I’ve been working hard over the past couple of months on marketing FantaSea Sailing and it’s starting to pay off. The phone is ringing and I’m getting repeat business as well as new friends that want to take Panacea on a variety of multi-day charters. I’ve booked a couple of trips to the Dry Tortugas and a trip going north to Charlotte Harbor area for a few days.

Because the season is starting to hop, Alex and I are re-prioritizing our “To Do” lists and checking them twice. We always have a lot of work to do, but somethings just have to be shot to the top of the list. One of the ongoing projects is always putting coats of varnish on Panacea’s external wood. Thank God there’s only enough to make her look pretty but prep, application and drying time all take at least a day and a half so we are always looking for that window.

We had a spreader light break loose the other day and we brought her back into port with a tractor light dangling from the spreader. It didn’t break off, so now it’s just deciding what type of light top replace it with. There are better options and as things like this loose their life on Panacea, we try to upgrade them to keep things working smoothly.

Non-skid paint is onboard. Once again it’s prep, application and drying time to get this one done. We’ll be doing it in sections as we fit in the Half Day Adventures and Sunset Celebration Sails. It’s going to give the deck much more holding power under your wet little feet. I’ll feel better about it too.

So projects continue as we also have our daily maintenance going on. Cleaning, polishing, wiring, checking, inspecting, replacing systems as we continue to make your stay aboard safe and comfy. We are so lucky that we love what we do.

Once again, I want you to know that I appreciate all of you. Get on the phone and come on down here and visit. We’ll get in a sail or two. No matter if it’s a short sail of 2.5 hours, a 4 hour Half Day Adventure, or a 2.5 hour Sunset Celebration or a multi-day custom charter to the Florida Keys, I appreciate you. We’ll have a ball and spend some real quality time aboard the cruising vessel Panacea.

All of us here at FantaSea Sailing are ready for your visit.

Remember:  You call as a client, board as a friend and leave as family.

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

Good Friends on Steve's Bow

Well we’ve got the Holidays behind us and the New Year has started. I’ve always seen the holidays as sweet and sour. Just my take. I love family, friends, giving, receiving, playing, visiting, traveling and a good party. It’s what my life is everyday, but during the holidays, it becomes even more intense. So when it’s over… Whew! I have to rest up a bit, and yet, I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything in the world.

All Sanded Nice & Pretty

Alex, my 1st mate, had the pleasure of striping down the toe rail this holiday season and spent 3 days putting on new varnish. While the heat gun was doing it’s job and the scraper in hand, he poked a hole in the toe rail. Bad boy… BUT a good find. Even though I don’t like to think that wood will rot out, it does and that’s a bummer. But it’s also good to find a water intrusion that I couldn’t find before and with varnished wood that is rotted out, it’s hard to see. So good boy Alex. Thanks.

After finding the hole and peeking into the cavern below, it was obvious it had to be sealed, patched and repaired. Now Alex had a piece of teak that was laying around his boat and was just the right size to plug up the toe rail. So he cut out the bad wood and on the inside put a layer of Git Rot and then some 2 part epoxy to seal up the leak.

After the 2 part was put in, he pushed in the “plug” and the 2 part oozed around the patch. After the drying, he sanding everything down and put on 3 coats of varnish to start with and it’s now ready for 3 more to completely seal the toe rail… Again.

Poked His Thumb in Here. Good Find.

Southern Florida has a way of eating varnish and it we keep up on it, it’s a 2 or 3 times a year project. I’m just glad that I didn’t get the Vagabond 47 that I was looking at or that’s all we’d be doing is varnishing. Kind of like painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Start at one end, paint and repeat… Forever.

We are making our list this week to continue the resurrection of Panacea. She is very seaworthy, but needs constant care and TLC. She’s a beautiful boat and she has put in her service and deserves every bit of loving that we can give her. She gives it back 10 fold. Kind of like how we all treat each other. It’s all energy you know.

So the projects will continue. The sailing will continue. The magic will continue. The music will continue. Life is GREAT here in SW Florida. Sailing in Fort Myers Beach is still the best way to relax and enjoy views that you just can’t get anywhere else. We are also looking forward to several overnight charters sailing on the Gulf of Mexico.

FantaSea Sailing is in full swing and this is the year that we are growing. Call us and let us put you at the helm of Panacea or just sit and relax as the gentle waters of the Gulf slid beneath our keel. Dolphins, sea turtles and other marine and wild life are waiting for you now.

Cutting for the Plug

Now it’s your turn. Call and make a reservation. We are getting emails and dates are being booked. The season will pass quickly, as it always does and I want you to get the dates that you want to have. Many of you travel far to get here and are only here for a short time, so try to plan ahead so we can get you out on the water.

Nice Work Alex. Thanks

As for you locals, I’ll keep your boat, Panacea in tip top shape and ready to take your visitors out for a sail. We sail with 2 to 6 persons at a time, so no crowds. Just you and a few friends or family. The most affordable way to have a boat here in Fort Myers Beach.

Got to run… Gary and Willie area here from Minnesota. Lots of things to see and do. Thanks for all your support over the years and I’ll continue to be here for you.

Be sure and check in and write a note below. Just click on the comments link and tell me how your winter is going and how your boats doing too.

Thanks. It gives me a chance to interact with you on this blog.

By the way, the full moon is coming. Book early. It’s a great sail.

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

I’ll see you on the dock…

Capt. Paul West - s/v Panacea

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

Playing in the Sand

Getting back to our home in Fort Myers Beach after those types of road trips gives us the advantage of seeing things in a different way. Sure we missed hurricane season, what a bummer, and yes we missed the Pirate Festival, double bummer, but I’m in hopes that there will be other hurricane seasons and other Pirate Festivals in the future.

The Holidays are upon us starting with Halloween, (even missed Fantasy Fest in Key West), Thanksgiving, (or as the Pirates say, “Thankstaken,”) but Christmas is here with New Years Eve right on it’s tail. All is well. We are enjoying the busyness of it all.

This photo says it all. How many sandmen to you see amongst the sand trees on the sand mountian? I think there’s 7, but I know there’s more on the other side of the mountain. It was a good way to be reminded that we all want happy holidays for all our friends and family. So CELEBRATE in your own magical style. We’ll just have to play in the sand and sail in Fort Myers Beach.

Capt. Dan & Dianne

The boat parade here in Fort Myers Beach was really a lot of fun. Seemed like anyone that was anyone and involved on C Dock here at Salty Sam’s Marina joined together and sent the boats off with holiday cheer… Waited… and waited for them all to come back. It was hosted this year at Salty Sam’s Marina and everyone had a ball.

Candy Cane Holder

As you can see here someone was giving out candy canes with their business cards attached to ‘em. Gee I wonder who that could have been. It was kind of shades of Vinny, “Hi folks.. Would you like a cookie?” Really cracked me up and put a great slant on the holiday celebration. Yep, you guessed it, it was Capt. Dan and his wonderful wife Dianne with Magic Wind Adventure Sailing. Pat and I sure enjoy these guys and they keep us laughing.

Beach Wedding

Of course there comes a point where you have to hold your beer with two hands, so what do you do with that candy cane? I think you find a place to wear it. Good thinking.

Weddings? Do we do weddings at FantaSea Sailing? Well as a matter of fact we do. Since I was ordained in 1999, I’ve performed plenty of them and as far as I know, they’ve all worked out. We offer Beach Weddings, Boat Weddings, Dock Weddings ore whatever you decide is a great way to get hitched. We’ll give you some ideas and help you find a way to make ‘em happen. Just give me a call and we’ll talk about it in real time. We love doing weddings… Fort Myers Beach Weddings, it’s got a nice ring to it.

Our last one was great, we left the dock with the groom and his men, motored down to Bowditch Point and docked at the park. We then walked to the beach side and waited for the bride to arrive.

Happy Couple at Sea

Conch Hall of Fame

Once the wedding was over, we all went back to Panacea and had a bite of food and toasted with champagne, blew kisses to the crowd and sailed off with the bride and groom for the day and into the sunset.

Once the sun set we went back to Salty Sam’s Marina and they stayed on the boat for the night. It was a wonderful time.

Full Moon Voyage

Since I’m rambling, I wanted to tell you about another sail that we offer. Now this one is only 3 evenings a month, so you have to book early. It’s our Full Moon Voyage. We leave the dock 1 hour before sunset and return 3 hours after sunset. It’s great to watch a beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico and then watch the moon rise over Fort Myers Beach.

During our time, we also have appetizers and Champagne to toast the event. It’s a special 4 hour sail and is not to be missed. If you’re in town, call and get onboard with your family and friends. It’s just $70.00 per person.

So that about wraps things up for now. We are pretty busy during the holiday season, so book as early as you can. FantaSea Sailing is in full swing and if you’ve sailed with me before, you know you’re going to have a good time. Be sure and bring a new Pirate Joke with you. I’ll trade you for one of mine.

Everyone here at FantaSea Sailing, which is, Pat my wife, Alex my First Mate and Maggie my dog are looking forward to sailing with you this year and wish you the best that the holiday Season can bring. Be well, travel safe and love each other more and more each day, there’s no limits.

Our motto: You call as a client… You board as a friend… And you leave as family. It’s just the right way for us to do business.

Thanks in advance for sailing with FantaSea Sailing - Your premier sailing experience in Fort Myers Beach aboard Panacea.

Sunset Sail Celebration • Half Day Sailing Adventures • Dolphin Experience • Full Moon Voyages • Custom Multi-Day Charters • Weddings

I’m looking forward to sailing with you again and again…
See You on the Dock…

Capt. Paul West
888-582-9046  Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

FaceBook • Twitter • YouTube 

Please leave Comments, Questions & Ideas below. We need your input. Click on the Comment Link.

It’s a great piece of music and should be shared. Take the time to enjoy it. Grab a drink and kick back and prepare to be blown away with a style that is unique and different, but makes me want to see more.

Have a great night tonight and I’ll update this place tonight or tomorrow.

Thanks in advance for sailing with FantaSea Sailing - Your premier sailing experience in Fort Myers Beach aboard Panacea.

Sunset Sail Celebration • Half Day Sailing Adventures • Dolphin Experience • Full Moon Voyages • Custom Multi-Day Charters • Weddings

I’m looking forward to sailing with you again and again…
See You on the Dock…

Capt. Paul West
888-582-9046  Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

FaceBook • Twitter • YouTube 

Please leave Comments, Questions & Ideas below. We need your input. Click on the Comment Link.

Thanksgiving on Fort Myers Beach

Before our feet hit the floor in the morning, I take the time to give thanks for everything. My wonderful wife, my friends, my boat, where and how I live and my health. It’s a part of my day and I can’t wait for that one day a year, so I have Thanksgiving everyday.  Or as the Pirates say, “Thankstaken.” Just how you look at things.

So here’s a shot of our little family we put together this year. It was on the beach at Pat & Katie’s home. We had Marty, Alex, Mike, Tom, Fred, Erika, John, Pat, Katie, myself, Pat & Maggie.  We did steaks and fish on the grill, cold beers, wine and sand between our toes.

There was a great sunset and everyone was happy. Just a really nice mix of folks and lots of laughter. It was a GREAT day.

Oh Yea! I'm Thankful for EVERYTHING!

I’ve got some charters coming up and a wedding next Tuesday, so things are looking up. The first 3 weeks of December are traditionally slower, but it gives me a chance to put on the final touches on Panacea.

Alex is getting ready to do some varnishing and waxing. We’re going to tear out the back wall in the aft cabin to change a hose. Why is it, and I don’t know how many times I’ve asked this question, why is it when people design a boat, or an RV for that matter that they think that there will never be anything to maintain.

I’ve got a drain hose, from the aft lazerette that was installed and then they built a wall over it. The only way to change a clamp or replace the hose is to cut out the wall. Just like Alex says, “4 feet of hose and a couple of clamps, what’s the problem. Nothing to it.” Yea right. A couple of days later and we’ll have it changed and the wall rebuilt. I’ll also make sure we can get to it again. What a concept.

General maintenance is on the list too. Oil and filter changes along with checking the valves, clamps and flushing out the engine. All is well on that. (A gallon of oil and a filter, nothing to it. ;o)

Kind of a nice shot of Pat & Katie's Yard

Hey I just wanted to remind you that you can sail with me anytime. Panacea is in great shape and I want to introduce her to you. For ya’ll that have sailed with me before, I want to welcome you back. For all of you that want a sailing experience you will never forget, give me a call or book your tickets online. We’re here for you.

Just check the Availability Calendar and lock up your date. I’ll take care of the rest.

Thanks in advance for sailing with FantaSea Sailing - Your premier sailing experience in Fort Myers Beach aboard Panacea.

Sunset Sail Celebration • Half Day Sailing Adventures • Dolphin Experience • Full Moon Voyages • Custom Multi-Day Charters • Weddings

I’m looking forward to sailing with you again and again…
See You on the Dock…
Capt. Paul West
888-582-9046  Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

FaceBook • Twitter • YouTube 

Please leave Comments, Questions & Ideas below. We need your input. Click on the Comment Link.

I just woke up and having a cup of Ganodurma and checked the mail. Today is, once again another surprise from those guys from “Playing for Change.” Take the time to listen to this installment of the song Stand By Me.

Click on the following link:

http://playingforchange.com/episodes/55/?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=epi55SBMJapan

So no big long hype here this morning, just a gift of music and a wish, a hope a dream that we all, no matter where we are, take a few minuets and STOP and LISTEN to our hearts, FEEL and CAPTURE that wonder of THANKFULNESS. I know it’s the “Official” Thanksgiving Day, but maybe try it a couple times a week to start and then who knows you might like the feeling and do it everyday.

Thanks in advance for sailing with FantaSea Sailing - Your premier sailing experience in Fort Myers Beach aboard Panacea.

Sunset Sail Celebration • Half Day Sailing Adventures • Dolphin Experience • Full Moon Voyages • Custom Multi-Day Charters • Weddings

I’m looking forward to sailing with you again and again…
See You on the Dock…

Capt. Paul West
888-582-9046  Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

FaceBook • Twitter • YouTube 

Please leave Comments, Questions & Ideas below. We need your input. Click on the Comment Link.

Click on the Photos to enlarge them.

So kicking back today, catching up on my duties and life in general. I love these kind of days, kind of busy, kind of not, running, but pauses, just a day of doing “stuff.

Love these markers

A great dinner, Pat’s a wiz in the galley. Turkey burgers with turkey bacon. Good food for a good days work. Maggie the sea dog is running in the back yard. I’m sitting at my desk just spewing thoughts out on cyber paper.

Lots of things to do. The metal on the boat needs polishing, wood needs a couple of coats of varnish to keep it in good condition. I’m really not trying to restore her to her 1980 luster, but maintaining her in good solid shape. Hmmm, kind of like what I’m doing with myself.

Tucked in cozy for a couple of nights.

Pat & I just spent 3 days out on the hook by Useppa and Cabbage Key. A nice anchorage, right off the intracostal and we get to watch dolphins, manatees and boats move up and down the waterway. We read, laughed, planned and played. We really enjoyed the time together and would like you to consider taking that trip with us. We’d love to share that special time of relaxation with our friends and clients. Call for details.

Last Saturday I turned 60 and that was in one way another day, and in another way a beginning of another decade of life. I’m feeling pretty good, the rum was nice and the belly dancer at my surprise party was great. A bunch of friends came and we howled at the moon and brought in another decade of my life in style. I’m really thankful for them all and hope for many, many more parties with these folks.

Panaceais humming right along. She’s pretty forgiving in a way of a boat. She puts up with some bad connections and my way of doing things.

She's a great Island for us.

She reminds me of when things need to be done in plenty of time to take care of her. I work hard trying to out guess the priority list and most of the time, I’m right. She’s a lady though and surprises me off and on. That’s what a love affair is all about I guess.

The sailing season is upon us here in Fort Myers Beach. In case you don’t know, I sold my last charter business to a guy from Ohio. It was a great transaction. I got a couple of bucks and he got one hell of a charter business, turn key, ready to go. Part of the contract was a 2 year non-compete for the “short sails,” the half day and sunset charters. It’s been a long 2 years.

Sure, I bought another boat and have been dumping money, time and sweat into Panacea for these 2 years. She’s stronger and healthier than she’s been in a long time. I love the charter business. I do have to say that Capt. Dan, the man that bought Star of Orion and Magic Wind Adventure Sailing has done an amazing job of maintaining, promoting and securing his place here in Fort Myers Beach. I’m pretty proud of him and thankful that I can call him my friend.

Star of Orion

Capt. Dan is a wonderful sailor and his wife Dianne is special. We want to publicly thank them for taking great care of Magic Wind Adventure Sailing and I know between the two of us, we will be able to give you the best sailing experiences you can expect here in the Fort Myers Beach area.

Some of you know that I have been laying low, doing just overnight charters and setting up the marketing for FantaSea Sailing during the non-compete time of the contract. It’s been the time that I needed to get to know a great boat and put her in a position that I’m proud to offer Sunset Sails Celebration and Half Day Sailing Adventures again.

I have developed a few new packages that I’m offering and would like to have you check out. You can do that at the website: FantaSeaSailing.com. An Online Daily Calendar is available and our Daily Schedule will introduce you to our offerings. Jump up and look around. We look forward to having you back and enjoying our sailing life with us again in the future.

A View From the Helm

I know I have sailors that keep an eye on these posts, for that I’m thankful. I know that I have new sailors that want to experience the dream. I know that I have casual sailors that want to eat shrimp cocktails and sip wine while floating on the Gulf of Mexico enjoying a sunset. That’s why I wanted to start the interactive Blog spot.

WordPress is going to give me a place that I can start dialogs and get instant feedback… The good and the bad, it needs to be discussed here. So don’t hesitate to drop a line and let me put input into situations and learn from the needs and desires of people that sail with me.

So leave comments and feedback… Click on the “Comments” link below.

Life's too short to miss these moments!

Give me a call. I want you to sail with me again. And if it’s your first time sailing in Fort Myers Beach, let me show you what an amazing time you can have on the spacious decks of the cruising vessel Panacea. She’s ready and waiting for you and your friends and family.

When you board, we have tropical music, cool water and fresh fruit and nuts. We welcome you aboard and are looking forward to our time at sea.

Our Motto: You call as a client… You board as friends… and you leave as family. It’s the experience you deserve.

We have made it easy to research your sailing dates and you are able to buy online…

1. Choose the date you want to sail.
2. Look at the Availability Calendar on the website for your date.
3. Choose a Daily Scheduled Charter for you date.
4. Click on the “Brown Paper Tickets”  link to buy and print your tickets.
5. Bring your tickets to the boat with you the day of your charter.

You can also make reservations by calling 888-582-9046 and I’ll take them over the phone.

We sail daily from Salty Sam’s Marina – 2500 Main Street – Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 – Slip C-30

Thanks in advance for sailing with FantaSea Sailing – Your premier sailing experience in Fort Myers Beach aboard Panacea.

Sunset Sail Celebration • Half Day Sailing Adventures • Dolphin Experience • Full Moon Voyages • Custom Multi-Day Charters • Weddings

I’m looking forward to sailing with you again and again…
See You on the Dock…

Capt. Paul West
888-582-9046  Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com

http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com

FaceBook • Twitter • YouTube 

Please leave Comments, Questions & Ideas below. We need your input. Click on the Comment Link.

It seems to have a good place to write and a way to express myself in my own style. So let’s see how it works.

There is a link after each post that will give you the chance to interact with comments that we can all get involved with. So let’s see what we can do and what kind of trouble I can get into here.

Sailing up to the Anchorage at Ft. Jefferson

So a photo… Not sure how to do that, so give me a minute to see if I can get something up. Well that wasn’t to hard. Now I have to figure out how to do all the magical stuff to make it pretty.

I think it will take some time, but it will get there.

As you can see in this photo, we had a wonderful trip across the Gulf of Mexico and pulled into the Dry Tortugas at the perfect time of mid day.

We could see the reefs and sandbars. All was good and we enjoyed a safe wonderful anchorage for a few days.

So I’ll continue to learn about WordPress and contine to post my ramblings up here. I’m hoping to get more into talking about the charter business here in Fort Myers Beach. Sailing in Fort Myers Beach and Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico.

I’m hoping you as readers will get more involved and use the comments section to give my your thoughts and ideas. It sure helps to stay connected in this world of Cyber Communication.

Check out the “Internet Only Special” at the website. It’s a pretty cool overnight trip and we’re having fun with it as well as our guests.

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

More to come soon and thanks for the comments about this new format.

I’ll see you on the dock…

Capt. Paul
s/v Panacea

FantaSea Sailing
“Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico“

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

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

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