undine off the trailer at 3:00 a.m. and headed out around 4:30 a.m. and went right into the fog.  Right into the shipping lane.  Sure we could hear the big tankers, but I couldn't see my bow.  Not really a good position to be in  but I was on a mission to conquer an ocean.  I had a radar reflector and a bell and all the confidence in the world… What fun.

The sun popped out late morning and we were out there and still couldn't see Catalina.  The fog bank was still out to the West and the island was beyond our view.  I kept an eye on my compass and shot a bit north so, just in case, we would hit the North end of the island and could just follow the coast down to Avalon.  That's just what happened.

We pulled into Avalon a couple hours before sunset and there was no room on the moorings so we went outside and decided to anchor.  My Danforth didn't want to hold, so I decided to use my Dad's fishing anchor...  It was a rubber boot filled with cement with an eye bolt in the top.  To tell you the truth, that anchor stayed with me for many years.  It just worked when others didn't   sure we dragged a bit that night , but we'd had enough to drink on the island that we slept through it all.

Next morning we headed back to Long beach with a great wind and moderate seas.  Jimmy got fried in the sun. He's a red head and slept on the uncovered cockpit bench until I noticed the top of his feet looking like lobster.  All in all a great trip.

The feeling of making that first crossing was the most amazing thing in the world.  I guess I'll never forget it.

So here I am, 3 boats later, thousands of miles of water have crossed under my keel, and the thrill of just heading out for the day or two or three gives me that feeling of things to conquer.  Every, and I mean every boating trip is filled with wonder and challenges.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  Sure I've learned to take things as they come.  Just one thing at a time and keep them in a prioritized list.  Most important keep the water out of the boat, make sure the bilge pump is working and keep your feet dry.  The rest will fall into place.

Come play in the sun with me.  Panacea is an amazing sailing vessel and we will create memories together.  They're all good.  Stories that are made get so much better with time.  I wouldn't trade these memories of travels, cruises, day sails, races, good, and tough for anything in the world.  I learned from them all.  The experiences and the people involved were all my master teachers so for that I will be forever grateful.

There are so much more memories to create.  I want you to help me out with them.  So I've put up some great specials this season.  Look for the link on the front page of the website.  It will bring up a window with the information.  Contact me and lets get out there on the water and created some memories together.  I didn't know what to call these specials, so I guess it's just a "Sail Sale." They will be up soon.

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach and sailing on the Gulf of Mexico will be the place to be when you come to visit our neck of the sea.

Go to the contact page, shoot me an email or give me a call and we'll put something together.  BUT call quick!  The season is here and we are booking overnight sails and adventures now.  It's a first come first serve situation, so  call now to get a shot of the dates you want.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida

  

 

Ugly Toes Doing What They Love To Do

When it's a foggy morning, I look at this photo and think of the sun and sea.

The water is blue and the sand is warm. It just doesn't get much better than this.

I'm just heading out this morning with a 6 hour sail for a birthday lady and her friends. She said that this was going to be the best birthday of her life. I'm proud to be a part of that.

Winds are going to be NE 5 to 10 and seas will be calm, so she should have a very, very comfortable ride.

I'm looking forward to a nice 3 day charter starting on Friday with a guy, his brother and their Dad. Heading to Burnt Store Marina the first night, anchoring off Useppa the second night and sailing the "Loop" up the outside and down the inside of Cayo Costa, Captivia and Sanibel.  We'll visit Cabbage Key too. It's a great sail and one of our favorites. A good 10 to 11 hour leg the first day, a full day on Charlotte Harbor the next day and then down the Intracoastal Waterway the last day.

Well I've got to get out of here and clean up Panacea. She loves sailing on the Gulf of Mexico and don't forget you can also enjoy sailing in Fort Myers Beach. Just give me a call. 888-582-9046.

Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.

 

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul
 
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

Member:

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators

Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida