Notes From the Gulf of Mexico

Jump on the Bandwagan

You know, I don't really like to shoot political information around in any way, but I got a note from a friend of mine this morning and this just hit a nerve in me and I thought I'd pass it along.

Empathy is important.  It gives us a real chance to understand other people and the way they think and live and helps us to connect in ways that will make the world a better place.  I've always believed in this and so I pass it along for you to do with what your want.

If you choose to cast a vote to help this to get noticed by the new administration, just click on VOTE and you will be taken to the site.  Sign up.  Get the email.  Click the link.  Then vote again.  It's easy, and you will make a difference.

I've got to go meet some new people today and sail.  Happy New Year to everyone.  It really will be a good one.  It may be a bit different, but it will be a good one.  Enjoy it.

See you on the dock...

Capt. Paul

Whar'd the Wind GO...

It is a beautiful run of great beach weather here in Fort Myers Beach.  The sky is blue the temperatures are warm and the sunsets have been incredible.  BUT the wind has dropped to a mild 4 to 6 mph.  Sure I'm busy and the folks on Star of Orion are having a ball, but I'm working way to hard to find the wind. It is projected to pick up in a couple of days.  Just a dry spell.

It's been busy here.  It always is between the holidays.  I can't complain.  As my mid western raised wife says, "You got to make hay while the sun shines."  So off to work I go and sail every day.  Hmmm, it's not really a job.  The job comes in when I have to do the general maintenance during the sail.  I kick it on auto pilot and rub some metal or clean some hatches, etc.  Still, it's not a job.

Hey I bought Star of Orion one of these for Christmas.  Well it was a couple of weeks before Christmas, but at around $500.00 for the parts, it was a great Christmas gift for her.  She likes it too.  Capt. Ron came down and he spent some time breaking the skin on his knuckles and in no time all was well in the engine room.

Now I can brush up and clean the engine and paint her up in a couple of places, clean up some wiring and keep her going strong.  She's a good engine and treats me very well.  I'll do the same for her.

So check those calendars.  Pack that swim suit. Give me a call and get down here.  I hear it's cold up north and you owe it to yourself to be sailing in Fort Myers Beach.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul

Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico is GREAT

Well since the boat show, I've been doing a lot of sailing. The waters have been very comfy and the weather has been great.  The winds have been calm the last few days, but I've had my share of charters with a very nice 18 mph sustained so Star of Orion cut right along doing what she does so well.

Fort Myers Beach had their annual boat parade with all the lighted boats.  There was a bunch of them this year. As for me participating, it seems that I'm sailing too much to put all the lights up in the rigging and then have to take them down all the time to go sailing.

So I spent it on the dock, watching.  I had a couple of coldies with the pirates and then we boarded their ship and decided to fire off a few rounds at the folks that were floating by.  I really didn't realize that the sound of cannon fire can echo so much as the sound bounces off everything.

As you can see in the photo, I have tried to protect the not so innocent pirates.

It was great and it brought a lot of attention to the new attraction at Salty Sam's Marina. You can check them out at by going to: http://www.piecesofeight.com/. It's a nice ride for the kids and a full bar for the adults as well as a place to book private parties. I think they'll do just fine at Salty Sam's Marina.

My diver Capt. Glenn has been busy this fall. Seem that things are growing fast this year.  I'll have to pull Star of Orion out I guess in the spring and throw a couple of coats of bottom paint on her for another season or two.  Seems like I put on a bunch  of miles and the paint is doing what it's supposed to be doing. Just part of the deal of putting a nice piece of equipment in a caustic solution and then spend the rest of my life trying to keep her looking good. I wish there was a better way, but as of this time, I can't think of one.

So keep my bottom clean Cap and I'll keep trying to sail off most of the crap as I collect it.

Fort Myers Beach sailing is still a great vacation deal. It's like having your boat sitting here waiting for you and you've got me to keep her clean, insured and protected.  Just give me a call and I'll put you in the books and take you and your family or guests out on an adventure sail.  Remember, it's a first come first serve deal and I only take 6 persons maximum. Sailing charters in Fort Myers Florida seem to be few and far between.  I've checked out what's available down here and to tell you the truth, there's one heck of a lot of fishing charters, but not much in the way of Florida sailing charters.  So I'm here for you.  To go sailing on the Gulf of Mexico or to enjoy a Sunset Sail in Fort Myers Beach, just go to the my contact page and give me a call or drop me a line.  I'll get you set up and ready to go.

Until then, have a great Holiday Season and I'll see you soon.

I'll wait for you on the dock...

Capt. Paul

Boat Show Time

Well for all your inquiring minds, I'm heading up to the St. Petersburg Strictly Sail Show tomorrow.  If for no other reason, I want to pick up some new cushions for you comfort on the boat.  BUT if any one of you drop one overboard this year, you have to tell me.  Don't let me get to the dock and find out that I'm one more cushion short.

I guess I'll just have to sign them out and number them or something...

But, there'll be more onboard next time you sail with me.

I'm also, always, on the search for LED lighting that works, continues to work, has enough light and isn't a color that doesn't exist in nature.  The quest continues.

Capt. Ron will be taking out Saturdays charters and I'll be back for Sundays.

Where ever you are in the world, enjoy your weekend and if you have the chance, give me a call and book your reservations while you are in Florida.  Sailboat charters in Fort Myers Beach, what a way to go. I'm getting into this sailing season and remember over the holidays, between December 26th and the 1st, I get booked up.  So call early and get on the books.  Don't wait for the last minute to get your reservation in.  Don't be disappointed.

I'll see you on the dock...

Capt. Paul